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What to do in Bergamo for free…or almost for free!

The City Culture

24 February 2025

If you were wondering what to do in Bergamo for free, you’ve come to the right place. The City of the Thousand offers several free (or almost free) activities and attractions that will allow you to spend your time in a nice way and to discover interesting places, without spending a single euro.

This guide will take you on a journey to discover the best free experiences the city has to offer, from the historic Upper Town to the modern districts of the Lower Town.

What to do in Bergamo for free: you’ll be spoilt for choice

Exploring the Città Alta on foot

The historic heart of Bergamo, the Città Alta or Upper Town, is an open-air museum that can be explored for free. Its cobbled streets reveal centuries of history and offer breathtaking views.

Walking through its medieval alleys, you can admire the historical palaces, the ancient Venetian Walls (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and its picturesque squares.

Piazza Vecchia, considered the centre of the Upper Town, is the perfect place to start exploring. Here you will be able to admire the Palazzo della Ragione, the Palazzo Nuovo (home to the Mai Library) and the Torre Civica – the Civic Tower, better known as ‘il Campanone’.

The Campanone in Bergamo

Parks and Public Gardens

Bergamo offers several green spaces where you can relax and enjoy nature for free. The Parco della Rocca, located in the Città Alta, has a spectacular view over the Lombardy plain and the Pre-Alps.

Parco Suardi, in the Lower Town, is perfect for a picnic or a relaxing walk among its century-old trees. The Parco della Trucca, with its large green spaces and pedestrian paths, is ideal for outdoor activities or simply to enjoy the sun on a warm day.

You cannot miss a walk within the vast area of the Parco dei Colli, which, with its trails surrounded by nature, will allow you to explore the hillside sections all around Città Alta and reach some spectacular viewpoints.

Parco Dei Colli

Panoramic Itineraries and Photography

For photography lovers and fans of beautiful views, Bergamo offers many free panoramic viewpoints. The Castello di San Vigilio, accessible either on foot or by funicular (for a fee), offers a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding plain. Admission to the fortress ruins is free.

The Venetian Walls are perfect for a scenic walk, especially at sunset. The Sentiero dei Vasi, which runs between the Upper Town and the surrounding hills, offers some impressive views of the city and a combination of countryside and vineyards – perfect for being captured by a photo!

San Vigilio Castle

Churches and Sacred Art

Bergamo’s churches are true art museums, and you can access them for free. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, with its frescoes and wooden inlays, is a masterpiece you cannot miss (there is only a small contribution of €5 if you are not a resident).

The Church of San Michele al Pozzo Bianco has frescoes dating back to the 15^th century, while the Church of Sant’Alessandro in Colonna in the Lower Town houses some important artworks, including Lorenzo Lotto‘s famous painting ‘The Deposition’. Many churches also organise free organ concerts, especially on national holidays.

You should also not miss the Cappella Colleoni, also located in the Upper Town, which has an impressive Renaissance façade decorated with polychrome marble (in this case this is not a church, but the tomb of Colleoni).

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and a Tuk Tuk

Free museums: Contemporary and Street Art

The Borgo Palazzo district and other areas of the Città Bassa have become an open-air art gallery thanks to their murals and street art works. You can organise your free art tour by following the mural map available at the tourist office.

Some contemporary buildings, such as the Centro Piacentiniano, are interesting examples of modern architecture which can be admired for free, together with the nearby propylaea and the Torre dei Caduti. These places also offer a privileged view of the Città Alta and Porta San Giacomo.

Some museums in Bergamo offer free admission on certain days or at certain times of the year. For example, the Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea – Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GAMeC) and the Accademia Carrara, even though you usually have to pay a ticket in order to visit them, sometimes offer free access days.

In addition, the Museo Archeologico – Archaeological Museum and the Museo di Scienze Naturali – Museum of Natural Sciences, both located in Piazza Cittadella, are free for under-18s (or the ticket will cost a maximum of €3) and offer interesting exhibitions for both adults and children.

The Accademia Carrara in Bergamo

Cultural Events and Free Festivals

Throughout the year, Bergamo hosts several free cultural events. The ‘Donizetti Night’ in June fills the streets with classical music and opera. During the summer, many squares host free concerts and open-air film screenings.

The Angelo Mai Library regularly organises conferences and book presentations with free admission. It is recommended to consult the calendar of events on the Municipality’s website in order to keep up-to-date on free initiatives.

Among the most popular events there are also the Bergamo Film Meeting, which frequently offers free screenings, and the International Piano Festival, which organises public performances in squares and historical venues. Libraries and cultural centres also offer free meetings, readings and conferences.

Traditional Markets

Entering the atmosphere of local markets is a free and authentic cultural experience. The Saturday market in Piazza Pontida is a century-old tradition, where you can observe the daily life of the people of Bergamo and admire the colourful stalls. The mercato della Terra di Slow Food – Slow Food’s Earth Market, held periodically, is perfect for discovering local products and gastronomic traditions.

Walking among the historic shops in the Upper Town or visiting the city market in Piazza della Libertà (held weekly) is a great way to experience local life without breaking the bank. The markets offer typical products, handicrafts and an authentic atmosphere, perfect for those who like to discover the more genuine side of the city.

What to do in Bergamo for free - Walk In The Woods in the Bergamo Parks

Outdoor Sports and Activities

Bergamo is equipped for those who want to enjoy outdoor sports without having to spend money. The cycle path that connects several parts of the city is perfect for either running or cycling.

The Colli di Bergamo – Bergamo’s Hills offer a number of urban trekking trails, with different levels of difficulty. Many city parks are equipped with outdoor fitness facilities, which can be used for free.

Lovers of open-air walks can take the Morla Greenway, a bicycle and pedestrian itinerary that follows the course of the Morla stream through the city and the surrounding green areas. It is a relaxing route that offers suggestive views of nature and of the lesser-known part of Bergamo.

Characteristic Neighbourhoods

Each neighbourhood in Bergamo has its own unique personality to discover. Borgo Santa Caterina, with its historic houses, arcades and many shops is perfect for a romantic walk.

On the other hand, Borgo Palazzo offers an interesting combination of historical and modern architecture. Exploring these neighbourhoods will allow you to discover the true soul of the city.

ZTL(RTZ) Bergamo – Access and Visual Indications of Free Parking Spaces

Where to park in Bergamo for free

Finding a free parking area in Bergamo may seem like a challenge, but there are actually several areas where you can leave your car without having to spend money. In the neighbourhoods between Loreto and San Paolo, an area particularly close to the shopping centre, there are several free parking areas.

The stadium car park is free for three- or four-hour stays – on days when there are no matches or events. In the Borgo Palazzo area, especially in side streets, you can find the white lines indicating free parking.

For those who want to visit the Upper Town, a cheap solution is to park in the peripheral areas of the Lower Town, such as the Redona district or the Celadina area, where there are several no-fee areas, and then use public transport or continue on foot.

In Via Baioni and in the adjacent streets, in particular around the Carrefour supermarket, there are plenty of free parking spaces, and then you can start the walk up to Città Alta from Valverde and through Porta San Lorenzo. However, it is wise to arrive early in the morning in order to find a parking spot.

It is important to pay attention to road signs and check for any hourly or daily restrictions, such as street cleaning or local markets. Some areas may have restrictions during certain events or on certain days of the week. You should also check that you are not in a limited traffic zone (LTZ) in order to avoid fines.

What to do in Bergamo for free: summing it up

Bergamo demonstrates that it is not necessary to spend money in order to enjoy the beauty and culture of a city. From history to art, from nature to sport, the free opportunities are many and allow for authentic and memorable experiences.

Always remember to check opening hours of the places you intend to visit and to consult the event calendar in order to avoid missing the free events organised in the city.