San Siro, Milan and Bergamo

Ever since the San Siro first flashed across my TV screen on a sunny day in June 1990, it has lived permanently on my bucket list. Growing up in the early 90s, I’m part of that football‑obsessed generation shaped by Italia 90 and the Football Italia era — and this stadium was always centre stage.

I can still picture the opening ceremony of Italia ’90 at the San Siro, completely transfixed by the sheer scale and drama of the venue. The chaotic curtain‑raiser between Cameroon and Argentina only deepened the mystique.

Then came Football Italia in September 1992, bringing with it an exotic world of iconic players, glorious kits, unforgettable moments and, of course, legendary stadiums — all delivered with James Richardson’s trademark charm.

So, when I finally made it there — more than 30 years later — that first glimpse instantly transported me back to being a 12‑year‑old kid watching Italia ’90, seeing the San Siro for the very first time.

There wasn’t a match on during our trip, so we went for the next best thing: the San Siro stadium tour. If you’re visiting Milan and want to experience the stadium’s history, atmosphere, and architecture up close, the tour is worth it.

Staying in Bergamo, we took the train from Bergamo station to Milano Garibaldi, then hopped on the Metro towards the stadium. We got off at San Siro Ippodromo, although next time we’d choose San Siro Stadio, that stop gives you the iconic “wow” moment as soon as you step outside. Still, the Ippodromo route offered some great photo opportunities, with the San Siro slowly emerging behind trees and graffiti covered fences along the route.

Once we arrived, we spent a long time just taking it all in. The San Siro has an aura that hits you immediately, its scale, its presence, its history. We’d booked our tour through Get Your Guide, which offered plenty of options and time slots.

At Gate 8, our digital tickets were exchanged for paper ones, and we passed through the turnstiles into the stadium museum. With 10–15 minutes to explore, we browsed iconic shirts, memorabilia, trophies, and a detailed timeline of the San Siro’s evolution. A brilliant scale model of the stadium was a highlight.

Our guide was knowledgeable with a hint of sass, sharing stories I’d never heard before, including the meaning behind the red, green, blue, and orange seating. The tour takes you through both AC Milan and Inter’s dressing rooms before leading you up the tunnel and out towards the pitchside area.

That moment, when the inside of the San Siro opens up around you, genuinely caught me off guard. I’ve seen this stadium hundreds of times on TV but seeing it with my own eyes was something else entirely. It felt so familiar from decades of watching football yet seeing it with my own eyes was something else entirely. A moment I’ll never forget.

The tour finishes in a corner of the stand, giving you time for photos and a final chance to soak up the view. From there, you exit behind the goal and out of the stadium. We made our way to the club shop, which was packed with AC and Inter merchandise but surprisingly light on San Siro‑themed items. Thankfully, I found a brilliant little stadium ornament at the airport on the way home, a steal at 12 euros.

After a few final photos, we walked to the San Siro Stadio Metro stop, taking one last look back before the stadium disappeared from our view. Then it was off to central Milan for some sightseeing before heading back to Bergamo.

We stayed at Locanda Mimmo, a historic inn dating back to 1357, right in the heart of Bergamo’s Città Alta, a stunning walled medieval hilltop city and UNESCO World Heritage site. With its cobblestone lanes, Piazza Vecchia, and centuries‑old architecture, it’s a place packed with charm.

The hotel itself was full of character, offering spectacular views across the city. The rooms were simple but comfortable, and the breakfast buffet was excellent. Città Alta is a treasure trove of shops, bars, restaurants, and cafés, perfect for an early autumn wander in the sunshine (though we did get dramatic thunderstorms both nights).

Food options were plentiful: fantastic pizza from Dai Gustosi and Circolino, pistachio cake from Carmen, gelato, and the local delicacy polenta cake from Gelateria Cherubino. The views from the Old Town are incredible. On one side you can see Atalanta’s stadium nestled among the Lombardy hills: on the other, sweeping views across the city, with Milan visible in the distance on a clear day.

We flew from Newcastle upon Tyne to Milan/Bergamo Airport with Ryanair, a 2 hour 15‑minute flight. The airport sits 60 km from Milan and just 5 km from Bergamo. We used the number 1A bus to head into Bergamo, with the stop conveniently located right outside the terminal. It’s a 20‑minute ride to Bergamo train station, 25 minutes to the funicular for Città Alta, or 30 minutes directly to the Old Town.

On arrival, we got off at the train station and walked to the Funicolare Città Alta, a historic cable railway linking the lower city to the walled upper city. The walk took around 25 minutes along one straight road, with a quick detour into the Atalanta club shop. The funicular itself wasn’t worth the 15‑minute wait; it was cramped, and only a few passengers could enjoy the views as it climbed. Once at the top, it was a short 5–10‑minute walk through the Old Town to our hotel.

To reach Milan, we booked train tickets at the station (though online is also an option). The journey to Milano Garibaldi took one hour, followed by the number 5 Metro to the San Siro. On the way back, we retraced our steps to Garibaldi, then walked 25 minutes through the city towards the Duomo, taking in the sights, before catching the Metro to the grand Milano Centrale station and heading back to Bergamo.

For our return flight, we took the number 1A bus from Città Alta straight to the airport, quick, easy, and inexpensive.

Planning your own San Siro trip? Leave a comment or email us at contact@footballdevotion.com, happy to share tips.