The Solo Traveller’s Guide to Bergamo: How to Confidently Explore on Your Own
There is a unique freedom that comes with travelling solo, a chance to move at your own pace, to follow your own curiosities, and to connect with a new place on your own terms. Bergamo, with its enchanting two-tiered layout and its authentic Italian soul, feels as though it were designed for the independent explorer. It is a city that is eminently walkable, incredibly safe, and filled with moments of quiet beauty and vibrant life that are best savoured when you are the sole author of your itinerary. From the historic grandeur of the Città Alta to the elegant avenues of the Città Bassa, Bergamo is a destination that does not just welcome the solo traveller; it rewards them. This is your guide to navigating this beautiful Lombard city with confidence, ease, and a spirit of adventure.
The Joy of Independent Discovery
Bergamo’s greatest asset for the solo traveller is its layout. The city is wonderfully compact, and its most beautiful areas are best explored on foot. There is no need for complicated transport plans or expensive taxis. The journey itself—whether it is a peaceful walk along the ancient Venetian walls or a charming ride on the historic funicular—is part of the pleasure. This is a city that invites you to put away the map and simply wander, to discover a hidden courtyard, a quiet church, or a perfect coffee shop all for yourself. It is a safe and friendly city where a solo traveller can feel completely at ease, blending in with the rhythm of local life.
A Perfect Day for One: A Solo Itinerary
This itinerary is designed to give you a perfect blend of iconic sights, quiet moments, and delicious food, all at a pace that is perfect for one.
Morning: Coffee, Culture, and a Climb
Your day begins in the modern heart of the Città Bassa. Find a classic Italian bar like Caffè del Borgo and embrace the local ritual of having your morning cappuccino and a pastry while standing “al banco” (at the bar). It is a quick, efficient, and wonderfully authentic start to the day, and a great way to feel like a local rather than a tourist at a table.
After your coffee, take a cultural stroll to the magnificent Accademia Carrara. As a solo traveller, you can explore this world-class art gallery at your own pace, spending as long as you like with masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, and Bellini without any pressure to move on. It is an intimate and uncrowded experience.
From the gallery, it is a pleasant walk to the Funicolare Città Alta. Take the charming carriage up the hill and step out into the medieval world of the Upper Town. Your first stop should be the Campanone, the city’s civic tower. Take the lift to the top for breathtaking panoramic views. Being up there alone with your thoughts as you gaze over the red rooftops is a truly special moment.
Midday: A Taste of Lombardy, Solo Style
Lunchtime in Italy can feel daunting for a solo traveller, but Bergamo offers many fantastic, comfortable options. Head to Il Fornaio, a fantastic traditional bakery in the Città Alta. Instead of a formal restaurant, you can grab a delicious, hearty slice of pizza al trancio or a savoury focaccia. Take your simple, perfect lunch to a bench on the nearby Piazza Vecchia for an unbeatable and completely free dining setting.
After lunch, allow yourself to get lost in the cobbled streets. Explore the stunning interior of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and then find a moment of profound peace in the adjacent, often-empty cloisters of the Duomo di Bergamo. These are quiet, contemplative spaces perfect for solo reflection.
TO TRAVEL SOLO IN BERGAMO IS TO DISCOVER THE CITY’S TWO SOULS AND, IN THE PROCESS, TO RECONNECT WITH YOUR OWN; IT’S A JOURNEY OF INDEPENDENT WONDER, PACED ENTIRELY BY THE RHYTHM OF YOUR OWN FOOTSTEPS.
Afternoon: Walls, Fortresses, and Sweet Treats
Dedicate the afternoon to walking the magnificent Venetian Walls. As a solo traveller, you can walk as much or as little of the 5km circuit as you like. Find a quiet spot overlooking the plains and simply read a book or listen to music. It is a beautiful way to spend a peaceful afternoon.
For another incredible view, make your way to the Rocca di Bergamo, the old fortress on the hill of Sant’Eufemia. It is often quieter than the main piazza, offering a serene park-like atmosphere and a different, equally stunning perspective over the city.
On your way back down through the Città Alta, treat yourself to the city’s most iconic cake, Polenta e Osei. A historic pastry shop like Pasticceria La Marianna sells beautiful individual portions that are perfect for one. It is a delicious and whimsical local speciality that you must try.
Dining Solo with Confidence
The evening meal can be the biggest hurdle for solo travellers, but in Bergamo, it is a pleasure.
The Magic of Aperitivo
The Italian aperitivo is a solo diner’s best friend. It is a completely normal and common sight to see people enjoying an early evening drink on their own. Head to a stylish bar in the Città Bassa like Contestabile and order a glass of local Valcalepio wine. It will be served with a generous plate of delicious snacks, which can often be substantial enough for a light dinner. It is a sociable, vibrant, and perfectly comfortable experience for one.
A Table for One at a Trattoria
For a proper sit-down meal, choose a small, welcoming trattoria. A place like Trattoria Caprese is used to catering to all kinds of diners and offers a warm, friendly atmosphere where a solo guest will feel completely at ease. Do not be afraid to ask for a “mezzo” (half) portion or a half-litre carafe of house wine. For more in-depth restaurant recommendations, you can explore our full guide: A Taste of Lombardy: An Eater’s Guide to Bergamo’s Best Food & Wine.
The Market Option
For a super-casual dinner, head to the food court at the Mercato Centrale if it is open in the evening. This modern food market allows you to choose from various vendors and eat at communal tables, which is a very relaxed and easy option for a solo diner.
A Journey of Your Own Making
Bergamo is a city that rewards the independent spirit. It is a place where getting lost down a quiet alley leads to a beautiful discovery, where a table for one comes with a warm welcome, and where the most memorable moments are often the quiet ones, spent simply observing the beauty of a piazza or the majesty of a mountain view. Travelling solo here is not about being alone; it is about having the freedom to create a journey that is entirely your own, to move at the speed of your own curiosity, and to connect with the authentic soul of this magnificent Italian city.
