Bergamo is a surprising city that offers great views along with its historic Upper City (City Alta). We were here for only one day and that was the perfect amount of time. You could stretch to spend two days here, depending on how much walking you're up for. A big thing to note is most of Bergamo is based uphill, so wear comfy shoes!!!
Our hotel was "B&B My Bergamo", booked through Booking.com and was in an ideal spot, situated between the train station and the Upper city. We were a good walking distance away from the first funicular (cable car) that takes you up to the first part of the upper city. We chose to walk rather than get the cable car, which was a bit of a trek up the cobbled streets but worth it to see the hidden views and streets on the way up. When you reach the top you are rewarded with a view back over the city. (first pic in this blog)
Following the path upwards leads you with many routes to turn off to and explore different areas. We headed towards Piazza Vecchia, a square in the centre of the upper city that offers outside views of the museums and basilica, along with a water fountain at the centre. We stopped at one of the cafe's (a Gelateria) for a toastie (Italians call it 'toast') and sat outside watching the world go by, then proceeded to venture onwards.
The streets at the top of Bergamo are authentic Italian streets, cobbled and offering shops of all kinds, not just tourist convenience stores. We wondered through the streets all the way to 'La Marianna' cafe and restaurant. This specific place is home to the original Stracciatella ice cream, founded in 1961...it would have been rude not to have one...
The heights of the city don't stop there, as there is another funicular rail that takes you further up the city to another wonderful viewpoint and chance to explore the ruins of an ancient castle and its gardens. Again, we chose to walk to the top and explored the narrow roads on our route. We explored the top, admired the views and then headed back down the city towards the very first part we had walked up to. We sat here andjust watched the world go by. You cane even watch the flights take off from Milan (Bergamo) airport.
Now we reach dinner time and a spontaneous trip on the train to Lecco in Lake Como was the agenda. We were due to travel to Lake Como the following day, however would have struggled to fit Lecco into our itinerary being based in Como so we put it on the end of our day in Bergamo. The train takes approx 40 minutes and brings you right towards the centre of Lecco. A short walk from the station will bring you out at the waterfront where you are offered many choices for food, including a McDonalds haha!
After dinner we managed to see this beautiful sunset before our train back to Bergamo...
So there you go...that was my day in Bergamo and Lecco. I suppose its kind of like people visit Milan and do a day trip to Como, the timings work the same from Bergamo to Lecco.
If you're into historic towns and views then Bergamo is the city to visit!
As always, any questions the please drop me a message <3
Comments