🇮🇹 Bergamo & Milan
Italy · Lombardy
A trip to the fashion capital Milan and its historic, walled neighbor Bergamo in Lombardy.
Milan — Jean-Christophe BENOIST · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
🗓️ Best time to go
Spring (April–May) or Autumn (September–October) for comfortable weather. Summer gets very hot and humid.
🚆 Getting around
Milan has an excellent Metro network. Trenord trains run between Milan Central and Bergamo hourly (~50 mins). A funicular runs up to Bergamo's Città Alta.
About
Lombardy offers a perfect contrast between the sleek, fast-paced metropolitan energy of Milan and the ancient, cobblestone charm of Bergamo's upper city.
Interesting places to visit
Duomo di Milano
The magnificent Gothic cathedral; walk on the rooftop terraces for incredible city views.
Bergamo Città Alta
The historic upper city enclosed by massive Venetian defensive walls (a UNESCO site).
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan
One of the world's oldest shopping malls, featuring stunning glass-and-iron domes.
Piazza Vecchia, Bergamo
The beautiful historic heart of Bergamo, flanked by medieval palaces and cafes.
What to eat
Casoncelli alla Bergamasca
Bergamo's signature folded pasta filled with meat, amaretto, and pear, served with sage and pancetta butter.
Risotto alla Milanese
Rich, creamy saffron risotto, traditionally paired with Ossobuco.
Polenta Taragna
Bergamo's rustic buckwheat polenta rich with local cheeses like Branzi or Formai de Mut.
Panzerotti Luini
A Milanese staple: hot, fried dough pockets filled with mozzarella and tomato near the Duomo.
Practical tips
Book The Last Supper early
Tickets to see Da Vinci's masterpiece at Santa Maria delle Gracie sell out months in advance.
Walk the Venetian walls at sunset
Offers panoramic views over Bergamo's lower city and the surrounding hills.