A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Sestri Levante vs. Bergamo for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sestri Levante or Bergamo?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sestri Levante and Bergamo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quaint, relaxing, and quiet seaside town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a beautiful, under-rated, and historical city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sestri Levante and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sestri Levante or Bergamo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bergamo. Although Sestri Levante and Bergamo are both popular with visitors, Bergamo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bergamo is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is known for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting. Bergamo is popular for its historical buildings and beautiful squares. It is also home to Piazza Vecchia.

How is Sestri Levante different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergamo and Sestri Levante. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sestri Levante or Bergamo?

Bergamo is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Sestri Levante or Bergamo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Sestri Levante and Bergamo.

Sestri Levante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Bergamo makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

Is Sestri Levante or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Bergamo is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Bergamo has a few options to choose from. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Sestri Levante or Bergamo Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Bergamo is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sestri Levante makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Bergamo is not a resort destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Bergamo Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Sestri Levante has a beach worth visiting. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Bergamo is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Bergamo has an old town worth visiting. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sestri Levante or Bergamo?

Bergamo is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Bergamo Better for Families?

Sestri Levante is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly place to visit. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Sestri Levante or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Both Sestri Levante and Bergamo are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sestri Levante is a good seaside town for couples to visit. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Bergamo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Sestri Levante or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bergamo is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Bergamo is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

Is Sestri Levante or Bergamo Better for Students?

Bergamo is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

Is Sestri Levante or Bergamo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sestri Levante and Bergamo both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Sestri Levante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Bergamo has a few public transit options. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

Is Sestri Levante or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is an amazing seaside town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Sestri Levante on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

Bergamo is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Sestri Levante Worth Visiting? and Is Bergamo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Sestri Levante?

How long in Sestri Levante or Bergamo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Sestri Levante and Bergamo. In our opinion, Bergamo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bergamo than Sestri Levante. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sestri Levante, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bergamo.

Families should spend more time in Sestri Levante than Bergamo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sestri Levante, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Bergamo than Sestri Levante. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bergamo that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bergamo than Sestri Levante if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bergamo.

One day in Sestri Levante or Bergamo?

Sestri Levante is a small town with plenty to do. This seaside town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Bergamo, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sestri Levante or Bergamo?

Sestri Levante might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sestri Levante has to offer.

Bergamo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Sestri Levante or Bergamo?

Sestri Levante is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergamo. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Sestri Levante or Bergamo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. Since Sestri Levante is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Bergamo. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Sestri Levante and Bergamo, we can see that Bergamo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sestri Levante Expensive? and Is Bergamo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sestri Levante or Bergamo?

Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Sestri Levante and Bergamo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.