Is Bergamo safe? What you should know

Bergamo is a charming Italian gem nestled at the foothills of the Alps. It's got a fascinating history and breathtaking architecture and nature! The city has two hearts: Città Alta (Upper Town) with cobbled streets and medieval vibes, and the modern Città Bassa (Lower Town), packed with shops, cafes, and that delightful Italian flair! Oh, and did you know Bergamo is the birthplace of stracciatella gelato? Yep, you can thank this city for that creamy chocolatey goodness!

Nothing ruins a dreamy Italian getaway like avoidable hiccups. We'll cover safety tips like navigating the cobbled streets to enjoying the local culture. It’s good to be prepared! We’ll also explore how to blend in with Bergamo’s friendly but reserved locals, discover the best ways to enjoy nature safely (yes, there’s hiking!), and how to handle practicalities like healthcare and local etiquette.

Whether you’re sipping espresso in a piazza, hiking the scenic trails, or just trying not to trip on those ancient stones, Bergamo has charm at every corner. So don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with tips to keep things smooth and stress-free in this gem of Northern Italy!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Bergamo

Even compared to other Italian cities, Bergamo has a high safety index and a low crime rate! Anything more than petty crimes is rare. So when you visit Bergamo, buckle up for a beautiful city, interesting tourist attractions, and peaceful vibes! Enjoy your time in Bergamo with some useful tips coming your way!

Getting from the airport to Bergamo city center

Did you just land at Caravaggio International Airport? Lucky for you, it's right next to the city! Just hop on the number 1 bus (easy to remember, right!) and you'll get to the center in no time at all! If you need to get back to Bergamo airport, just hop on the same bus in the opposite direction and you're good!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Bergamo

If you're visiting Bergamo and want to know if there are some scams to look out for, we've got you covered! It seems like everyone had a bad experience with a taxi driver at some point, and when you're in Italy you should keep your guard up too. Depending on the driver, they might take a longer route or even drive recklessly to hike up the price and scare you. Then, once you reach your destination, they'll ask for an unreasonable amount of cash for a pretty horrific ride. 

Here's a pro tip: Don't give in under pressure and feel free to record the driver’s behavior if you need some evidence. If you’re using the FREENOW app to find a ride and pay for it, you can complain and they'll usually give you a refund.

Is tap water in Bergamo safe to drink?

Yes, water in Bergamo is completely safe! Actually, it's very high quality because it comes straight from the Alps! Natural sources and filtration are much healthier than purifying the water with chemicals. You'll find the water to be Molto bene (very good)!

Safe accommodation options in Bergamo

Looking for where to stay in Bergamo? You really can't go wrong with any area you pick, but here are some options:

1. Città Alta (Upper City) is the older and historic part of the city. It's charming with its cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and peaceful atmosphere! If you want to stay here, go to Hotel Piazza Vecchia and you won't be disappointed! It's on the pricier side at around €200 per night, but it's very luxurious and has great views of the skyline!
2. Città Bassa (Lower City) is closer to the city center and more modern! If you're looking for where to shop in Bergamo, this is the place to stay! You can find a comfy bed at Petronilla Hotel for around €150 per night, and it's a shining example of this part of the city!
3. If you're looking for something a bit more quiet, you can try Redona! It's residential and perfect for a family day trip! Hotel San Rocco fits the vibe with a cozy and tranquil setting for around €120 per night.

Pro tip: If you brought gear to explore the Alps, you can stash it away with Bounce partners when you don't need it! Say your hotel reservation is after dark, just pop on over to a local trusted business and dump your snow boots, winter coat, and hiking backpack! Safe mountaineering means heavy gear, so leave it with us while you explore the quaint and quiet town of Bergamo!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Want to know how to explore Italian culture without anyone batting an eye? We've got some cultural callouts for you!

• Italians aren't very big on English, especially in smaller towns like Bergamo. You'll find English speakers in touristy spots and among the youth.  But if you know some Italian phrases, it really helps with breaking the ice (at least) with some grumpy old-timers! JK, most of them are kind!
• Here are some useful phrases: Ciao/Arrivederci (Hello/ Goodbye); Grazie (Thank you); Per favore (Please); Mi scusi (Excuse me); Parla Inglese? (Do you speak English?).
• You've probably seen the memes about Italian gestures. While they are exaggerated, they are not totally off the mark. Italians are very expressive with gestures, which might come off as aggressive. But don't worry, they use them with people they like too! You can try to match their energy a bit (don't mock them, though) and you'll fit right in!
• When you eat pizza, don't ask for extra toppings like ketchup! Italians are the pizza experts, so adding anything to dishes they think are perfect might come off as rude!
• Sundays are sacred family days, so don't be surprised if family shops are closed!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Bergamo is pretty safe, but if you want to make sure everything's as smooth as possible when you're exploring, here are some tips:

• Buses and trams are the go-to public transport in Bergamo. Check out the official website for routes and how to get and validate tickets. You can also use the iconic funiculars that connect Upper and Lower Town and San Vigilio.
• You can rent a car to explore the countryside and the Alps, but driving in the city is a bit tricky! Lots of narrow streets and ZTL zones can make the drive frustrating. If you don't know what a ZTL zone is, it's a traffic-restricted zone that'll net you a nice fine if you don't have a driving permit for it.
• Bergamo is a small town, so walking and biking is really the best way to get around and see all the sights! You don't want to miss out on an incredible piece of local architecture if you speed by it in a car! Just be careful about the slippery-when-wet cobblestones in the Old Town!

Nature and Bergamo: Tips to keep in mind

You know the saying "The grass is always greener somewhere else?" This goes doubly for Italy! The grass, trees, and nature in general are so vibrant and lush and you don't want to miss out on them!

• If you want a quick dip in the summertime, you can visit Lake Como or Lake Iseo which are beautiful, mostly untouched, and stunning!
• Looking for the best hikes and climbs around Bergamo? Orobie Alps and Val di Scalve have incredible trails and climbing locations with various difficulty levels. If you're looking for something relaxing, Parco dei Colli di Bergamo, Parco Suardi, and Parco della Trucca are perfect for experiencing Italian nature!
• Even if you've got Olympian-level balance, Old Town's cobblestones are very dangerous when it's raining or if they're iced over. Definitely get some boots with quality grip!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

An emergency in Bergamo? Don't worry! Local healthcare and emergency services are excellent here!

• Always spring for travel insurance! No one wants to be bankrupted by a broken leg! If you're from the EU, you can also grab the EHIC card. If you are a Brit, grab the GHIC card!
• A lot of local cuisine uses dairy in their products (it is the Alps after all!). So make sure to ask before ordering something that could contain allergens.
• Dial 112 if you need police, an ambulance, or the fire department.

So, is Bergamo safe?

Absolutely! Just keep the tips we talked about in mind, stay alert in crowded places, and keep that strong common sense and instincts sharp and you'll be fine! And if you need to stash any heavy mountaineering or climbing gear, you're just a couple of clicks away from downloading the Bounce app and finding a storage location near you!