Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Gay Bergamo is characterized as a city of cobblestone streets. It is unique in its culture, heritage and architecture and the cuisine… marvelous. It may be old, but that may very well be the secret to its charm.
Bergamo, located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, is a city of stunning beauty and rich history. Divided into two parts – the upper city, Città Alta, and the lower city, Città Bassa – Bergamo is a destination that has something for everyone.
The upper city of Bergamo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a good reason. It is home to a wealth of historic landmarks, including the Piazza Vecchia, a beautiful square surrounded by historic buildings and features a stunning fountain at its center. The city’s stunning architecture can be admired from atop the Venetian Walls, a series of fortifications that encircle the old town.
In addition to its rich history, Bergamo is known for its culinary delights. The city is famous for its polenta, a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal, and its cured meats, such as the renowned salami di Bergamo. Visitors can indulge in the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants, trattorias, and cafés throughout the city.
Bergamo is also an ideal destination for those who love the outdoors. The surrounding countryside is dotted with picturesque towns and villages, and the nearby Lake Como and Lake Garda offer stunning natural scenery, hiking trails, and water activities.
In Bergamo, you will find a relatively small but friendly gay community that organizes social events and gatherings throughout the year. There are also a few LGBTQ+ organizations in the city that work to promote equality and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues.
The city also hosts several LGBTQ+ cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Bergamo Pride, which takes place annually and attracts visitors from across the region. During this festival, the city’s streets come alive with colorful parades, live music, and other cultural events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Bergamo also has several gay-friendly hotels, restaurants, and cafes that welcome LGBTQ+ travelers. These businesses are known for their welcoming atmosphere and inclusive policies, making them a popular choice for queer visitors to the city.
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Gay Bergamo, Italy
As a new visitor to Gay Bergamo, there are plenty of things to see and do, regardless of your sexual orientation. One of the best ways to experience any new city is to visit some of its most iconic landmarks and attractions, including historical monuments, museums, and art galleries.
We also love gazing at architecture up close, exploring parks and gardens, sampling the local cuisine, visiting local markets, and attending cultural events such as festivals, concerts and shows.
Even as the out-and-proud queer we are, we still love to explore the city and its culture in the same way as everyone else. Doing so allows us to learn more about the city and its people and better understand the local culture. As such, these are our favorite must-see attractions in Bergamo.
Bergamo’s Citta Alta: Explore the Historical Heart of the City
Bergamo, a city in northern Italy, is known for its beautiful historic district, the Citta Alta. This area is located on a hill and is surrounded by ancient walls that date back to the 16th century. The Citta Alta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to many beautiful buildings, museums, and restaurants.
One of the most iconic landmarks of the Citta Alta is the Venetian Walls. Built-in the 16th century to protect Bergamo from enemy attacks, they are considered one of the most impressive fortifications in Europe. The walls are now a popular place for locals and visitors to take a walk and enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Another must-see attraction in the Citta Alta is Piazza Vecchia, the main square of the historical district. Beautiful buildings surround the square, including the Palazzo della Ragione and the Torre Civica. The latter is an iconic bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city from the top.
If you’re interested in art, visit the Accademia Carrara, an art museum in the Citta Alta. The museum boasts a collection of more than 15,000 paintings, including works by Botticelli, Raphael, and Titian.
Piazza Vecchia, also known as the Old Square, is a magnificent medieval square in the heart of Bergamo’s historic district. The square is surrounded by magnificent buildings, including the Palazzo della Ragione, the Torre Civica (Bell Tower), the Biblioteca Civica (Public Library), and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
One of the most distinctive features of the square is the Fontana Contarini, a beautiful fountain built in the 18th century. The fountain features a statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and is surrounded by four sea horses.
Piazza Vecchia is a popular spot for tourists and locals, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore. You can also stroll along the ancient cobblestone streets surrounding the square, lined with colorful houses and charming boutiques.
Walk around the Walls to See the City Gates
The city gates of Bergamo are impressive examples of medieval and Renaissance fortification designs. The walls are built of stone, and the gates are imposing structures with arches and towers that rise high above the surrounding buildings.
Each of the four main gates has its unique design and architecture. The Porta San Giacomo, for example, is a towering structure with a series of defensive towers, while the Porta Sant’Alessandro features a beautiful fresco depicting Saint Alexander.
The city gates of Bergamo are open to visitors year-round, and exploring them is a great way to get a sense of the city’s history and architecture. Walking tours of the city often include stops at the city gates, providing a fascinating insight into their history and design.
The church of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the oldest in Bergamo, dating back to the 12th century. It was built on the site of a pre-existing church dedicated to St. Mary. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous renovations and additions, resulting in the stunning structure we see today.
The architecture of Santa Maria Maggiore is a fascinating blend of different styles, reflecting the church’s long and varied history. The façade, for example, is in the Romanesque style, while the interior is predominantly Baroque. The nave, in particular, is a masterpiece of Baroque design, with a stunning painted ceiling and ornate stucco decorations.
The church is home to several important works, including frescoes by the renowned 16th-century artist Lorenzo Lotto. The high altar, meanwhile, is a magnificent example of 17th-century sculpture, with a marble depiction of the Virgin and Child flanked by a pair of angels.
It is open daily from 7am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm, and admission is free. Guided tours are available, providing a fascinating insight into the church’s history and architecture, as well as its art and cultural significance.
Art Gallery of the Accademia Carrara
The Art Gallery of the Accademia Carrara is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building with a stunning marble staircase and a series of elegant galleries that showcase the museum’s impressive collection. The collection itself is vast and varied, with works by artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Bellini, Titian, and many others.
Among the collection’s highlights are the works by the Bergamo-born painter Lorenzo Lotto, considered one of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance. The museum also has an impressive collection of works by Venetian masters, including Titian and Tintoretto.
Nestled in the heart of Bergamo’s Città Alta, or Upper Town, is one of the city’s most stunning architectural masterpieces: Cappella Colleoni. This beautiful chapel, built in the late 15th century, is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture and is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history and culture of Bergamo.
Cappella Colleoni was commissioned by the wealthy Bergamo merchant Bartolomeo Colleoni, who wanted to create a grandiose memorial for himself and his family. Construction of the chapel began in 1472 and was completed in 1481 under the direction of the architect Giovanni Antonio Amadeo.
Cappella Colleoni is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, with a façade adorned with delicate pink and white marble decorations, intricate stone carvings, and a magnificent bronze portal. The interior is equally impressive, with a series of frescoes by artists such as Giambattista Tiepolo and Lorenzo Lotto.
The most remarkable feature of Cappella Colleoni is its incredible polychrome marble floor, which is made up of over 2000 pieces of colored marble arranged in a complex geometric pattern. The floor is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.
Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro
The Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, with a grand façade that features intricate carvings and statues. The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive, with ornate chapels, frescoes, and sculptures.
Among the highlights of the cathedral are the works by the Bergamo-born artist Giovanni Battista Moroni, considered one of the greatest painters of the Italian Renaissance. The cathedral also houses several impressive relics, including the tomb of Saint Alexander and the Holy Thorn, a relic said to be from the Crown of Thorns.
The Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro is open to visitors year-round, and admission is free. You can explore the cathedral on your own or join a guided tour to learn more about its history and architecture. Audio guides are also available, providing a fascinating insight into the cathedral’s art and relics.
The Campanone, also known as the Civic Tower, was built in the 12th century as part of the city’s defensive fortifications. Over the centuries, it has undergone many changes and renovations, and today it stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.
The Campanone is an impressive example of medieval tower architecture. It stands over 50 meters tall and features a series of ornate arches and decorative carvings. The tower is topped by a beautiful bell tower, which chimes every hour and can be heard throughout the city.
The Campanone is open to visitors year-round, and climbing to the top is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Bergamo. From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city, including the historic Città Alta and the surrounding mountains.
The climb to the top of the tower is steep and challenging, with over 200 steps to climb, but the effort is well worth it. Along the way, visitors can admire the tower’s impressive architecture and design and learn about its rich history and significance to the city.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Bergamo, Italy
Being gay-friendly accommodation means that the establishment is welcoming and inclusive to guests who identify as LGBTQ+. This can include, but is not limited to, having policies and practices that demonstrate a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ guests, such as non-discrimination policies and providing support and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Some gay-friendly accommodations may also provide amenities specifically catering to the LGBTQ+ community, such as rainbow flags or literature about local LGBTQ+ events or resources. Furthermore, gay-friendly accommodations may be located in an area known for being LGBTQ+ friendly.
While Bergamo does not have any specifically gay hotels or resorts, these are the most fabulous and pro-actively gay-friendly hotels in Bergamo. There are also hundreds more hotel and hostel options in Bergamo if none suit your desired budget, facilities or area – but these are the best hotels according to other gay travelers and us.
Whatever your needs are, Bergamo has you covered.
A charming gay-friendly hotel in the heart of the historic city of Bergamo. This boutique hotel is the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the rich cultural heritage of Bergamo while enjoying modern amenities and personalized service.
At Bergamo Inn 43, you’ll find 10 stylishly decorated rooms that provide maximum comfort and relaxation. Each room has air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Some rooms also feature a balcony or a terrace with stunning views of the surrounding city.
One of the standout features of Bergamo Inn 43 is its central location. The hotel is just a short walk from the Piazza Vecchia, the city’s main square, and the iconic Cittadella di Bergamo, a 14th-century fortress that offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding hills.
You’ll also find plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area, so you can explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene and indulge in some retail therapy.
Hotel Excelsior San Marco ☆☆☆☆
This prestigious hotel offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, making it an ideal destination for locals and travelers.
The hotel features a range of luxurious rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. From plush bedding to stunning city views, every detail has been carefully considered to provide guests with a truly unforgettable experience.
One of the standout features of the Hotel Excelsior San Marco is its stunning rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city’s historic skyline. Relax with a cocktail in hand as you take in the breathtaking views, or enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.
Besides its luxurious accommodations and world-class dining, the Hotel Excelsior San Marco also offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay.
The skilled personnel of the Hotel Piazza Vecchia will attend to all your needs to make your stay special. The hotel offers a bar with a variety of unusual and vintage goods, and on the first floor is a comfortable lounge area with all the amenities for guests to enjoy while working or reading.
The Hotel Piazza Vecchia, created for visitors looking for a location to spend an amazing stay, is housed in the manor home of Bartolomeo Colleoni, a significant figure of the Serenissima era, and is a historic building from the 14th century.
The architect Edoardo Milesi, a renowned figure in Italian bio-architecture and ecological architecture, was responsible for the design and renovation.
Mercure Bergamo Centro Palazzo Dolci ☆☆☆☆
In the heart of Lower Bergamo, the Mercure Bergamo Centro Palazzo Dolci is a classy 4-star hotel. 92 exquisitely designed rooms with careful attention to detail, vibrant furniture, and the newest in hotel services, including free WiFi, a safe, and an LCD TV, combine to create a warm and opulent ambiance.
The Hotel San Giorgio offers a range of cozy rooms, each equipped with modern amenities and comfortable furnishings to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Whether you’re here for a quick business trip or a leisurely vacation, the hotel’s friendly and attentive staff will ensure that your every need is handled.
One of the standout features of the Hotel San Giorgio is its convenient location. Situated just a short walk from the city’s main attractions, including the stunning Piazza Vecchia and the historic Cittadella di Bergamo, this hotel puts you in the heart of the action.
If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable hotel in the heart of Bergamo, look no further than the Hotel San Giorgio. With its convenient location, cozy accommodations, and gay-friendly service, this hotel is the perfect choice for budget-conscious gay travelers.
This elegant hotel offers the perfect blend of modern sophistication and traditional charm, making it the perfect destination for discerning travelers.
The hotel features a range of luxurious rooms and suites, each individually decorated with unique and stylish furnishings. From sumptuous bedding to stunning city views, every detail has been carefully considered to provide you with a truly unforgettable experience.
One of the standout features of La Valletta Relais is its tranquil and picturesque garden, which provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This sleek and stylish hotel offers the perfect blend of contemporary design and warm hospitality, making it an ideal destination for business and leisure travelers.
The hotel features a range of comfortable rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities to ensure a pleasant and relaxing stay. From comfortable bedding to state-of-the-art technology, every detail has been carefully considered to provide guests with a comfortable and convenient experience.
The hotel features a range of comfortable and simple rooms, each equipped with essential amenities to ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay. From comfortable beds to en-suite bathrooms, every detail has been carefully considered to provide guests with a comfortable and convenient experience.
Situated just a short walk from Bergamo’s major attractions, including the historic Cittadella di Bergamo and the stunning Piazza Vecchia, this hotel puts you in the heart of the action.
Besides its comfortable accommodations and convenient location, Hotel Post also offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a pleasant stay. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning, stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the property, or take advantage of the hotel’s 24-hour front desk for assistance with any needs or questions.
Gay Nightlife in Bergamo, Italy
Exploring the gay and gay-friendly nightlife in a new city can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences while traveling – and Gay Bergamo is no exception. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet new people and make friends, but you’ll also get a taste of the local culture and learn more about the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Going out and experiencing the queer and queer-friendly nightlife in a new city can also be a great way to break out of your comfort zone and try new things. Whether dancing the night away at a gay club or mingling with locals at a gay-friendly bar, you’ll have the chance to make memories and create lasting connections.
So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore the gay and gay-friendly nightlife in Bergamo. You’ll be glad you did!
Gay and Gay-Friendly Bars in Bergamo, Italy
The beach bar is a motorcycle bar that serves amazing burgers and drinks. It is gay-friendly, but unlike the others on this list, please keep PDA to a minimum.
Mamo’s American gay bar is the place to be if you want a night of adventure. The owner is one of the friendliest people you’d ever meet, and the ambiance of this place is stunning.
They serve some of the most amazing cocktails and drinks, and their price ranges from €6-7. It is rather small, but the vibe promotes intimacy between you and the locals or other travelers. Drinks are almost always served with snacks, which is never bad.
This gay-friendly venue doubles as a club and a restaurant. The club and the restaurant are designed in an industrial chic style and tastefully and carefully decorated. A restaurant that is worth highlighting for its superb wines, cuisine, and ambiance.
On Saturday nights, live rock parties are thrown, you are sure to dance your feet off, and the DJ takes over until 4 am. The clientele is usually above 30, but something about how they dance and move on the floor will keep you here till closing hours. At PDF, it is not just the music, the drinks or the parties that keep you here; it is the locals’ vibe.
Queen is not your regular gay-friendly bar. After being around for a few decades, it has managed to keep up with the times. It may not be the most fashionable place, but the courtesy of the staff and the attention to customer satisfaction is priceless. It is the bar that makes the best soya cap in Bergamo.
Their drinks are traditional Italian brewed, and their dishes are the same. The music promotes a chill vibe. You can dance to it if you like, but it is mostly set as a bridge between you and other strangers.
Excellent gay-friendly nightclub with two separate areas that allow you to instantly and completely swap between different musical genres.
It’s intriguing how the payment method at the exit debits the consumptions from an electronic card because it only requires one-time handling of money, significantly lowering the chance of thievery and the amount of change given out. Top-notch music that is perfect for dancing, a smoking room, and a double bar.
In the city’s heart, this bar offers a unique blend of music, fashion, and nightlife. With a focus on electronic dance music, Divina features some of the best local and international DJs, and live music acts that are sure to get your feet moving.
But Divina is more than just a music venue. It’s also a fashion hub, with a stylish and eclectic crowd always dressed to impress. Whether you’re into the latest trends or a fashion trailblazer in your own right, you’ll fit right in at Divina. And with its friendly and inclusive atmosphere, this is a bar where you can truly be yourself.
Here, there is no discrimination, and you are free to act any way you like as long as it is respectful. Over time, the aesthetics have also improved. C.S.A. is a gay-friendly social club. The music is always a vibe, a perfect mix of different genres. The drinks are cheap and great. But one thing that sets this club apart is that they give you a free condom.
This trendy bar is located in the heart of the city and offers a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic evening with a loved one. With its eclectic decor and inventive cocktails, The Alchemist Bar Bergamo is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a long day.
But The Alchemist Bar Bergamo is more than just a place to grab a drink. It’s also a hub for creativity and innovation, with a menu that features a range of unique and imaginative cocktails that are sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
And with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, The Alchemist Bar Bergamo is committed to supporting the local community and providing a truly authentic Italian experience.
this bar offers a unique blend of classic Italian cuisine and innovative cocktails in a chic and modern setting. Whether you’re looking for a casual night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two, Bar H has something for everyone.
With its sleek and stylish decor, Bar H is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a long day of sightseeing. And with a menu that features some of the finest local ingredients, including fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and traditional Italian dishes, you’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.
Gay Saunas & Cruising Clubs in Bergamo, Italy
When traveling to a new city, it can be exciting to head out for more than just a stiff drink. One aspect of the Gay Bergamo scene that many queer men enjoy is visiting gay saunas and cruising clubs.
Sure, the sauna culture in Bergamo is not as hedonistic as in Amsterdam, Barcelona or Berlin, but these venues still offer a chance to meet new people, socialize, and engage in sexual activity – without resorting to gay hookup apps.
However, it’s important to remember that these venues can vary greatly in terms of atmosphere, clientele, and rules, so it’s a good idea to prepare yourself before visiting. If you are apprehensive, we advise studying our guide to visiting a gay bathhouse for the first time, which should help set your mind at ease and always practice safe sex.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of and respect local laws and customs regarding gay venues and sexual activity. With a little planning and an open mind, visiting gay saunas and cruising clubs can be a fun and exciting part of your gay Bergamo travel itinerary.
The sauna is divided into three “thematic” floors: the wellness area, with two large Finnish saunas, a steam room with various temperatures, a large hydromassage tub, and a swimming pool with counter-current motion, is located in the basement; the refreshment area, with a bar and a sitting room, is located on the ground floor; the reception area and the relaxation area, with televisions, videos, and the labyrinth, which, through optical illusions, leads to the first floor.
The staff is very friendly, and you can talk and have conversations with other men in the venue or even take it a step further – if you know what we mean.
Gay Map Of Bergamo
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Bergamo? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages, and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!