Colle Aperto - Image 1
1 / 10

Colle Aperto

4.6
·491k reviews·Bergamo, Italy

A charming historic area in Bergamo's Città Alta, offering stunning views, artisanal gelato, and a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late afternoon

Fewer crowds, beautiful light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Colle Aperto - Image 1

Colle Aperto

Best Time

Weekdays, late afternoon

Fewer crowds, beautiful light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming historic area in Bergamo's Città Alta, offering stunning views, artisanal gelato, and a peaceful escape.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Discover the magic of Colle Aperto, where history meets breathtaking views and delicious treats."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Cobblestone streets and inclines are common in Città Alta. :athletic_shoe:

Take the Funicular

A scenic and historic way to reach Città Alta from the lower city. :mountain_railway:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Orto Botanico Lorenzo Rota

Orto Botanico Lorenzo Rota

Scalette di Colle Aperto

A peaceful botanical garden offering stunning panoramic views of Bergamo's rooftops and hills.

La Marianna Gelateria

La Marianna Gelateria

Near Porta San Alessandro

Indulge in artisanal gelato, including the famous stracciatella, at this historic spot.

Scaletta di Vicolo Colle Aperto

Scaletta di Vicolo Colle Aperto

Near Il Ducale restaurant

Discover a hidden, historic staircase offering a unique perspective of Città Alta's charm.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Colle Aperto

Colle Aperto is a charming area in Bergamo's Città Alta. To avoid peak crowds, aim for weekdays, especially in the late afternoon or early evening. This allows you to enjoy the golden hour light without the weekend rush. Consider visiting during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

Navigating Città Alta

Accessing Colle Aperto typically involves exploring Bergamo's Città Alta. The most scenic way is via the funicular from the lower city. Once in Città Alta, Colle Aperto is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the area has cobblestone streets and some inclines. Many visitors combine a visit to Colle Aperto with exploring the Venetian Walls and the historic center.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, beautiful light
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Il Fornaio, Bergamo, Via Bartolomeo Colleoni, 3, 24129 Bergamo BG, Italy #pizza #italianfood #food #italy #bergamo
@rollin_ontheroad
100.5K likes • 4.4M views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Cobblestone streets and inclines are common in Città Alta. :athletic_shoe:

Take the Funicular

A scenic and historic way to reach Città Alta from the lower city. :mountain_railway:

Day trip to Bargamo from Milan | The best things to do! ☀️🚙🗺📷 #whattodoinmilan #thingstodoinmilan #daytrip #bergamofoodguide #bergamoalta #bergamoitaly🇮🇹♥️ #foodguide #visititaly #bergamoairport #milano #OlsaSüperOlur
@loretoportulas
9.8K likes • 421.8K views
‼️A Bergamo, Città Alta, Colle Aperto, accanto a Porta San Alessandro sorge un accogliente locale dove si possono gustare gelati, torte e pasticcini realizzati artigianalmente. 📍Ogni anno il bar-ristorante La Marianna accoglie i turisti di tutto il mondo. 🍨Non ci si può dimenticare di provare il gelato alla stracciatella, la combinazione vincente di cioccolato e fiordilatte. Un fantastico gust...
federicapassiontravels
43 likes • 5.4K views

Try the Stracciatella

La Marianna is famous for its artisanal gelato, especially stracciatella. :ice_cream:

Explore Hidden Gems

Don't miss the Scaletta di Vicolo Colle Aperto for a unique view. :camerawithflash:

Città Alta non finisce in Colle Aperto. Con Annalisa abbiamo preso la funicolare di San Vigilio e siamo arrivati al Baretto. Un tragitto panoramico spettacolare e dal gusto storico con la funicolare di @atbaziendatrasporti Sul percorso si vede anche @laripabergamo ♥️ Giunti a San Vigilio ecco il Baretto e la sua #terrazzapanoramica Vi aspettiamo 🌞 #barettodisanvigilio #barettodisanvigilio #cit...
barettodisanvigilio
264 likes • 11.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Cobblestone streets and inclines are common in Città Alta. :athletic_shoe:

Take the Funicular

A scenic and historic way to reach Città Alta from the lower city. :mountain_railway:

Try the Stracciatella

La Marianna is famous for its artisanal gelato, especially stracciatella. :ice_cream:

Explore Hidden Gems

Don't miss the Scaletta di Vicolo Colle Aperto for a unique view. :camerawithflash:

Enjoy the Views

Colle Aperto offers breathtaking panoramas of the city. :cityscape:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the picturesque beauty and historic charm of Colle Aperto and Città Alta. The stunning panoramic views, delicious artisanal gelato from La Marianna, and the unique experience of the funicular are frequently praised. Some find the area can get crowded, especially during peak times, and navigating the cobblestone streets requires comfortable footwear.

What People Like

Breathtaking panoramic views
Delicious artisanal gelato
Historic charm and architecture

What People Dislike

Can get crowded
Cobblestone streets

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Bergamo Airport (BGY), take bus line 1 to the lower city of Bergamo. From there, you can catch the funicular up to Città Alta. Once in Città Alta, Colle Aperto is a short walk away. Alternatively, taxis are available from the airport. TikTok+1

The most popular and scenic way is to take the historic funicular. It offers great views as it ascends to Città Alta. Buses are also available. TikTok

Driving directly to Colle Aperto within Città Alta is generally restricted. It's best to park in the lower city and use public transport or walk. Reddit

While Città Alta is very walkable, there are local buses that can help you navigate between different points, though many prefer to explore on foot. TikTok

From Milan Centrale, you can take a train to Bergamo station (approx. 1 hour). From Bergamo station, take bus 1 to the funicular, then the funicular to Città Alta. The entire journey can take around 2-3 hours depending on connections. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Colle Aperto itself is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. However, you will need tickets for the funicular to reach Città Alta. TikTok

The funicular typically operates from early morning until late evening. It's advisable to check the current operating hours with ATB Azienda Trasporti Bergamo before your visit. Instagram

The Orto Botanico Lorenzo Rota may have a small entrance fee. It's best to check their official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date pricing. Instagram

While specific city passes might exist, it's worth researching if they cover the funicular or any attractions near Colle Aperto to see if it offers savings. TikTok

Yes, Colle Aperto is accessible at night, and the views can be particularly magical with the city lights. The funicular also operates into the evening. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Orto Botanico offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for landscape shots. The Scaletta di Vicolo Colle Aperto provides unique architectural photos. Don't forget the views from the funicular ride up! Instagram+1

Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Weekday evenings can be less crowded for capturing these moments. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in historic city centers and protected areas. It's essential to check local regulations before flying a drone in Bergamo. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general sightseeing. A tripod can be useful for low-light photography during sunset. :camerawithflash:

Yes, you can take photos inside La Marianna, especially of their delicious gelato and pastries. Be mindful of other patrons. :camerawithflash:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

La Marianna is a must-visit for gelato and pastries. There are also restaurants and cafes in Città Alta offering local Lombard cuisine. Consider Il Fornaio for pizza. TikTokInstagram

The stracciatella gelato at La Marianna is legendary and a must-try when visiting Colle Aperto. Instagram+1

Yes, Atmosfere – Life Source is a rooftop bar in Città Alta offering cocktails with a view of the sunset over the rooftops. TikTok

Look for polenta dishes, casoncelli (stuffed pasta), and local cheeses. Bergamo also has excellent artisanal bakeries. TikTok

Dining in Città Alta can be a bit pricier than in the lower city, especially at restaurants with prime views. However, there are options for various budgets, including pizzerias and cafes. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Colle Aperto and Città Alta are generally family-friendly, offering a mix of history and simple pleasures. The funicular ride is often a hit with children, providing a fun and scenic journey. TikTok Once in Città Alta, the Orto Botanico Lorenzo Rota offers a gentle space for kids to explore nature, and the open areas along the Venetian walls provide room to roam. Instagram

La Marianna is a guaranteed win with its delicious gelato, perfect for a treat after exploring. Instagram While the cobblestone streets can be uneven, they are generally manageable with strollers, though a carrier might be easier for very young children. Many of the historic streets are pedestrian-only, making them safe for little ones to wander. Consider a picnic lunch with items from a local bakery to keep costs down and allow for flexible meal times. TikTok

🚶 Solo Travelers

Colle Aperto and Città Alta are wonderful destinations for solo travelers, offering a safe and engaging environment. The compact nature of Città Alta makes it easy to navigate and explore at your own pace. TikTok+1 The Orto Botanico Lorenzo Rota provides a tranquil spot for reflection, and the panoramic views from various points offer moments of awe. Instagram

Solo travelers can enjoy the freedom of stopping at La Marianna for a gelato without needing to coordinate with others, or savoring a quiet drink at a cafe. Instagram The historic streets and architecture are perfect for photography enthusiasts. Consider joining a walking tour to learn more about the history and culture, or simply wander and discover hidden alleys and charming squares. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Colle Aperto and Città Alta are a dream. The Orto Botanico Lorenzo Rota offers incredible opportunities for landscape shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, capturing the city's rooftops bathed in warm light. Instagram The Scaletta di Vicolo Colle Aperto provides a unique architectural perspective, with its historic steps and surrounding buildings. Instagram

Don't miss the views from the funicular as it ascends, offering dynamic shots of the city below. TikTok The Venetian walls themselves are a subject of grandeur, perfect for capturing the scale and history of the fortifications. TikTok Experiment with different angles and focal lengths to capture the essence of this picturesque Italian gem. Remember to check local regulations regarding drone photography. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Città Alta and its Venetian Walls

Colle Aperto is nestled within the historic Città Alta (Upper City) of Bergamo, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved Venetian walls. These imposing fortifications, built in the 16th century, encircle the entire upper town and offer a fascinating glimpse into military architecture. Walking along sections of the walls provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the modern lower city. Many visitors, like those featured in TikTok videos, highlight the beauty of exploring these historic ramparts. TikTok+1

To reach Città Alta, the most iconic method is the funicular, a charming historical transport system that connects the lower city to the upper town. The ride itself is an experience, offering scenic vistas. Once you arrive in Città Alta, the area around Colle Aperto is best explored on foot. The Orto Botanico Lorenzo Rota, located near Colle Aperto, is a peaceful oasis within the historic walls, offering a tranquil escape and more stunning viewpoints. TikTokInstagram

Beyond the walls and gardens, Città Alta is a labyrinth of charming cobblestone streets, medieval piazzas, and historic buildings. The Scaletta di Vicolo Colle Aperto is a lesser-known but intriguing spot, a hidden staircase that adds to the area's mystique. Instagram The entire upper city invites leisurely exploration, allowing you to soak in its rich history and picturesque atmosphere. Many travelers find that a day trip from Milan is sufficient to experience the highlights, but an overnight stay allows for a more immersive experience. TikTok+1

Culinary Delights: From Gelato to Rooftop Views

Colle Aperto and its surroundings offer a delightful culinary journey, with a particular emphasis on artisanal treats and scenic dining. La Marianna, a historic establishment near Porta San Alessandro, is a celebrated spot for gelato and pastries. Their stracciatella gelato is a local legend, a must-try for any visitor. Instagram+1 This is a perfect stop for a sweet treat while exploring the area. Many social media posts highlight the joy of savoring these local flavors. TikTok

For those seeking a more elevated dining experience, Atmosfere – Life Source offers a sophisticated rooftop bar. Here, you can enjoy cocktails with a spectacular view of Città Alta at sunset. TikTok This provides a perfect blend of ambiance and gastronomy, making for a memorable evening. The area also boasts traditional trattorias and pizzerias, such as Il Fornaio, where you can sample authentic Italian cuisine. TikTok

When exploring the food scene in Città Alta, be prepared for prices that may be slightly higher than in the lower city, reflecting the prime location and historic ambiance. However, the quality of food and the unique dining experiences, from casual gelato stops to elegant rooftop bars, make it well worth it. TikTok Exploring these culinary options adds another rich layer to the Colle Aperto experience. TikTok

You may also like