A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Bergamo for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Varenna or Bergamo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Bergamo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a historical, fascinating, and beautiful city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Varenna and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Bergamo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Varenna than Bergamo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Varenna is better known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bergamo is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights. Varenna is more touristy than Bergamo and is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Also, Varenna is famous for Lake Como. Bergamo is well known for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

Lake Como

How is Varenna different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Varenna or Bergamo?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Varenna and Bergamo.

Varenna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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.

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

Varenna is an amazing village to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Varenna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Bergamo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Varenna or Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

Bergamo is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergamo. 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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Varenna or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Bergamo is a good destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bergamo. 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.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Varenna or Bergamo Better for Hiking?

Varenna is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Varenna is a popular spot for hiking. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Bergamo?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Varenna and Bergamo.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Many visitors go to Bergamo to go shopping. 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.

Is Varenna or Bergamo Better for Families?

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

Varenna is a family-friendly place to visit. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

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 Varenna or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Varenna is an amazing village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Varenna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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

Is Varenna or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna and Bergamo are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bergamo. 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.

Is Varenna or Bergamo Better for Students?

Bergamo is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bergamo. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Varenna and Bergamo.

Varenna has some public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

You'll find some public transit in Bergamo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Varenna or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Varenna is an amazing village 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 Varenna on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is 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 Varenna Worth Visiting? and Is Bergamo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Bergamo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Varenna and Bergamo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bergamo than in Varenna. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Varenna, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bergamo.

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

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

One day in Varenna or Bergamo?

In Varenna, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This village 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 nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Varenna or Bergamo?

In Varenna, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Varenna has to offer.

In Bergamo, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Bergamo has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Bergamo?

Varenna is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Bergamo 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.

A week in Varenna or Bergamo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Varenna. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Varenna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bergamo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergamo. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Varenna and Bergamo, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive? and Is Bergamo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Bergamo?

Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna 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.

When is the best time to visit Varenna or Bergamo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Varenna or Bergamo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Bergamo. Many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Bergamo for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Bergamo in the summer. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bergamo fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bergamo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varenna this time of the year. In the summer, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Bergamo. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the summer. Varenna usually gets more rain in July than Bergamo. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Bergamo in the Autumn?

Both Bergamo and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bergamo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Varenna is around the same temperature as Bergamo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varenna in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Bergamo averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Varenna usually receives more sunshine than Bergamo during autumn. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergamo. It's quite rainy in Varenna. In October, Varenna usually receives more rain than Bergamo. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Varenna or Bergamo in the Winter?

Both Bergamo and Varenna during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Varenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bergamo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bergamo in the winter. The weather in Varenna can be very cold. In January, Varenna is generally much warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 5°C (41°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Varenna often gets more sunshine than Bergamo. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun.

Varenna usually gets more rain in January than Bergamo. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Bergamo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Bergamo. The natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergamo for the natural beauty.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Bergamo in the spring. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bergamo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bergamo during spring. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Varenna usually receives more rain than Bergamo. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bergamo and Varenna