In brief. Bergamo is an easy city to live in with children: the centre of the Lower Town has long pedestrian zones, you take the funicular up to the Upper Town and Orio al Serio airport is very close to the centre, a particularly practical advantage when travelling with children, pushchairs and suitcases because it allows you to start your stay without facing a long transfer after the flight. For a family weekend it is best to sleep in the centre, do one or two things a day and always have a rain plan. Magic Place Bergamo has family apartments in both the Lower Town and the Upper Town.
Every week a few parents write to us before booking with the same questions: Is Bergamo suitable for children? Can I manage with a pram? And if it rains, what do we do? In this guide we've lined up the answers we usually give, the ones that really seem useful when setting off with little ones.
| Question | Short reply | What do we recommend |
|---|---|---|
| Is Bergamo easy to get around on foot with children? | Yes, the distances are short and the lower town is largely pedestrianised | Based in the Lower Town, Upper Town by funicular |
| Is the pushchair needed? | In the Lower Town yes, in the Upper Town there are cobbles and inclines | Pushchair plus baby carrier for the uphill sections |
| What to do if it rains? | Museums, indoor activities and children's play areas | Natural Sciences Museum, Fantabosco, Zero Gravity or XGamer depending on age |
| Is it worth spending a day at Leolandia? | Yes, we are going and coming back on the same day | Leave at opening time, back for dinner |
Is Bergamo suitable for children?
Yes, and the main reason is that it is a small city. Bergamo has two souls: the Lower Town, which is flat with shops, parks and services, and the Upper Town, the historic hilltop village enclosed by Venetian walls, where traffic is restricted. Between the two there is a funicular ride of just a few minutes, and for many children this is already the first attraction of the trip.
The most useful advice is not to try and see everything. One thing in the morning, one in the afternoon, and in between returning to the apartment for lunch or a nap. With small children, it is this pace that makes the difference between a pleasant weekend and a tiring one.
What to do in Bergamo with children in Città Alta
To ride the funicular
The funicular departs from Viale Vittorio Emanuele and arrives in Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, in the heart of Città Alta. From there, a second funicular leads to San Vigilio, where there is the castle with its tunnels and a view that even adults love. Timetables and tickets are on the ATB website, the Bergamo transport company.
Piazza Vecchia, the sundial and the Campanone
Piazza Vecchia is the perfect spot for a break: the children run around the Contarini fountain while the parents enjoy the square. Under the portico of the Palazzo della Ragione there is a long sundial on the floor, and searching for your birth month becomes a little game. With older children, the climb up the Campanone, the civic tower, which every evening at 10 pm still rings its hundred strokes, is well worth it.
The walk on the City Walls
The Venetian Walls have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017, as part of the site “Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th centuries: Stato di Terra – Western Stato di Mare”. The avenue that runs alongside them is wide and scenic, and is one of the easiest stretches of Upper Bergamo to navigate with a pushchair. The best time is late afternoon, when the light over the plains is at its finest. You can find the full guide at Visit Bergamo.
The Natural Sciences Museum and the Fortress
In the Cittadella, just a short walk from Colle Aperto, there is the Enrico Caffi Civic Museum of Natural Sciences“, featuring fossils, minerals and animals from all over the world.
After the museum, to get back into the open air, you can continue towards the fortress and the Park of Remembrance, amidst lawns, views and that castle atmosphere that makes the walk enjoyable even for the little ones.
A practical note. Città Alta has cobbled streets and some steep inclines. With a newborn, we always bring a baby carrier too, to use on the trickier stretches.
What to do in Bergamo with children in the Lower Town
Città Bassa is the easiest part to live in with small children. Il Sentierone and the surrounding shopping streets, including Via Sant’Alessandro and Via XX Settembre, are largely pedestrianised and allow you to stroll calmly even with a pram.
A stone's throw from the Sentierone, in the garden of Palazzo Frizzoni, home to the Bergamo City Council, there is also a hidden small playground dedicated to children. It is one of those stops that can make all the difference during a day out in the city: a few minutes to play and move around freely before resuming the walk. Inside the building, a Baby Pit Stop is also available, a space dedicated to families with a baby-changing table and a breastfeeding area. The garden follows the opening hours of the council, so it is always best to check before visiting.
Continuing eastwards along Via Tasso and the Pignolo district, you reach Parco Suardi, a historic city park where children can find play areas, space to run around, a small pond and the characteristic little train. It is a simple but precious break, especially after spending a few hours among streets, monuments and museums.
And these are just some of the family-friendly green spaces: among the others there is also Parco Locatelli, with areas dedicated to play and activities for children. If during your stay you fancy slowing down for a few hours, we have gathered in our guide to the parks of Bergamo other gardens and green spaces to include in the itinerary.
For those who love art, the GAMeC, the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, offers workshops for children and families: the updated schedule is on the museum's website. The Museum of the Stories of Bergamo it organises visits with workshops designed for families throughout the year, and the multimedia exhibition in the Palazzo del Podestà, in the Upper Town, works well with teenagers too.
What to do in Bergamo with children when it rains
A rainy day doesn't mean having to give up discovering Bergamo. On the contrary, between museums, play spaces and indoor activities, having a good plan B is quite simple.
If children are curious about animals, fossils and dinosaurs, the Civic Museum of Natural Sciences in the Upper Town can easily take up part of the day. Alternatively, the Museum of Stories and the multimedia exhibition inside the Palazzo del Podestà allow you to continue learning about Bergamo while staying indoors, while the GAMeC offers workshops and activities dedicated to families throughout the year.
Not all children fancy spending a rainy day in a museum, though. When what they really need is a place to move around and burn off a bit of energy, there is no shortage of alternatives.
For the little ones there is Fantabosco, a large indoor playground in Bergamo dedicated to children aged 1 to 10, featuring slides, obstacle courses, ball pits and bouncy castles.
From 5 years old, another option is Zero Gravity Bergamo, in Stezzano, featuring a play and sports area designed for jumping, moving and having fun even when the weather outside isn't helping.
For a day out that can involve children of different ages as well as parents, XGamer in Treviolo instead brings together bowling, video games, table tennis and a playground area dedicated to the little ones.
And if the rain lets up for a while, you can always head back towards the city centre for a stroll under the arcades, a snack indoors and a few glimpses of the city between the clouds.
Then there’s one of the advantages of staying in a flat: you can come home without necessarily having to fill every hour of the day, change out of your wet clothes, make yourself something hot to eat, and give the children a bit of time to play or relax before setting off again.
Day trips from Bergamo with children
Leolandia: how to organise your day
Leolandia is situated in Capriate San Gervasio, in the province of Bergamo. It is one of the most popular family day trips and can easily be fitted into a stay in the city. The idea is simple: set off in the morning, spend the day at the park and return to Bergamo in the evening, without having to change accommodation. The most convenient way to get there is by car; it takes about 20 minutes. Before setting off, check the opening days and times on the park’s official website, as these vary depending on the season.
If you don’t have a car or would rather not drive, Magic Place can arrange a private transfer for you and help you with your tickets. Our advice is to arrive when the park opens so you have the whole day ahead of you and can save the most eagerly awaited attractions for the morning.
A day spent amongst nature and animals at Le Cornelle Wildlife Park
If your children prefer animals to fairground rides, a nearby alternative is Le Cornelle Wildlife Park in Valbrembo, where you can spend several hours surrounded by nature, observing animals from different habitats.
It is not simply an alternative to Leolandia: it is a family experience with a character all of its own, more closely linked to nature, animal discovery and biodiversity. The park is home to over a hundred species and carries out conservation, research and education activities dedicated to the protection of threatened species.
It’s one of those days that works well both for young children, who are fascinated by meeting the animals, and for older children, who can begin to learn more about the different habitats and the importance of their conservation.
Even in this case, we always recommend checking the official website for opening times, access methods, and any activities available during your stay.
Where to stay in Bergamo with children: the Lower Town or the Upper Town?
It depends on what kind of trip you have in mind. With young children and a car, the Lower Town is usually the easiest choice. If the dream is to open your window onto the rooftops of the historic village, the Upper Town makes up for a few extra inclines. The airport area only makes sense for one night before an early morning flight.
| Area | Ideal for | With the pushchair | Cars and parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower town | Hands-on weekends, young children, rainy days | Easy | Simpler |
| Upper Town | A historic atmosphere, with slightly older children | Cobblestones and uphill stretches | Must be booked in advance |
| Airport area | The night before an early flight | Easy | Convenient, but a long way from the centre |
Magic Place’s seven flats are located in both areas. In the Lower Town, on Via Sant’Alessandro, you’ll find Relax, Classy, Beauty and Nest, with free parking 200 metres away. Relax also has a terrace, which is handy when the children need some outdoor space. In the Upper Town, on Via della Boccola, there are Namastè, Buk and Sunrise: parking is subject to a charge (€15 per day) about 400 metres away and must be booked in advance.
The Magic Place apartments range in size from 31 to 130 m² and can accommodate between 2 and 6 people, so there’s plenty of space even for large families. You can find them all on the page family-friendly flats in Bergamo.
What you’ll find here if you’re travelling with children
When travelling with young children, it’s the everyday things that matter more than the attractions. Here’s what we offer families:
| What we offer | Why it is useful |
|---|---|
| Children up to 6 years free | A holiday puts less strain on the budget |
| Free cot, high chair and pushchair available on request | Fewer bulky bags on planes |
| Fitted kitchen | Baby food, milk and snacks when needed, with plates, cups and cutlery designed for children |
| Children’s games and books | Books, puzzles, LEGO and soft toys in the apartment to play with during downtime |
| Netflix Kids, Amazon Kids and Disney+, where available | Cartoons and kids' content ready to relax with after a day out |
| Transfers from Orio al Serio (approx. 5 km), Linate and Malpensa | No changing transport with suitcases and a buggy, zero worries even if the flight arrives early in the morning or late at night |
| Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 11:00 | Clear schedules to put in the diary, with flexibility for early check-ins and late check-outs |
| Pets allowed | The dog travels with the family |
| Mid-stay cleaning upon request | Useful for longer stays |
Among the extra services we can organise are a day out at Leolandia, trips to Lake Como and Lake Iseo, and also an in-home chef: a good dinner in the apartment, with the children already in bed, is often the most relaxing moment of the trip for mum and dad. You can find everything on the page services for your stay.
If you already have the dates in mind, you can view the Available flats or write to us: the Magic Place Bergamo team will help you choose the most suitable one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bergamo easy to visit with a pushchair?
In the Lower Town yes, because the streets are flat and many areas are pedestrianised. In the Upper Town you can use it, but there are cobblestones and climbs: the Viale delle Mura is the most comfortable stretch. With young children it is also advisable to bring a baby carrier.
How do you get from the airport to the apartment with the children?
Orio al Serio airport is about 5 km from the centre, which is one of Bergamo's advantages for those travelling with family. In normal conditions, the car transfer is short and allows you to go straight from the plane to the apartment without long journeys or numerous changes of transport. With small children, a pushchair and suitcases, this above all means less time travelling after the flight and an easier arrival. Magic Place can organise a private transfer upon request directly from the airport to the apartment; the same service is also available from Linate and Malpensa.
What do you need in an apartment with a newborn?
A cot, a high chair and the option to warm milk and baby food. At Magic Place Bergamo, a cot, high chair and pushchair are free of charge upon request: just mention it when booking.
Is it better to stay in Città Alta or Città Bassa with toddlers?
For small children, Città Bassa is usually more convenient: flat streets, easier parking, and quick returns. Città Alta is ideal if you are looking for the atmosphere of the historic village and your children are happy to walk.
Do children stay for free?
At Magic Place Bergamo apartments, children under 6 stay free of charge. Always check that the total number of guests falls within the capacity of your chosen apartment.
Can we bring the dog?
Yes, the Magic Place Bergamo apartments are pet-friendly.
How many days does it take to visit Bergamo with children?
For a first visit, two or three days allow you to calmly alternate between Città Alta, Città Bassa, parks and a few activities designed for children, without overfilling the days. If you want to add a full day at Leolandia or the Le Cornelle Wildlife Park, it is worth planning an extra day.
What to do in Bergamo with children when it rains?
There is no shortage of indoor alternatives. The Natural Science Museum, the Museum of History and the activities of GAMeC allow you to continue discovering the city, while for children who mostly need to move around there are indoor spaces such as Fantabosco, Zero Gravity and XGamer. The best choice depends mainly on the children's age.
Can you visit Leolandia while staying in Bergamo?
Yes. Leolandia is about 20 minutes from Bergamo by car and is very well suited to a day trip: you leave in the morning and return to the city for the evening, without changing accommodation. For guests without a car, Magic Place can arrange a private transfer upon request and offer assistance in organising the day.
Are there parks and play areas in the centre of Bergamo?
Yes. Even during a day dedicated to the city, it is easy to fit in a break to let the children play. Among the options are the small park in the garden of Palazzo Frizzoni, Parco Suardi and Parco Locatelli. In our guide to the parks of Bergamo We have gathered more family-friendly green spaces.