Det siger folk om at bo i Bergamo

Som en del af vores serie "Hvad folk siger om at bo i..."I dag fokuserer vi på Bergamo, a city of around 120,500 people located in Lombardy, northern Italy.

If you’re considering a place near Milano but don’t want the stress, traffic, and size of a major metropolis, this may be a good option. It’s connected, efficient, and more liveable than many larger cities, especially if you’re moving with your family or looking for a quieter lifestyle with access to services and nature.

But what is it really like living in Bergamo? To give you a clear picture, we’ve combined our data with feedback from people who actually live there.

Life in Bergamo: What People Say

Although it’s not widely known abroad, in Italy, Bergamo is often seen as a good middle ground between small-town peace and big-city infrastructure. It has all the services you’d expect, good transport and healthcare options, but also many job opportunities.

“It’s a wonderful city. Wherever you turn, there’s something that catches your eye. After 10 pm, everything shuts down, but the city gives you beautiful hours during the day – walks in the upper town, cycling routes, parks all over. I’d say Bergamo doesn’t feel like a city. It’s human-scale, definitely more for families than for young people.” – Elisena F.

In fact, being just 45 minutes from Milano means two main things: first, there’s no lack of work, as many companies are actually based in the area near Bergamo; and second, if you have children, it offers a long-term advantage, since many of Italy’s top universities are concentrated here, along with several internationale skoler.

“Bergamo is possibly the most beautiful city of its size in Lombardy. If your focus is work, there are several important companies in different fields, like IT, industry, logistics, and so on. And then you’re surrounded by lakes and mountains.” – Giuseppe P.

Transport and Connectivity in Bergamo

Bergamo is very well connected, which is great for international travelers or remote workers who move around often. In fact, you’re close to not just one, but four airports: Bergamo Orio al Serio (10 min. from the city center), Milan’s Malpensa and Linate (1h), and Verona’s Valerio Catullo (2h).

Train connections are also realible. The city’s main station is a 7-minute walk from downtown and links you to Milano og Brescia in 50 minutes, and to Desenzano, Sirmione og Verona in just over an hour.

Public transport within the city is also efficient, with several bus lines and a monthly pass that costs around €37; service is more limited at night, but during the day it covers most areas. There’s also a historic funicular that connects the lower and upper parts of the city.

“Bergamo’s airport is super convenient, and so is the train station. The city itself is well served by buses, although you can’t rely on them much at night.” – Andrea M.

So do you need a car? If you live centrally, not necessarily. Thanks to the many transport options, you can get most things done without one. In fact, there are even direct airport buses that will drop you off downtown for just €3.

That said, having a car gives you better access to the region. You can get to Lake Iseo or Lake Como in just over an hour, and the Franciacorta wine area (known for its sparkling wine) is only about 20 minutes away.

“There’s a lot to choose from—everything is close by. You can go from lakes to ski resorts. But even just staying in the city, it’s great to walk the steps and alleys of the upper town, or relax in Colli Park.” – Laura S.

Where to Live in Bergamo: Housing & Cost of Living

Anyone who lives in Bergamo will, sooner or later, get asked the same question: “do you live in the upper or the lower town?”. These two parts of the city are quite different and reflect Bergamo’s medieval origins. Back then, the city was divided by power and social class: the Città Alta, protected by defensive walls, was home to political and religious elites, while the Città Bassa was mainly inhabited by artisans and merchants.

Today, the Città Alta is known for its history, architecture, and panoramic views, but the prices are really high. A 70m² apartment here goes for over €4,000 per square meter, which is similar to what you’d pay in popular lake towns like Desenzano. On the other hand, the Città Bassa is more modern, slightly more affordable, and generally livelier.

To give you an idea, here’s a breakdown of current housing prices across various areas in Bergamo:

Data udarbejdet af Immobiliare.it

If you’re relocating with your family, Redona og Monterosso are good residential choices. They’re well connected, with schools and green spaces, and prices are generally more reasonable.

“There are a lot of small towns near Bergamo, but I’d suggest living in the city itself—it’s easier to get around on foot. I live in Borgo Palazzo, and it has everything: small shops, supermarkets. I go downtown either by bike or walking.” – Mascia A.

Living outside the city can mean lower prices and more space, but it usually comes with one trade-off: you’ll need a car. Some towns, like Orio al Serio near the airport, may seem convenient on paper, but locals often recommend against them due to constant noise from air traffic.

“I’d avoid living in Orio al Serio. The noise from the airport is nonstop. There are better nearby towns for everyday life. Sure, Orio is close to the airport and a big shopping center, but it doesn’t offer much else. It depends on your needs and how far you’re willing to commute. Towns like Torre de’ Roveri, Scanzorosciate, or Nese are only 5-10 km from the airport and sit at the foot of the hills. You get a better view and still have access to everything.” – Barbara L.

Challenges of Living in Bergamo

As we’ve seen, one of the downsides of living in Bergamo er den cost of housing. If you’re planning to stay in the city center, be prepared to pay for it – rents are high, and the availability of properties can be limited. But it really depends on the kind of lifestyle you’re looking for. If you want a well-organized, well-connected, and manageable city, that’s the price you pay. Otherwise, if you want a cheaper option, you should consider Brescia, another nearby city where many expats have settled.

Another cons is Natteliv. While there are many bars and restaurants, Bergamo is a quiet city overall. That’s why it might be more suitable for families or couples rather than younger people looking for a lively social scene. Also, lately some residents have been voicing concerns about sikkerhed, with occasional cases of petty crime – though these incidents are still relatively rare.

“Bergamo is beautiful and the quality of life is good, but I wouldn’t call it a fun city. Maybe a bit too quiet for young people. Also, there’s been a small rise in minor crime, but that’s happening everywhere—and it’s still way better than Milan.” – Simona T.

Is Bergamo Right for You?

✅ Choose Bergamo if:

• You need to commute to Milan but prefer to live somewhere quieter
• You have a family and want access to international schools
• You travel often and want to live near multiple airports
• Du værdsætter walkability and solid public services

❌ Tænk dig om en ekstra gang, hvis :

• Du leder efter en active nightlife
• You want to live in the city center on a tight budget
• You’re planning to live outside the city without a car

Afsluttende tanker

Bergamo er en practical, well-connected city that works for people who prioritize stability, public services, and access to airports. It’s a good match for families, professionals, and remote workers who don’t need nightlife or extreme affordability but want reliable infrastructure and everyday comfort.

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