Why Bergamo is a Strategic Choice for Digital Nomads
Often overlooked in favor of its famous neighbors, Bergamo is a perfect fit for the Tax hackers lifestyle. It’s not just a beautiful city; it’s a practical and intelligent choice.
Affordability: Your money goes significantly further here. Accommodation, food, and daily expenses are noticeably lower than in Milan, Rome, or Florence, allowing you to extend your stay or invest more in your business.
Strategic Connectivity: Bergamo has its own international airport (BGY), a major hub for low-cost carrier Ryanair. This means cheap and direct flights all over Europe, perfect for visa runs or weekend explorations. The city's train station also provides seamless connections across Italy.
High Quality of Life: Imagine finishing your work day and strolling through cobblestone streets, enjoying world-class pasta, or taking a funicular up a hill for panoramic sunset views. Bergamo offers an incredible work-life balance.
An Authentic Base: It’s a city with a real soul, not just a tourist trap. This allows for a more immersive experience, perfect for nomads looking to connect with a place rather than just pass through.
Setting Up Your Nomad Base: Città Alta vs. Città Bassa
Bergamo is split into two distinct parts, each offering a different living experience for a digital nomad.
Città Alta (Upper City): This is the historic, walled, medieval heart of Bergamo. If you want to live inside a postcard, this is your spot. It’s incredibly charming, picturesque, and offers a true 'vacation' feel. Best for shorter stays or if your priority is atmosphere over convenience. Top-rated stays here include Tower Gombito’s Apartment and Locanda Mimmo.
Città Bassa (Lower City): The modern, bustling lower town. This is the more practical choice for longer stays. You'll have easier access to the train station (for those day trips), larger supermarkets, and more apartment options. Parking is also significantly easier if you decide to rent a car.
Thanks to excellent public transport, including the funicular, you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds no matter where you choose to stay.
Connectivity & Logistics: Getting In and Getting Around
For a perpetual traveler, seamless logistics are non-negotiable. Bergamo excels here.
Flying In: Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) is a mere 15-minute drive from the city center. It's serviced by numerous low-cost carriers, making it an affordable gateway to and from major European cities. If you're flying from the US, you'll likely land at Milan Malpensa (MXP), which is connected to Bergamo by shuttle or a simple train journey.
Getting Around Bergamo:
On Foot: Bergamo is extremely walkable. You can easily manage without public transport if you enjoy walking. The 20-minute uphill trek from the lower to the upper city is steep but offers stunning views.
Bus & Funicular: The city bus system is efficient and connects both parts of the city. The funicular is the most popular way to get up to Città Alta, taking just a few minutes and costing around €1.30. A 24-hour transport pass is a great value.
By Car: You don't need a car for the city itself, but renting one is perfect for exploring the region. It's cheaper to rent from Bergamo than Milan. Pro tip: Knowing how to drive a manual can save you a lot on rental costs in Italy.
The Nomad Lifestyle: Fueling Your Work & Play
Settle into the local rhythm with these fantastic spots for food, coffee, and drinks.
Top Restaurants & Cafes
Circolino Città Alta: A former prison turned into a massive, popular restaurant. Great for an affordable and traditional meal with pizzas starting at just €6.
Vini & Sfizi: A small, family-run gem for handmade local pasta. Don't miss the Casoncelli alla Bergamasca, a local specialty.
Caffetteria Balzer 1850: One of the city's oldest coffee shops, perfect for a morning espresso or an evening aperitivo.
Il Fornaio: Your go-to for a quick, cheap, and delicious lunch. They sell focaccia-style pizza by the slice, priced by weight.
Il Coccio Trattoria da Asporto: Excellent for healthy takeout options or a cozy dine-in meal. Great value for money.
Best Bars for an Evening Drink
Bicerì: A chic wine bar in the lower city, perfect for small bites and a glass of local wine.
Birreria di Città Alta: A casual, local spot with a relaxed atmosphere and low prices—ideal for a post-dinner beer.
Work-Life Balance: Weekend Escapes & After-Hours Exploration
Bergamo is not just a place to work; it's a launchpad for adventure.
Explore Città Alta: Dedicate at least one full day to getting lost in the cobblestone alleys of the upper city. Walk the ancient Venetian Walls at sunset for breathtaking views.
Climb the Campanone: For a small fee, you can ascend the bell tower in Piazza Vecchia for a 360-degree panorama of the city and the surrounding Alps.
Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: An architectural masterpiece that is a must-see, even if you're not an art historian.
Take a Day Trip to a Lake: While Lake Como is an easy trip, consider the lesser-known Lake Iseo. It's less crowded and offers charming villages and great hiking.
Hike the Bergamo Alps (Alpi Orobie): Just a 30-minute drive from the city, these mountains offer incredible hiking trails, rivalling the Dolomites with far fewer tourists. A weekend at a mountain hut (rifugio) is an unforgettable experience.
A Note on Visas and Taxes
For non-EU digital nomads, Italy is part of the Schengen Area, which typically allows for a 90-day stay within any 180-day period. Bergamo is an excellent place to spend some of this time. While Italy has introduced a digital nomad visa, the specifics and tax implications are complex. As always, this is not legal or tax advice. For structuring your international business with a US LLC and navigating your tax obligations as a perpetual traveler, it's crucial to consult with a professional advisor.
