Things to Do in Bern: Insider Tips & Top Attractions

Tips and Information for a Trip to Bern

Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important information you’ll need before heading to Bern.

Location

Bern is located in the northwest of Switzerland.

Beyond the many lakes surrounding the city, Switzerland’s other major cities are all super easy to reach from the capital.

Lucerne is only about 80 kilometers east of Bern, Basel is around 100 kilometers away, and Zurich is about an hour and a half by car.

If you’d rather hike and unwind, consider a side trip to the Wasserschloss region of Switzerland — about 100 kilometers away and home to one of the country’s most beautiful river landscapes.

The neighboring countries of France and Germany are also just a stone’s throw from Bern.

Our Hotel Recommendations

Here are our hotel picks in Bern for every budget:

Travel Guides

Want even more information for your trip to Bern and the surrounding area? These guides are worth picking up:

111 Places in Bern That You Shouldn’t Miss: A great overview of both well-known and lesser-known spots in the city — this series never disappoints.

Reise Know-How CityTrip Bern: A concise rundown of the highlights that belong on any Bern itinerary.

Berner Oberland Hiking Guide: Essential reading for anyone who loves getting outdoors and active.

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Bern

Our Insider

My name is Sophie and I’m originally from the Westerwald region of Germany. Six years ago I moved to Bern for my studies and immediately fell in love with this incredibly beautiful city.

Aside from my current job as a legal intern, I’m passionate about sports. On foot, on my road bike, or on the yoga mat — and preferably in the mountains. Bern is absolutely perfect for that.

This fits nicely with my new passion: photography.

Since I didn’t grow up in Bern, I still don’t take the river, the beautiful historic center, or the proximity to the mountains for granted.

Even today, I’m regularly blown away — honestly convinced that I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

And because I’ve spent the past six years trying to explore as much of Bern and the surrounding area as possible, I’d say I know this city pretty well.

Bern in Three Words

Cozy. Friendly. Carefree.

Why Visit?

Everyone should experience swimming in the Aare on a warm summer day at least once. The Aare is the longest river running entirely within Switzerland and originates from the two Aare glaciers in the eastern Bernese Alps near the Finsteraarhorn.

In summer, locals are either soaking up the sun at the well-known river swimming areas (Marzili, Lorraine, Muri, Eichholz) or packing their waterproof Aare bags and floating their way to work, to friends, or to what is — in my opinion — the best ice cream shop in town: Gelateria Di Berna.

What Makes Bern Unique

Even though I’ve already raved about the Aare, I have to bring it up again here.

Swimming in a river is a ton of fun and definitely not something you do every day — but it does have one small downside. You have to walk a bit upstream before you can float back.

Luckily, there’s the Aareschlaufe-Schwumm: behind the Restaurant Zehndermätteli in the Länggasse-Felsenau neighborhood (Bus No. 21 toward Bremgarten, stop: Bremgarten, Schloss), there’s a small beach that makes it easy even for Aare newcomers to get in the water. From here you can float for about 20 minutes and enjoy the natural surroundings.

A 200-meter-long tunnel then brings you back to the starting point, where you can dry off in the sun or jump straight back into the refreshing water.

Another standout feature is the water installation on Bundesplatz. Hidden between the natural stone paving slabs are 26 water jets that form a massive fountain.

In summer, tourists and families flock here. Kids especially love running through the jets and cooling off on hot days. The water feature runs daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (except Tuesdays and Saturdays until 2:00 PM, during cold winter temperatures, and during the winter break from November through the start of spring).

Even beyond the fountain, Bundesplatz is a popular gathering spot. A market is held here twice a week, and during the winter months the square comes alive with the “Rendez-vous Bundesplatz” — an annually changing light show that’s seriously worth seeing.

Things to Do in Bern: Sights and Activities

Must-Sees

Most travel guides will point you to the Münster, the Zytglogge, the Bundeshaus, the Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen, and the Simsonbrunnen. And without a doubt, these are all impressive and worth your time.

But to truly get to know Bern, I’d recommend the following: a coffee on the Münster platform, a slice of cake at Apfelgold, a beer at the Altes Tramdepot with views of the Aare and the three bears Finn, Björk, and Ursina, a stroll along or a swim in the Aare, and an apéro platter at one of the many pop-up spots along the riverbank that invite you to linger.

During the holiday season, the Sternenmarkt on the Kleine Schanze is also highly recommended. You’ll find lovingly designed stalls selling sustainable and locally made products.

And there’s plenty of great food too — from fondue to momos to vegan burgers, no one goes home hungry.

If you’d love even more stories and context about Bern’s highlights, a guided tour with a true Bernese local is absolutely worth it.

Guided Tour of the Bern Old Town

On a Rainy Day

Brunch, brunch, brunch. What could be better than a leisurely breakfast and great coffee with the people you love when it’s gray outside?

Thanks to the arcades lining both sides of the shopping streets, you can stroll through the city even in the rain and browse the charming little boutiques in the old quarter.

With Kids

Both young and old will love the miniature railway on the Gurten.

And if that ride wasn’t thrilling enough, I recommend the summer toboggan run, open from March through October. With a slope of up to 18 percent, it covers a drop of 55 meters over a distance of 500 meters.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, kids and adults alike can have fun and burn off some energy at various indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks, or museums (e.g., Bimano Indoor Playground, UNIK Playground, Creaviva at the Zentrum Paul Klee).

My tip: Don’t miss a visit to the Kambly factory in Trubschachen in the Emmental, where more than 100 varieties of baked goods are created.

You can sample treats, watch the experts at work, or roll up your sleeves and learn the art of fine baking yourself in one of their workshops.

Best Day Trips

Perhaps Bern’s greatest advantage is that no matter where you are in the city, you’re within five minutes of a green space.

A picnic in the Rosengarten, for example, with a stunning panorama over the entire city, makes you forget you’re sitting right in the middle of town.

The Gurten, one of Bern’s local mountains, is also reachable in no time. Still, I’m drawn to the Bernese Oberland almost every week — just a short train ride away, it offers wonderful hikes and ski areas.

For skiing, I recommend the Adelboden-Lenk and Jungfrau Ski Region areas. Both Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost make great starting points for hiking.

After just about an hour’s train ride from Bern, you can choose between hiking up the Niederhorn, the Sigriswiler Rothorn, or the Harder Kulm.

Experienced hikers can even trek along the Brienz Ridge all the way to the Brienzer Rothorn and soak in hours of views over the deep blue Lake Brienz.

For Relaxation

When I need to clear my head and don’t have much time, I grab my road bike and ride up to the Bantiger, one of Bern’s local mountains.

The summit sits 947 meters above sea level, and from there you have a magnificent vista over the Bernese Alps and the Jura.

It’s also easily reachable on foot from Bern — a trip that’s really worth making.

Best Viewpoint

The most beautiful and most central vantage point in Bern is without a doubt the Rosengarten.

Here you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, around 250 varieties of roses in summer, colorful foliage in fall, and a fondue on the veranda of the Restaurant Rosengarten in winter.

And as a highlight, you get a one-of-a-kind view over the rooftops of Bern’s historic center, the Münster, and the Aare loop.

My tip: Grab a picnic blanket, some tasty snacks and drinks, and get comfortable on the large lawn. At sunset, settle in on the wall that borders the park and enjoy the last warm rays of the day.

For longer-range views, I also recommend the Gurten, the Bantiger, and the Ulmitz. You can reach the summits on foot or by bike — and the Gurten also has a funicular railway.

Best Photo Spot

I recommend a walk through the old town and the Matte neighborhood all the way up to the Rosengarten.

Along the way you’ll have the chance to photograph the Zytglogge, the town hall, the Münster, the Münster platform with its views over the Aare, narrow alleyways, and the bears at Bear Park.

Once you reach the Rosengarten, you can take it all in from above and capture the wild sea of rooftops enclosed by the Aare.

Craziest Activity

In the Aare you can do more than just swim — you can also surf (known as bungee surfing).

A rope is attached to a bridge, a pillar, or a tree, which the surfer holds on to and uses to ride over the crystal-clear waves of the Aare.

Of course, you can’t just head out and do this on your own. Luckily, Manuel Gerster and Dani Schmutz offer beginner courses on ten Saturdays per year.

Bungee Surfing in Bern

Best Event of the Year

The best event of the year is without a doubt the Gurten Festival. Once a year, the local mountain transforms into a festival grounds and becomes every Bernese local’s favorite place to be.

The festival takes place each year in mid-July, from Wednesday through Saturday, and is accessible either on foot or by the Gurten funicular.

Personally, I recommend walking up — it’s simply fun to share the excitement of the coming days with thousands of other happy people.

There’s a camping area, lots of different food stalls, and three stages: the main stage, the forest stage, and the tent stage. Buy a ticket and come join us!

Best Museum

Personally, I love the Museum of Communication in the Kirchenfeld neighborhood. There’s so much to discover and try out here for both kids and adults.

It’s one of the most interactive museums I’ve ever visited — seriously suitable for the whole family.

There’s a permanent exhibition as well as various rotating ones, so it never gets old. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

You can refuel at the adjacent Café Pavillon, which serves homemade specialties.

And if communication isn’t quite your thing, don’t worry — the Natural History Museum, the Bern Historical Museum, and the Alpine Museum are just a few minutes’ walk away, also in the lovely Kirchenfeld neighborhood.

Favorite Neighborhood

My favorite places to wander are the Matte neighborhood and the old town.

The Matte neighborhood, which is part of the old town, sits right on the banks of the Aare and lies below the rest of the historic district. Various staircases connect the upper town with the Matte.

If your legs are already tired from exploring, just take the Mattelift, which brings you straight up to the Münster platform.

Once you’re in the upper town, I recommend a coffee with views of the Münster and the Aare, followed by a stroll through Marktgasse, Münstergasse, and Rathausgasse. You’ll find small boutiques, cafés, and restaurants around every corner — and the vaulted cellars in particular are not to be missed.

My tip: Whatever you do, don’t skip the scones and cookies at Café Marta.

Food and Drink in Bern

Local Culinary Specialty

The first thing that comes to mind is Ingwerer — a handcrafted, vegan, organic ginger liqueur produced right here in Bern. Fair warning: brace yourself for a sharp finish.

You should also absolutely try a Mandelbärli. It’s a light and airy baked good in the shape of a bear — Bern’s heraldic animal.

The first Mandelbärli were made in 1989 by Konditorei Glatz and remain one of the bakery’s most popular products to this day.

Favorite Restaurants

Since moving to Bern, I’ve tried quite a few restaurants and discovered many delicious things — so narrowing it down to just three is tough. But I’ll give it a shot.

A day by the Aare in the sun works up quite an appetite. Luckily, just five minutes’ walk from the Marzili, you’ll find the restaurant Dampfzentrale, right on the Aare.

The menu features local and international dishes made from regional and seasonal ingredients — fresh fish, homemade pasta, various curries, salads, burgers, and much more. In summer, it’s a good idea to book ahead.

Besides the Dampfzentrale, you really have to try the Klösterli Weincafé. Located near Bear Park and easy to reach by bus, car, or on foot, it’s a great spot for a leisurely meal.

I recommend a relaxed walk through the old town and across the Nydeggbrücke to get there. Since the menu is updated every three months to feature seasonal dishes, I can’t give a specific recommendation — but what wins me over every time is how the kitchen takes simple dishes and transforms them into something truly special. And you’ll always find the perfect wine to match. Bon appétit!

On a cold fall or winter evening, I recommend the restaurant Fugu, also in the old town, just before the Nydeggbrücke.

At Fugu you’ll find Japanese and Thai dishes that are sure to warm you up from the inside. I usually go for gyoza (Japanese dumplings) as a starter and the green Thai curry with vegetables and tofu for the main. But heads up: the green curry has some real kick to it.

Best Burger

I personally love vegan burgers, so I want to start by recommending Swing Kitchen. They have a great selection of vegan burgers that are full of flavor.

Pair them with onion rings, vegan nuggets, fries, or sweet potato fries. And if you still have room for dessert, the vegan tiramisu is absolutely worth it.

If you prefer your burger with meat, then check out Soul Food. Their burgers are made with regional, always-fresh beef and are very popular among my friends.

Best Ice Cream

Without a doubt, the best ice cream in the city is at Gelateria di Berna, with locations in the Marzili as well as the Breitenrain, Länggass, and Mattenhof neighborhoods.

Sustainability and local products are central to their philosophy, and there’s no shortage of gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan options either.

What makes this place so special is the adventurous flavor combinations — think pineapple basil, marzipan poppy seed, and raspberry ginger. My personal favorite: Sorbetto di Cioccolato fondente and Fragola Aceto Balsamico.

My tip: Definitely try the waffles too.

Best Breakfast

I can recommend the Wartsaal and Du Nord in the Lorraine neighborhood, Café Montag in the old town, and the Botanical Garden café, where you can dine surrounded by cacti and succulents. For bagel lovers, Café Tingel-Kringel in the Länggasse neighborhood is also a must.

Vegetarians and vegans are well catered to at all of the cafés mentioned above.

Important: Don’t forget to make a reservation — Bern locals love to brunch!

If you’re after a healthy breakfast on the go, check out the bakery BakeryBakery in the Breitenrain neighborhood, which exclusively offers vegan, regional, and high-quality products.

You’ll find croissants, fresh bread, cream slices, smoothies, oat milk cappuccinos, and much more. The bakery now has several locations across Switzerland.

Going Out at Night?

In summer, a perfect evening for me looks something like this: staying at the Marzili until the sun goes down, enjoying an appetizer (bread, olives, sun-dried tomatoes) and a refreshing drink at one of the pop-up spots, then dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.

We usually wrap up the evening at the Turnhalle, a cozy bar near the train station.

In winter, I recommend a mulled wine at the Sternenmarkt followed by a cozy get-together in one of the vaulted cellars in the old town.

If you still want to dance afterward, be sure to check the Turnhalle’s program — various bands and DJs regularly bring a lively atmosphere to the venue.

Where to Stay in Bern

Hotel Tips

Since I’ve never personally stayed in a hotel in Bern, I can’t claim to be an expert here. Still, I’ve done a bit of research for you.

The Bern Youth Hostel is located right between the Aare and the Bundeshaus, near the Marzili outdoor pool. It offers 15 double rooms with shower/toilet and various dormitory-style rooms.

Thanks to generous windows, all rooms have beautiful views — and after waking up you can jump straight into the Aare or go for a jog. The city center and old town are also within easy walking distance.

For nature lovers, I also want to recommend the Eichholz campsite, which is also right on the Aare.

The campsite is peacefully situated, surrounded by large green spaces, with easy access to the Aare for swimming. The city center can be reached either by a longer walk (30–40 minutes) or by public transit, which every campsite guest can use for free.

For something a little more luxurious, I recommend the Hotel Gurten, which sits on the local mountain and offers indescribable views. The hotel has just two lovingly furnished rooms.

A strong emphasis is placed on natural materials and sustainability. The room rate includes breakfast, a pampering Sunday brunch, a well-stocked minibar, a generously packed picnic basket, and the Bern Ticket, which lets you use public transit in zones 100/101.