A walled medieval hilltop town reached by funicular, with a lively lower city and the Alps and lakes close by. Here's what Bergamo is like, when to go and how long to stay.
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Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
April to June and September to October are best for exploring the hill town and nearby lakes. July and August are warm. Winter is cold, often foggy in the lower town, but the Città Alta is atmospheric and quiet.
The upper town inside Venetian walls, a UNESCO site with views to the plains.
Ride up from the lower town, and on again to San Vigilio for the best views.
One of Italy's loveliest squares, with a fountain and old town hall.
A richly decorated Renaissance chapel beside the basilica.
Local stuffed pasta and polenta dishes in the old town's trattorias.
A quiet lake with a car-free island, Monte Isola, under an hour away.
Yes. Many people only fly into its airport, but the walled upper town is one of the prettiest in northern Italy, and it's cheaper than Milan.
One or two days covers the city. Add a day for Lake Iseo or Lake Como.
April to June and September, around 18 to 27°C.
Fly into Bergamo Orio al Serio, which has many budget flights from the UK. The bus to the centre takes about 15 minutes.
Yes. Milan is about 50 minutes away by train, and hotels in Bergamo are usually cheaper.
Put Bergamo on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.