CITTA ALTA
Citta Alta is one of only 3 completely walled Medieval towns in Europe. In days of yore, the heavy gates to the city were closed each night at 22.00hours, to protect the citizens within.
In order to warn the good people of Bergamo (the Bergamaschi), (who of course, didn't sport watches) of the approaching 'lock out', the bells of the Campanone (Torre Civica) were rung - a custom that continues to this day.
So I'd suggest grabbing a seat at one of the bars, and watch as the square starts to fill with others wanting to enjoy the sounds of the Big Bell as it is struck 100 times.
Strangely, during our visit in May, Gillybob and I were positioned in the square, ready .... and nothing! The bells didn't ring, so thinking I'd got the time wrong, we hung around until 22.30 .... again nothing! When I mentioned this to the staff in the Tourist Information Office the next day, they were quite surprised that the bells hadn't rung, and didn't know why they hadn't.
Dress Code: Come as you are.
From September to May it can be quite chilly at night, so bring a jacket/fleece/coat etc.
Written Nov 11, 2011
Address: Piazza Vecchie, Citta Alta
I like this place, it's small but cosy and waitresses are very kind and nice. I go there with friends very often and we like to sit down on the stools near the little window where you can see people walking on the street. You can choose between some kind of delicious beers and many brands of whiskey, cognac and rum.
It's very easy to reach this pub: if you're going up toward piazza vecchia you'll find it on the right few meters before the square.
Enjoy!
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Via Gombito, 10 - 24129 Bergamo - Italy
Main dancefloor: culture club / house / electronic. Latest guests: Groove Armada, Alessio Bertallot, Sex in Dallas.
Chill out room: lounge / r'n'b.
* Membership required. Entry € 12 (€ 10 with flyer).
Dress Code: No dress code. Temperature tends to be tropical -- a sleeveless t-shirt won't be inappropriate.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Via Baschenis, 9
I'd passed by this popular and cosy looking bar a few times during my previous visit, but as I was by myself, I found a quieter bar for a drink.
I was quite pleased that on my 2nd visit to Bergamo, with 'The Girlz', after our meal, we decided to call in here for 'a night-cap'. Well that was our intention-1 drink, then catch the funicular and back to the hotel -It had been a long day for us.
Hmmmmm! who were the last ones in the place? Yes, the funicular had stopped running long before we left in the early hours.
Quite a few people have questioned why if we were in Italy we had to go to an Irish bar? Well surprisingly, there were many locals in here - it has character, and the Guinness was good.
Yes, there's Guinness memorabilia on the walls etc, and in the window display, but I didn't hear any twee 'Oirish Drinking songs'
The bar is quite small, with dark wood floors and furnishings. Small raised tables with stools and a raised platform area with more seating and tables.
No smoking inside - smoking outside on the street.
We ordered pints of Guinness and settled down for a natter and laugh, when we were joined by a group of Norwegian men, who were staying at the same hotel as us.
We had a great night/early morning in here!
Dress Code: Casual- smart casual.
Updated Nov 23, 2009
Address: Via Gombito, 1024129 Bergamo (BG), Italy
Phone: +39 035 575 538
Website: www.tucans.it
After enjoying our meal at Albergo Piemontese, we decided to find somewhere to enjoy a drink, before heading back to our hotel.
Patsy spotted a likely place, and so we headed over to this trendy looking bar located in the old archways. We were escorted up a flight of stairs and shown to cafeteria style seats in a mezzanine level overlooking the bar.
It was mainly a young trendy crowd, that were seated in this area, and I hate to admit it, but the music was a bit too loud, and not really my type of music, so chatting was a bit difficult.
We perused the list of cocktails. I chose a prosecco and strawberry drink (pic 3), the others chose champagne cocktails, while Debs went for her favourite Jack Daniels.
While we waited for our drinks we indulged in a bit of people watching, and down stairs, we could see our drinks being made at the bar.
No smoking inside, so it's a walk downstairs and outside.
This bar has many levels, with rooms off the staircase. On the way to find the toilets, I managed to find the kitchens, and a lift to the VIP lounge!
The toilets are worth a visit!
Dress Code: Smart casual. Jeans allowed. Bergamos young and trendy head here apparently.
Updated Nov 23, 2009
Address: Via Ghislanzoni, 41 Bergamo (BG)
Phone: 0354284646
Website: www.212barcode.com
"Tucans" is nice looking Irish pub, not cheap but also not too expensive. The ambient is typical Irish styled pub, all in wood offering great and very relaxed atmosphere. If alone, you need exactly 3-5 seconds to start chatting with a guest next to you or with the barmen. After 5 minutes you'll be accepted and feel as regular guest.
Written Mar 24, 2008
If you're out in Bergamo's lower city of an evening and want a drink in relaxed surroundings, you could do worse than this place. The atmosphere and service was efficient and friendly. Well, apart from the guy at the bar who almost started a fight with my boyfriend when he brushed past him.
Beer & Wine is styled as an English pub, but it's a typically Italian take on one with continental service and plenty of British (and Irish) paraphernalia on the walls. Which is fine as it's nice to have your drinks brought to you and to be able to order cocktails and hot chocolate as well as the usual pub booze. There are bar snacks such as sandwiches too.
Very conveniently situated for anyone staying in the lower part of the city, especially if you're on your way to or from the funicular. It was strangely quiet on a Friday evening though. Maybe those in the know go elsewhere? Perhaps it's the annoying pop music on the stereo!
Dress Code: Very casual - anything goes.
Updated Feb 26, 2008
Address: Via Pignolo, 15
surrounded by the hills of bergamo this bar is really funny.it's a wonderfull place were you can relax in a joyfull park during the day and you can listen to live music and dj's set at night.
if you come in bergamo you cannot miss it.
Written Jul 24, 2007
Address: via ripa 62,villa d'almè
bergamo is a pretty cultured sort of place very safe but not particularly friendly.
the restaurants are fine, but the bars lack any real craic or atmosphere,also the locals speak very little english,good place for couples ,but little for groups of men or women to do at night
Updated Mar 26, 2007
Wondered into an Irish pub after walking up to the castle and being totally exhuasted!!
ordered 2 pints. To our amazement they came to 4.50 each. However, whilst sitting down a large plate of snacks was also brought for us. consisting of cheese bread, cheese and ham, potatoe and some hot pasta.
After that I was seriously considering not bothering eating dinner and stay here knocking back pints!
Written Oct 9, 2006
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Reviews and photos of Bergamo attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Bergamo sightseeing.

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