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Bergamo is an Italian city located in the alpine Lombardy region northeast of Milan. It has a really beautiful older upper district, called Città Alta with typical narrow streets, surrounded by Venetian walls. Due to the well-connected international airport many tourists arrive to Bergamo and head directly to Milan or Venice without exploring the region, which is the hidden gem of Lombardy. In 2023 Bergamo and Brescia have been chosen the Italian Capitals of Culture in acknowledgment of their artistic and cultural heritage, innovation, and thoughtful development.
I am very lucky, because my Italian friends come from Bergamo region and thanks to them, I could enjoy this part of Italy like locals do. I even managed to learn some words in their dialect called Bergamasco. To my surprise, a lot of places that I am going to mention in this article are not very popular among tourists, but they are so incredible that I hope you will visit them one day.
San Pellegrino Terme (SPA resort)
Have you already tried the famous San Pellegrino water? Because of its taste and multiple health benefits it became really popular in the whole world. Even Leonardo da Vinci visited the source to sample the miraculous water. Nowadays you can order a bottle of San Pellegrino all over the world.
Did you know that San Pellegrino is bottled in a town located just 20 km from Bergamo Central Station? It can be reached by a local bus in only 40 minutes. Apart from the beverage company, San Pellegrino is also a beautiful SPA resort called San Pellegrino Terme, where you can spend a relaxing day enjoying multiple indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths and relaxing rooms. If you’re seeking a perfect escape to relax and rejuvenate, San Pellegrino Terme is the place to be. While you can enjoy the water year-round, I highly recommend visiting on a sunny day to fully appreciate the outdoor hot pools.
In addition to the thermal experiences, they offer wellness workshops, and I personally loved the face massage session I joined—it was amazing! For those wanting a bit more indulgence, there are paid options like massages and skin treatments that make the visit even more special. Whether you’re looking to unwind in the thermal waters or spoil yourself with a treatment, San Pellegrino Terme has something for everyone!
For an additional fee, you can also try a delicious Italian buffet brunch. I must say, the restaurant’s location is stunning, and the quality of the buffet was impressive. Overall, it made for a fantastic experience!
Apart from that, the real attraction is the building itself. The stunning hall of QC Terme San Pellegrino was once home to the historic Municipal Casino, adding an extra layer of charm to your wellness experience.
The ticket price starts from 44 euros and you can decide if you would like to spend there the whole day or just arrive in the morning or if you prefer in the evening. To check the current offers feel free to visit their website. I would recommend you to book your tickets in advance.
Lake Endine (Lago di Èndine)
This little but beautiful lake is another hidden gem of Bergamo. Located in the narrow valley between high peaks, it was classified by the authorities of Lombardy as the “area of remarkable environmental interest” and it is under protection. This is a perfect location for a sunday walk. If you feel like you can also rent a boat to explore the lake. Sometimes in winter people local people skate on the frozen Endine lake. Protected by the valley, the lake stays all the time in the shadow and this is why the ice does not melt fast.
Another thing that you should definitely do is to order a cup of coffee at the lakeside cafe and simply enjoy the breathtaking view. Do not forget to try delicious local pastries!
Restaurant Il Circolino di Città Alta
Eat like locals and support elderly and homeless people.
Located in a old monastery of Sant’Agata in the historic center of Bergamo (Città Alta), this restaurant and at the same time a social company, does not only offer great food and amazing wine selection, but it also supports for example including homeless and elderly people. Cooperativa Città Alta is also involved in many other cultural and social projects. The places is really authentic and raw medieval paintings on the walls create an amazing atmosphere.
If you want to try something regional I would recommend you to order Casoncelli alla Bergamasca that are kind of ravioli filled with meat and served with a butter and sage sauce and sautéed Italian Speck (or Pancetta). If you are not into meat, you can also ask for its veggie alternative.
Pasta shop Al Pastificio artigianale Del Borgo (Borgo di Terzo)
If you are looking for the best home made pasta in Bergamo or you want to purchase other local products, you should definitely visit this place. Amaro and his mom create their pasta masterpieces with love, incredible talent, passion and Italian tradition. All ingredients are selected really carefully and the pasta factory is located directly in their shop. It also means that they prepare it by themselves.
