From Cobbled Streets to Modern Avenues: Finding the Best Bars in Bergamo
Bergamo is a city of captivating duality. There is the ancient, walled Città Alta, a medieval jewel perched on a hill, and the elegant, bustling Città Bassa, the modern heart of the city below. This split personality is beautifully reflected in its bar scene. Up on the cobbled streets, you will find historic cafés and cosy wine cellars that have served locals for generations. Down on the modern avenues, a vibrant, contemporary scene of chic cocktail lounges and lively pubs thrives. To explore the bars of Bergamo is to experience both sides of its soul, from the timeless ritual of an aperitivo in a sun-drenched piazza to a sophisticated cocktail in a stylish modern lounge. This is your guide to the best places to raise a glass in both of Bergamo’s beautiful worlds.
The Historic Heart: Drinking in the Città Alta
The Upper Town, with its ancient stone and breathtaking views, offers a bar experience steeped in history and atmosphere. The evening begins here with the cherished tradition of the passeggiata (evening stroll), which naturally flows into the aperitivo hour.
A Drink with a View at Caffè del Tasso
No bar in Bergamo boasts a more prestigious or beautiful location than Caffè del Tasso. A historic institution dating back to 1476, its tables spill out onto the magnificent Piazza Vecchia, the most beautiful square in the city. Ordering an Aperol Spritz or a glass of local prosecco here is a quintessential Bergamo experience. As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow on the surrounding palazzi, you can sit back and watch the world go by. It is less about a specific drink and more about soaking up centuries of history from one of the best seats in town.
The Birthplace of a Legend: La Marianna
Located just outside the walls near the top station of the funicular, La Marianna holds a special place in gastronomic history as the birthplace of Stracciatella gelato. But it is also a wonderful, classic Italian café and bar. With its large, elegant terrace and traditional interior, it is the perfect spot for a celebratory glass of Franciacorta (Lombardy’s premier sparkling wine) after a day of exploring. It is a place of timeless charm, where you can enjoy a quality drink in a setting that feels both historic and relaxed.
A Hidden Gem for Wine Lovers: Enoteca La Tana
For those who are serious about wine, a visit to Enoteca La Tana is a must. Tucked away on a charming side street, this intimate and atmospheric wine bar is a true hidden gem. The stone-vaulted interior creates a cosy, cellar-like feel, and the walls are lined with an exceptional selection of Italian wines, with a strong focus on small, independent producers from Lombardy and beyond. The staff are passionate and incredibly knowledgeable, ready to guide you to a new discovery. Paired with a platter of exquisite local cheeses and cured meats, a visit here is a true education in Italian wine.
The Community Hub: Il Circolino
For a truly authentic and unique local experience, head to Il Circolino. Housed in a former prison and then a charitable institution, this is now a beloved community club with a large, beautiful garden terrace offering stunning views. It is not a fancy cocktail bar; it is a wonderfully unpretentious place where locals of all ages gather to play cards, chat, and enjoy simple, affordable drinks. Ordering a carafe of house wine or a local beer and finding a spot in the garden on a warm evening is to experience the true social heart of the Città Alta.
A Modern Touch in the Old Town: Fly Bar
Offering a slightly more modern and stylish vibe within the historic walls, Fly Bar is a popular spot for a well-made cocktail or a good glass of wine. It has a chic interior and a lively atmosphere, often attracting a younger, fashionable crowd. It is a great example of the contemporary energy that exists alongside the deep history of the Upper Town, providing a great option if you are looking for something with a bit more of a modern buzz.
The Modern Pulse: The Bar Scene of the Città Bassa
Descending to the Lower Town, the atmosphere changes. The streets are wider, the pace is faster, and the bar scene is more diverse, with everything from sophisticated cocktail lounges to lively, modern pubs.
The Epicentre of Aperitivo: Tassino Café
Located in the heart of the Città Bassa’s social scene, Tassino Café is renowned for its fantastic aperitivo. This stylish and modern bar is a popular meeting point for locals after work. When you order a drink in the evening, you are typically treated to a generous and high-quality selection of snacks and bites, often far exceeding the simple crisps and olives offered elsewhere. It is a vibrant, bustling spot that perfectly captures the modern Italian aperitivo culture.
Cocktail Craftsmanship at Barrier
For those who appreciate the art of mixology, Barrier is one of Bergamo’s premier cocktail bars. Here, the bartenders are true artisans, crafting creative and perfectly balanced cocktails using high-quality spirits, homemade infusions, and fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is sophisticated and intimate, with a focus on providing a high-end drinking experience. It is the perfect place for a special occasion or for anyone who wants to taste a truly exceptional cocktail.
The Brewpub Experience: Elav Kitchen & Beer
A must-visit for any craft beer enthusiast, Elav Kitchen & Beer is the fantastic brewpub for the local Elav brewery. This modern, industrial-chic space offers a huge range of their own innovative and award-winning beers on tap, from hop-forward IPAs to complex sour ales. The beer is as fresh as it gets, and the knowledgeable staff can guide you through their extensive list. They also have a superb kitchen serving gourmet burgers and creative dishes designed to pair perfectly with their brews.
TO DRINK IN BERGAMO IS TO TRAVEL THROUGH TIME; A GLASS OF WINE IN A MEDIEVAL PIAZZA IN THE CITTÀ ALTA AND A MODERN COCKTAIL ON A BUSTLING AVENUE IN THE CITTÀ BASSA ARE TWO PERFECT HALVES OF ONE UNFORGETTABLE ITALIAN STORY.
A Taste of Ireland in Italy: The Tucan’s Pub
A long-standing and beloved institution in Bergamo, The Tucan’s Pub offers an authentic Irish pub experience in the heart of Lombardy. It is a place of dark wood, cosy corners, and, of course, perfectly poured Guinness. It is a popular haunt for locals, students, and expatriates alike, known for its friendly, unpretentious atmosphere and its good selection of beers. It is a comforting and lively spot for a casual pint.
The Late-Night Destination: Bobino
When the evening turns into night, Bobino is a key destination for those looking to continue the party. This trendy, modern bar and club is known for its vibrant atmosphere, stylish crowd, and regular DJ sets. It is a place to see and be seen, where the energy builds throughout the night. If you are looking for a place to dance and experience Bergamo’s modern nightlife, Bobino is a top choice.
Essential Bergamo Drinking Experiences
Beyond specific venues, certain local customs and drinks are essential to understanding the city’s culture.
Discovering Valcalepio Wines
When ordering wine, make a point of asking for a Valcalepio DOC. This is the local wine designation for the hills surrounding Bergamo. The region produces excellent red wines (typically a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) and crisp whites. Trying the local wine is a fantastic way to taste the terroir of the region and is often great value.
The Aperitivo Ritual Explained
As mentioned, the aperitivo is a key part of Italian social life. It is important to remember that it is not just a “happy hour” for cheap drinks. The price of your first drink (often between €8 and €15 in a good aperitivo bar) effectively includes the price of the food. It is designed to be a single, leisurely drink enjoyed with snacks to open the appetite before heading off to a restaurant for dinner later in the evening.
A Tale of Two Cities, A Toast to Both
The beauty of Bergamo’s bar scene lies in its wonderful diversity, a direct reflection of the city’s two distinct halves. You can spend an afternoon sipping prosecco in a sunlit medieval square in the Città Alta, feeling like you have stepped back in time, and then descend to the Città Bassa for a cutting-edge cocktail in a sleek, modern lounge. Each experience is authentic, and each is essential to understanding the full character of this remarkable city. From historic cafés to vibrant pubs, Bergamo offers a perfect spot for every mood and every moment. Salute!
