Bern, Switzerland
Locavy ratings
Party
4/5
Sightseeing
4.5/5
Relaxation
Top 20
5/5
Value
1.5/5
Transport Links
4.5/5
Experiences
4.5/5
Party
4/5
Sightseeing
4.5/5
Relaxation
Top 20
5/5
Value
1.5/5
Transport Links
4.5/5
Experiences
4.5/5
At a glance
Bern, Switzerland’s capital, is renowned for its expansive old town, charming streets, and convenient access to the country’s iconic mountain ranges.
Party
Experience Bern’s vibrant nightlife with its array of cocktail bars, pubs, and nightclubs. The best party scene can be found in the historic center, particularly on lively Kramgasse Street.
Sightseeing
Bern offers a wealth of sights, with the Federal Palace being a standout landmark. For the best city views, climb the Bern Münster tower. Additionally, nearby attractions like Jungfraujoch are definitely worth exploring.
Relaxation
Bern is an ideal destination for relaxation. Unwind by exploring the nearby Swiss mountain ranges and scenic countryside, or enjoy a peaceful retreat in the vibrant Rose Garden, a perfect urban escape.
Value
While Bern is more affordable than Geneva and Zurich, it remains relatively pricey for budget travelers. To save money, consider purchasing a Swiss Travel Pass and booking accommodation well in advance.
Transport links
Fly
Train
Drive
Fly
Bern International Airport, 12 km southeast of the city, is a key gateway for exploring Switzerland’s mountain ranges. The train is the fastest and most reliable way to reach the city center, though buses and taxis are also convenient options.
Train
A scenic train ride from Bern to Zermatt or Jungfraujoch (Europe’s highest railway) offers some of the continent’s best views and is a must-do. Bern’s railway station also provides excellent connections to nearby cities like Zurich, Basel, and Geneva.
Drive
Renting a car in Bern is ideal for exploring Switzerland’s mountain ranges and charming villages, but it’s not essential. The city’s efficient public transport connects visitors to all major sights and surrounding areas with ease.
Experiences
Experience the best of Bern with its diverse activities. Enjoy a fun and educational chocolate tour, and use Bern as a base for exploring Switzerland’s beauty—day trips to Interlaken and nearby hikes are a must.
Best Things To Do
1. Explore Bern’s Old Town
Explore Bern’s historic center, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Stroll along Kramgasse and enjoy the lively market stalls, cafes, and shops. The picturesque Aare River adds to the town’s allure.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking; the Old Town is best explored on foot.
2. Bern’s Top Museums
Discover Bern’s rich cultural scene through its diverse museums. The Einstein Museum highlights the life of Albert Einstein, while the Museum of Communication and the Natural History Museum offer fascinating exhibits on their respective subjects.
Check museum opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets online to avoid long queues.
3. Visit Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is ideal for scenic boat trips and outdoor adventures. It also serves as a gateway to the stunning Swiss Alps, offering numerous hiking and exploration opportunities.
Book boat trips and alpine excursions in advance during peak seasons for the best experience.
4. Visit Grindelwald
Known for its outdoor activities, Grindelwald is a village that provides access to Europe’s highest train station at Jungfraujoch. Enjoy skiing, explore the Glacial Gorge, or hike numerous trails amid breathtaking alpine scenery.
Check weather conditions before heading to Jungfraujoch, as visibility can be affected by cloud cover.
5. Charming Thun
A picturesque town perfect for a day trip from Bern, Thun boasts the impressive white castle and Schadau Castle. A leisurely cruise on Lake Thun or the Aare River offers a unique perspective of the area.
Combine your castle visit with a boat tour for a full experience of Thun’s natural beauty.
6. Experience a Swiss Chocolate Tour
Indulge in Bern’s chocolate heritage with a guided tour through historical sites and local chocolatiers. Learn about the evolution of chocolate-making while sampling some of Switzerland’s finest treats.
Join a tour with tasting included to fully appreciate the quality and variety of Swiss chocolate.
7. Rose Garden Display
Escape to the Rose Garden, a tranquil park filled with vibrant roses and other colorful blooms. This serene spot offers panoramic views of Bern and is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Visit during the blooming season for the best floral displays, usually from May to October.
8. See the Federal Palace
The Federal Palace is Bern’s iconic government building. Free guided tours provide insights into Switzerland’s political history and the workings of its parliament.
Tours are popular; consider arriving early or booking in advance to secure a spot.
9. Bern Münster’s Tower Views
Dominating the Old Town, the Bern Münster is a must-see cathedral with a striking tower offering spectacular city views. Climb to the top for a panoramic perspective of Bern.
The climb is steep and narrow; wear suitable clothing and footwear for the ascent.
10. See Bear park
Visit the Bear Park, home to three bears enjoying a spacious, natural environment. This modern facility replaces the old bear pit and offers a more humane setting for the animals.
Arrive in the afternoon for the best chance to see the bears active and exploring their habitat.
1. Explore Bern’s Old Town
Explore Bern’s historic center, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Stroll along Kramgasse and enjoy the lively market stalls, cafes, and shops. The picturesque Aare River adds to the town’s allure.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking; the Old Town is best explored on foot.
2. Bern’s Top Museums
Discover Bern’s rich cultural scene through its diverse museums. The Einstein Museum highlights the life of Albert Einstein, while the Museum of Communication and the Natural History Museum offer fascinating exhibits on their respective subjects.
Check museum opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets online to avoid long queues.
3. Visit Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken is ideal for scenic boat trips and outdoor adventures. It also serves as a gateway to the stunning Swiss Alps, offering numerous hiking and exploration opportunities.
Book boat trips and alpine excursions in advance during peak seasons for the best experience.
4. Visit Grindelwald
Known for its outdoor activities, Grindelwald is a village that provides access to Europe’s highest train station at Jungfraujoch. Enjoy skiing, explore the Glacial Gorge, or hike numerous trails amid breathtaking alpine scenery.
Check weather conditions before heading to Jungfraujoch, as visibility can be affected by cloud cover.
5. Charming Thun
A picturesque town perfect for a day trip from Bern, Thun boasts the impressive white castle and Schadau Castle. A leisurely cruise on Lake Thun or the Aare River offers a unique perspective of the area.
Combine your castle visit with a boat tour for a full experience of Thun’s natural beauty.
6. Experience a Swiss Chocolate Tour
Indulge in Bern’s chocolate heritage with a guided tour through historical sites and local chocolatiers. Learn about the evolution of chocolate-making while sampling some of Switzerland’s finest treats.
Join a tour with tasting included to fully appreciate the quality and variety of Swiss chocolate.
7. Rose Garden Display
Escape to the Rose Garden, a tranquil park filled with vibrant roses and other colorful blooms. This serene spot offers panoramic views of Bern and is perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Visit during the blooming season for the best floral displays, usually from May to October.
8. See the Federal Palace
The Federal Palace is Bern’s iconic government building. Free guided tours provide insights into Switzerland’s political history and the workings of its parliament.
Tours are popular; consider arriving early or booking in advance to secure a spot.
9. Bern Münster’s Tower Views
Dominating the Old Town, the Bern Münster is a must-see cathedral with a striking tower offering spectacular city views. Climb to the top for a panoramic perspective of Bern.
The climb is steep and narrow; wear suitable clothing and footwear for the ascent.
10. See Bear park
Visit the Bear Park, home to three bears enjoying a spacious, natural environment. This modern facility replaces the old bear pit and offers a more humane setting for the animals.
Arrive in the afternoon for the best chance to see the bears active and exploring their habitat.
10 Things You Need to know
1.
Swiss Travel pass
The Swiss Travel Pass provides unlimited free travel on trains, buses, and boats across Switzerland, making it a convenient option for exploring the country.
6.
When to Visit
Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Bern, with pleasant weather perfect for exploring and enjoying nearby hiking trails.
2.
Official Languages
Bern is officially bilingual with both German and French being recognized languages, so knowing a few phrases in either can be helpful.
7.
Safety Tips
Bern is a very safe city with low crime rates; however, it’s wise to remain cautious at night and be aware of pickpockets in busy areas.
3.
Book Accommodation Early
To save on accommodation costs, it’s advisable to book your stay well in advance due to high demand and pricing.
8.
Public Bathroom Fees
Public restrooms in Bern typically require a small fee, so carrying some CHF in coins is recommended for convenience.
4.
Where to Stay
The historic center of Bern is the most convenient area to stay, offering close proximity to the city’s major attractions and activities.
9.
Tipping Practices
Tipping in Bern is not expected but is appreciated, as staff are well-compensated. Small tips are a nice gesture for good service.
5.
Public Transport Options
Bern boasts an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and trains, which make navigating the city easy and convenient.
10.
Currency Used
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), which is close in value to the Euro. Be prepared to use CHF for all transactions.
6.
When to Visit
Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Bern, with pleasant weather perfect for exploring and enjoying nearby hiking trails.
7.
Safety Tips
Bern is a very safe city with low crime rates; however, it’s wise to remain cautious at night and be aware of pickpockets in busy areas.
8.
Public Bathroom Fees
Public restrooms in Bern typically require a small fee, so carrying some CHF in coins is recommended for convenience.
9.
Tipping Practices
Tipping in Bern is not expected but is appreciated, as staff are well-compensated. Small tips are a nice gesture for good service.
10.
Currency Used
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF), which is close in value to the Euro. Be prepared to use CHF for all transactions.