Your vacation in the enchanting city of Bergamo has finally started, and—oh no! It’s raining. But don’t worry, this city is bursting with exciting indoor activities and sites that are waiting to be explored, even when the weather is not on your side.
Here below I’ve made a list of things to do in Bergamo when it rains. Check it out and choose the ones you like the most.
1. Embrace Art at GAMEC and Accademia Carrara
In the lower town of Bergamo, two amazing art museums, GAMEC and Accademia Carrara, stand proudly in front of each other precisely in via S. Tomaso and Piazza G. Carrara, offering a perfect retreat from the rain.
At the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GAMEC), you can lose yourself in the engaging world of Italian and international artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Then, step into Accademia Carrara, where an array of stunning artworks from masters like Botticelli, Bellini, and Raffaello, takes you back in time from the Renaissance to the 19th century.
2. Explore the hidden treasures of the Mai Public Library
Venture to upper town and discover the Mai Public Library, a gem both inside and outside.
This library, housed in the Palazzo Nuovo of Podestà, is an architectural marvel and a significant cultural institution. It boasts an extensive collection of ancient books, maps, globes dating back to 1688 and 1692, and impressive historical archives. The ornate decorations and frescoes adorning its interior are sure to leave you in awe.
Special Tip
Really few people know about it: right on the side of Mai Library hides the library-church of San Michele all’Arco. This splendid former church, once a place of Catholic worship, was deconsecrated in 1955 and turned into storage and archive of the Angelo Mai Civic Library.
A place with a unique charme, loose yourself among its shelves full of old magazines and marvellous religious frescos.
On the occasion of Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023, the Friends of the Angelo Mai Library Association proposes the “Unusual Vision initiative” a series of free guided tours of the former Church next to the north-west side of Palazzo Nuovo, a very little-known city heritage, not accessible to the public, which houses most of the magazines conserved by the Civic Library.
Find all the info here.
3. Step into History at Palazzo della Ragione
Rain or sunshine, Palazzo della Ragione is a must-visit on your Bergamo itinerary.
This building, dating back almost a thousand years, was one of Italy’s first “Commune Halls”. Not to be missed is the sundial underneath its loggia—crafted over 200 years ago, it remarkably still marks the date and local noon with precision.
Not to be missed
From 17 November 2023 to 14 January 2024, Palazzo della Ragione in Bergamo will be the scene of an extraordinary artistic and cultural exhibition. It will host in fact Yayoi Kusama’s “Fireflies on the Water” one of the most iconic Infinity Mirror Room of the famous Japanese artist.
The artwork comes from the collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Tickets and info on bergamobrescia2023 website
4. Enjoy stunning view from the City Tower
Known as the “Campanone” by locals, the City Tower provides a breathtaking view of Bergamo. Rain adds a magical touch to the scenery, making it an experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
Curiosity: Still today, every evening at 10:00pm, the City Tower bell, the biggest in all Lombardy (here explained its Campanone strikes its evocative 100 tolls as perennial reminder of the city gates closure during the venetian domination.
5. Discover the wonders of nature at the Civic Natural Science Museum
If you’re traveling with children, the Civic Natural Science Museum is an ideal rainy-day destination. Located in a beautiful 14th-century building, the museum showcases a vast collection of fascinating natural exhibits. Here, you’ll be greeted by a life-sized mammoth replica at the entrance as introduction to the exciting exploration that awaits.
6. Experience an Authentic Italian Aperitivo
Once the clock strikes 6 pm, it’s time for Aperitivo. Bergamo offers numerous cozy venues where you can unwind with a glass of local wine or Spritz. Sample a variety of DOP local cheese (Bergamo’s flagship) and all kinds of Italian nibbles while engaging in a cherished local tradition.
Being in the city center, Casa vacanza Valentina is surrounded by a big variety of bars, so you just get out and go to the one that inspires you the most. In case you feel too undecided, here below a short list of my favourite both in lower and upper town:
Lower Town (few steps from Casa vacanza Valentina)
- Schiaccianoci, Via XX Settembre, 108
- Tassino Cafè, Largo Nicolò Rezzara, 6
- Botanico, Vicolo dei Dottori, 35
- T-Bakery, Via Francesco Petrarca, 5,
Upper Town
- Bar Flora, Piazza Vecchia, 13
- Il dispensario, P.za Lorenzo Mascheroni, 1/C
- Baretto (Stunning view), Via al Castello, 1
7. Treat yourself and relax at San Pellegrino Terme (Thermal Bath)
Escape the rain and treat yourself to an indulgent spa experience at the renowned San Pellegrino Terme. You’ll be enchanted by this splendid Art Nouveau building and its amazing spa and treatments. Complement your relaxation with a delicious aperitivo at their on-site restaurant, open from 5 pm to 8 pm.
How to get to Terme of San Pellegrino without car?
A bus ride from the city will get you there in just 36 minutes. Here more info about it.
Which one of these exciting activities in rainy Bergamo calls to you the most?
Regardless of the weather, this Bergamo promises a holiday filled with discovery and joy!
If you’re planning your trip to Bergamo, I’ll be glad to host you at my Holiday Home and do my best to make your stay unforgettable.
For info and cost, you can write me at this email: casavalentina.bergamo@gmail.com
See you soon,
Valentina