Things to Do in Bergamo: Piazza Vecchia, the Venetian Walls, the Duomo and the Way of the Sisters

Bergamo Alta gathers its main sights around Piazza Vecchia, with the Duomo, the Baptistery and the Campanone close by in the center. Start there, then follow the Venetian Walls, a UNESCO site since 2017. For a longer outing, the walking routes around the city, from the Way of the Sisters to the Cammino del Vescovado, cover vineyards, villages and hills.

At a glance

• Top sights to see first: Piazza Vecchia, the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Campanone, the Venetian Walls, the Rocca
• Long-distance walk: the Way of the Sisters, 81 miles (130 km), 6 stages, Bergamo to Brescia
• Shorter walk: the Cammino del Vescovado, 20 miles (32 km), in two or three stages
• Bike rental: from €25 at Cicli Pesenti, from €65 for a road bike at Morgale

What are the best things to do in Bergamo?

Piazza Vecchia and the Campanone

Piazza Vecchia sits in the heart of Bergamo Alta, and the Campanone, also called the Torre Civica, stands right in the square. It makes a natural first stop, since the Duomo and the Baptistery are not far off, in Piazza Duomo.

The Duomo and the Baptistery

The Duomo is in Città Alta and is dedicated to Sant’Alessandro. The Baptistery stands in Piazza Duomo, so the two fit into a single stop.

Both are in the upper city, so pair them with Piazza Vecchia and keep this part of the day for the old town.

The Venetian Walls

The Venetian Walls have been a UNESCO site since 2017 and run for 3.7 miles (6 km). They give the old town its outline, and the Rocca di Bergamo stands on the Sant’Eufemia hill nearby.

The Way of the Times itinerary includes a panoramic stretch of the walls. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk much of the 3.7 miles (6 km).

The Heart of Lower Town

This itinerary is a loop from Porta Nuova back to Porta Nuova. It passes the Donizetti Theater, built in the late 1700s, and the Palazzo delle Poste, inaugurated in 1932 to a design by Mazzoni.

The Church of Sts. Bartholomew and Stephen is on the route and keeps the Martinengo Altarpiece, the largest painting made by Lorenzo Lotto. Allow time to step inside.

The Colleoni Chapel

The Colleoni chapel can be seen on a guided visit. The Archaeological Museum, inside the Visconti Citadel, is another indoor option.

A guided visit to the chapel costs from €14. Guided tours of Città Alta start from €140 with Elisabetta, and a guided tour of the Monumental Cemetery of Bergamo costs from €15.

The Way of the Sisters

This is an 81-mile (130 km) walk connecting Bergamo and Brescia through more than 30 municipalities. It has 6 stages and departs from either city. It crosses parks, villages, vineyards and places of artistic interest, and some art installations can be reached only on foot.

You can walk it or ride it by bicycle, and affiliated accommodations line the route. Take it one stage at a time if you only have a day or two.

The Cammino del Vescovado

This 20-mile (32 km) itinerary crosses the Terre del Vescovado between Scanzorosciate and Chiuduno. It was designed and opened by Michele Pellegrini. The three stages run from Scanzorosciate to Albano S. Alessandro, then to Montello, then to Chiuduno.

On the way are the Chiesetta degli Alpini on Monte Bastia, a panoramic spot with a picnic area and drinking water, and the sanctuary Beata Vergine delle Rose, which has drawn the faithful since 1417. The Camozzi Vertova castle at Costa di Mezzate is private property and closed to visitors, so skip it. Plan on two or three stages.

When is the best time to visit Bergamo for sightseeing?

Winter is cool, with January highs of 46°F (8°C) and lows around freezing, and only five or so rainy days a month, so the old town is comfortable for walking if you bring a coat. March reaches 58°F (14°C), and April brings 65°F (18°C) but more rain, with nine rainy days. May is mild at 73°F (23°C) and also has nine rainy days, so pack a rain layer for the walks. By July highs reach 86°F (30°C), so favor mornings for the Venetian Walls and long routes.

Beaches and outdoor things to do in Bergamo

The city’s outdoor offer is walking and cycling, with the Orobie mountains for hiking and the lake for boating. You can also taste wines in a cellar, explore a medieval castle or discover a historic village. The Way of the Sisters stages mix local heritage with food and wine experiences.

The Terre del Vescovado area produces Moscato di Scanzo DOCG, with the traditional Fête du Muscat de Scanzo in September offering tastings, excursions and events. It also makes Valcalepio DOC in white, red and rosé, and extra virgin olive oil from Sbresa olives.

Bikes can be rented at Cicli Pesenti from €25, and road bikes at Morgale from €65.

Things to do in Bergamo at night

Borgo San Leonardo hosts music, parties and festivals such as Busker Night. Lost in Translation 2026 runs from October 30 to November 7 in Bergamo, with a closing concert in Nembro.

The Festival Donizetti Opera 2026 runs from November 13 to November 29 at Teatro Donizetti and Teatro Sociale, Piazza Cavour 15. Book ahead if opera is your reason for the trip.

Things to do in Bergamo with kids