If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you’ve probably got Venice, Rome, and Milan on your itinerary. Hardly surprising, they’re all awesome! However, if you want to get a little off the beaten track and see a more authentic side of Italy, you’ll realise that you can’t miss a trip to Bergamo.
The walled town sits atop a hill and is one of the finest of Lombardy’s towns. Head to the historical old quarter for cute trattorias, a mix of traditional cafes and ultramodern coffee labs, and lots of medieval monuments. If you’re visiting when there’s a match on, you won’t want to miss taking in an Atalanta game – one of the most exciting teams in Series A!
You’re probably ready to head to Bergamo, but hold on for just one second; you’re going to need somewhere to stay. While it might be tempting to head for an old Italian palazzo, that ain’t going to be cheap!
With our help, you’ll be able to find the best hostel in Bergamo (or a BnB if you want your own private space). We’ve scoured through the top places to stay in town, and there’s sure to be one that suits your style and travel taste.
So, get ready to say Buon Giorno to Bergamo!
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Bergamo
- Overall Best Hostel in Bergamo – Central Hostel Bg
- Best Hostel for Couples in Bergamo – Bed and Breakfast Al Calicanto
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The Best Hostels in Bergamo
Not one of the most popular spots but Bergamo definitely deserves a spot on your Italy backpacking list. You can probably smell fried garlic and freshly brewed coffee as you imagine walking through its medieval streets. Staying in Italy means amazing culture, delicious food and incredible relaxing vibes – Bergamo offers all of that and even more!
Bergamo might be a great day trip from Milan, but it has so much more to offer for those who visit for a little longer. Let’s find out where you’re going to stay first, though! All these hostels have been chosen because they’re great quality, but slightly different from the rest. Some of them can even be considered the best hostels in Italy. Which one is your favourite?
Central Hostel Bg – Overall Best Hostel in Bergamo
When you walk into Bergamo’s Central Hostel, you’ll immediately feel at home. It may only offer private rooms, but the multiple social areas give it a sociable atmosphere, and solo travellers won’t find it hard to make new friends to explore with. Whether you fancy a few drinks in the bar, catching up on your favourite series in the TV room, or taking a quiet moment to read in the study room, you’ll score a place to be comfy. Rooms start at singles and go all the way up to space for four – so it’s suitable for families and groups of friends too!
Bed and Breakfast Al Calicanto – Best Hostel for Couples in Bergamo
Bergamo is quite a romantic city, but that romance can be pretty thin on the ground if you’re traipsing back to a shared dorm in the evening. However, if you’re loved up and on a budget, you still have options! This centrally located bed and breakfast is four kilometres from Bergamo, but with free bicycle rental, it’s easy to get to the centro storico.
Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast in the morning with pastries, juice, yoghurt, and more. Being so far from the city, it’s incredibly quiet. Your view of the surrounding hills is uninterrupted and tranquil.
Ostello di Bergamo – Best Cheap Hostel in Bergamo
Now, you might like the idea of having a room to yourself, but that can be a little expensive. At Ostello di Bergamo, you have the option of choosing a comfy dorm at one of the lowest bed prices in Bergamo. But it’s not just the room that’s cheap – it’s within walkable distance of the Città Alta, and each morning you’ll be treated to a complimentary breakfast.
And it’s not just a piece of toast and orange juice; there’s a whole buffet to choose from! In the evening, watch the sunset from the rooftop terrace – they do say the best things in life are free!
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Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REICentral Bed – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bergamo
While digital nomads will be keen to be social and meet people, too much noise can stop you working and put you in a bad mood. That won’t happen here. The elegant Central Bed is right by the town’s bus and train stations, and you have a table where you’ll be able to work to your heart’s content.
And yes, of course, there’s free Wi-Fi! Rather than searching for a cafe in the morning which can take time out of your busy schedule, enjoy breakfast on-site before knocking out a few hours of work. Then, you’ll have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure!
Antica Brianza Alloggi – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Bergamo
Not quite a hostel, but if you’re looking for a private room, this place gives you plenty of options. A reliable and inexpensive Bergamo bed and breakfast, you can choose either a single, double, or triple room. You can easily get to the centro storico, whether on foot or by funicular. The rooms at this cute B&B come with balconies, but there’s also a shared terrace if you’re solo and fancy making some friends.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Great Hostels in Bergamo
CityWalls Guest House Bergamo
A particularly popular choice among couples travelling to Bergamo, City Walls Guesthouse is a solid and inexpensive choice that has excellent reviews on booking.com. While breakfast is not included in the price, you won’t have to spend too much, and it’s pretty tasty! It’s within walking distance of the funiculars that will take you to the centro storico, but if you want to drive – there’s free public parking nearby!
Sonila’s Home
Another way to keep your costs down when travelling is with a homestay in Bergamo. Sonila’s Home is one of the best in town and offers both double and triple rooms. Breakfast is included, and you’re in a quiet part of the town. Should you be arriving late at night, you can arrange a shuttle from the train/bus station or Orio Al Serio airport. If you have had a busy day and don’t fancy heading back out for food, you can prepare dinner in the fully equipped kitchen.
What to Pack for your Bergamo Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Why You Should Travel to Bergamo
To enjoy everything you’d expect from a typical Italian town with fewer of the tourist traps, look no further than Bergamo. This compact city is easy to explore, yet there’s more than enough to do to keep you busy for a long weekend. It’s also an excellent base for day trips around the Lombardy area – a proper underrated Italian gem!
If you’re still unsure which Bergamo hostel to pick, keep it simple and go for our top choice – Central Hotel BG. We can recommend this place without hesitation because it’s an unbeatable combination of value for money, friendly atmosphere, and awesome location.
FAQ about Hostels in Bergamo
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Bergamo.
How much does a hostel cost in Bergamo?
Dorms in Bergamo costs around $50 per stay, while private rooms starts at $100 depending on the type of the accommodation.
What are the best hostels in Bergamo for couples?
Bed and Breakfast Al Calicanto is perfect for couples who want a quiet and cosy stay. It’s a little outside of Bergamo city center, so you’ll have a full experience of the tranquil place. The flower beds around the area is also aesthetically pleasing for a loving walk with your special someone.
Are there hostels in Bergamo near the airport?
If you want to be close enough to the airport during your trip, stay at Sonila’s Home. You’ll be only a quick shuttle away!
Travel Safety Tips for Bergamo
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Bergamo
Sit in a square with a cappuccino (before 11 am, of course), wander through galleries, and enjoy spectacular views from the town’s hilltop position. You must visit Bergamo if you want to get an authentic taste of Italian life. Admire the roof of the Basilica St. Mary Major, stroll along the city walls, and if you do run out of stuff to do – you can always take a day trip to Milan! Whatever you’re looking for, Bergamo is a proper Italian adventure.
To make the most of your trip, make sure to sort where to stay in Bergamo as soon as possible. Getting a relatively dull piece of admin out of the way means you can focus on all the fun stuff on your trip! Now it’s up to you if you’d rather be in a cool backpacker pad or making the most of a traditional Italian BnB. Whatever you choose will set the tone for your Bergamo experience.
There are so many great places to stay on a budget that we can’t include them all – so if you’ve stayed somewhere you think deserves a spot on our list, let us know in the comments below!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Italy for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Italy covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Italy before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Italy to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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