24 Best Bern Tourist Spots And Things To Do In Bern (Travel Guide)

Last updated on August 7th, 2022 at 04:55 am

There are many things to do in Bern, the capital of Switzerland. Since is one of the most touristic places to visit in Switzerland getting flights from the whole Europe. There are also flights from Geneva and by train will be the best option to get to Bern. Read here how to get from Zurich airport to Bern and Basel airport to Bern.

We will write all Bern tourist spots from beautiful churches and cathedrals in old town to day trips that you can visit like around the capital area. Nice places in city center if you like nightlife. Keep reading below our Bern travel guide. Read here prepaid Switzerland sim card.

Read here Instagrammable places in Switzerland, Switzerland trip cost, Switzerland travel tips, Switzerland road trip, Harder Kulm Hike, tips for driving in Switzerland, things to do in Lausanne, things to do in Lucerne, things to do in Zurich, Wild camping in Switzerland, our budget travel in Switzerland, the best Switzerland sim card, things to do in Geneva and our favorite Instagrammable places in Paris.

BERN TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET TO BERN

There are daily buses and trains going from Zurich and Lucern to Bern. If you drive from Zurich to Bern and from main of the places around will be 1-2 hours by car. I went during my road trip from Interlaken to Bern and it was less than 1 hour driving.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BERN

Bern is a small city that you can visit the whole year. In winter will be the best time for visiting if you are looking for Ski Resorts and similar activities around the area or if you like cold weather.

While the weather during fall is still warm and dry, temperatures and room rates have dropped considerably compared to the peak season. So, the best time to visit this Bern itinerary is actually from September to November.

Click here to know more about the weather in Bern!

BERN ITINERARY DAILY BUDGET TRAVEL

There are many ways for exploring this Bern itinerary. You can go walking around Bern or getting public transportation for around 2€ a single bus ticket. You can go by bicycle too and electric scooter since there are many ways for this.

There are meals in Bern at local restaurants for as low as €20-30. Those who want to eat something a bit fancier can have a meal at a mid-range restaurant for around €40-60 or even less if you have someone to split the bill with. Dinner at a top restaurant in Bern can go for €70-150.

There are all sorts of accommodations in Bern. From hostels and B&Bs to apartments and hotels, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. For example, staying at a hostel or booking a dorm bed goes for around €40. A room at a mid-range hotel or a nice apartment can cost around €100-150.

Luxury hotels in Bern can charge €200 and higher. If you want to stay somewhere comfortable and safe minus the cost, you can always try AirBnB in Bern. There are entire apartments that go for as low as €100. We think that’s especially lucky because you can click here to get €25 off your first booking with AirBnB!

Click here to book your accommodation in Bern with Agoda and Booking.

THINGS TO DO IN BERN AND BERN TOURIST SPOTS

1. Nydeggbrücke Bridge

Nydeggbrücke Bridge crosses over the Aare was built in 1840 and took three years to build. It’s one of the most popular Bern tourist spots and you will see the views while walking around the city center.

2. Bern Cathedral

Bern Cathedral also called Bern Minster is a Swiss Reformed cathedral in Gothic style. Bern Cathedral was started in 1421 and completed in 1893. Bern Cathedral is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland. One of Bern tourist spots that you can’t miss!

3. Walking Around Old Town

Bern is nice and quiet place to walk around the old town. One of my favorite things to do in Bern was enjoying the vibe with the squares, fountains and the bridges around the city center.

4. Views At The Rosengarten

The Rosengarten in Bern is one of my favorite Bern tourist spots. You can get the most beautiful views of the city just walking up 15 minutes far from city center. The Rosengarten is a beautiful park if you are traveling with kids is a must.

5. Clock Tower

Clock Tower also called The Zytglogge is a medieval tower that was built in 13th century. Clock Tower has served as guard tower, prison and clock tower part of the Old City of Bern a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

6. Kramgasse Street And The Fountains

Kramgasse Street is the most popular street for tourists in Bern. You can go walking and with the bus. You will see a few fountains while walking in the middle of Kramgasse Street and bars and restaurants on the side.

7. Hike At Gurten

Hike Gurten is a hard trek but not very long. It can take you around 40 minutes to reach to the top to get the views, climb the tower or enjoying in Gurten Park the activities. If you don’t feel hiking you can take the funicular.

8. Activities at Gurten Park

Activities at Gurten Park is one of the best things to do in Bern especially if you are traveling with kids. There is so much entertainment in the area and places to run, relax and taking snacks if you like.

9. Hamman and Spa Oktogon

Hamman and Spa Oktogon can be the best place if you want to relax and having a luxury experience. It’s one of the most popular Spa in Europe and you will spend 2-3 hours where you will forget about everything.

10. Freibad Marzili (Pool In The River)

Freibad Marzili (Pool In The River) was one of my favorite Bern tourist spots. You will see a few people swimming in the river and a few enjoying the garden and pool areas. There is no entrance fee and there are lockers to keep your belongings.

11. Swimming at River Aare

Locals go to the River for a swim in Bern. You go down and you stop in the middle of the city and yes you walk back to your place with your swimming suit. Even sounds weird is pretty normal for locals in Bern.

12. Trying Local Beers

Trying Local Beers is also a must since they are really good ones. Im just posting my favorite one and you can find in the supermarket and bars.

13. Nightlife in Bern

Nightlife in Bern is really nice and you will find bars with live music where you can also order some food while drinking or listening to the music. In summer there are free concerts in the park and it’s really cool!

14. Try Swiss Chocolate

Trying Swiss chocolate is one of the best things to do in Bern and the whole Switzerland. If you have sweet tooth you should go for it. You can find them everywhere in the city.

15. Funicular to Gurten

You can take funicular to Gurten if you don’t feel hiking or you want to have the experience. The ticket for the funicular train costs one way 6 CHF and return 10,5 CHF for adults and half of the price for children. It will take just 5 minutes to go up or down while hiking can be 40 minutes to one hour.

16. Local Markets in Bern

Local Markets in Bern city center are really good and you will find them twice per week. It’s perfect for fruits, vegetables, cheese and other fresh product from the farmers. You will also be able to find some street food salty and sweet.

17. Paul Klee Center

Paul Klee Center is a museum dedicated to the artist Paul Klee and designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. Paul Klee Center was completed in 2005. Paul Klee Center entrance fee is 22 CHF for adults and 10 CHF for children. The Swiss Museum Pass is valid. Paul Klee Center opening hours is Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

18. Bundeshaus

The Bundeshaus is one of the most historic buildings in the country not only in Bern but also in Switzerland. The focus is the parliament building on Bundesplatz and there are a few common areas with a nice view. Where locals go to have their own lunch or having coffee.

19. The Einstein Museum and the Historical

The Einstein Museum and also called The Bern Historical Museum is the second largest historical museum in Switzerland. The Einstein Museum was designed by André Lambert and built in 1894. Bern Historical Museum The museum has collections related to the history of Bern from prehistoric times to the present times.

The Einstein Museum and The Bern Historical Museum entrance fee is 18 CHF for adults, 13 CHF for students and 8 CHF for kids.

MORE THINGS TO DO IN BERN AND BERN TOURIST SPOTS

Day Trips from Bern

Interlaken

Interlaken is less than one hour driving from Bern and its one of the best road trips that you can take. You can do hikes, take funiculars and enjoying the vibe of the town full of bars and restaurants.

21. Brienz

Brienz is one hour driving from Bern and it was one of my favorite spots to visit in Switzerland. Brienz isn’t so crowded as Interlaken and the views in the lake are amazing. You can walk or going by bicycle around the lake, swimming and other activities. Plus a few spots to park your camper to spend a night around the area.

22. Thun

Thun is a beautiful small town less than one hour driving from Bern. Half of the way between Interlaken and Brienz the other extreme of the lake. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in Thun city center and it’s so peaceful for enjoying the sunset swimming.

23. Lucern

Lucerne is a great choice for a day trip from Bern. You can even stay overnight since there are many places to visit. From castles, churches, museums to enjoy the vibe of bars and restaurants just one hour driving from Bern.

24. Lake Zug

Lake Zug will take you more than one hour driving from Bern. You can swim around the lake or hike up to enjoy the views. The water is so clear and the greeny scenery is so perfect for taking pictures and enjoying a day.

WHERE TO STAY IN BERN

There are all sorts of accommodations in Bern. From hostels and B&Bs to apartments and hotels, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. For example, staying at a hostel or booking a dorm bed goes for around €50. A room at a mid-range hotel or a nice apartment can cost around €100-150.

Luxury hotels in Bern can charge €200 and higher. If you want to stay somewhere comfortable and safe minus the cost, you can always try AirBnB in Bern. There are entire apartments that go for as low as €100. We think that’s especially lucky because you can click here to get €25 off your first booking with AirBnB!

Click here to book your accommodation in Bern with Agoda and Booking.

Having insurance while you are traveling outside your home country is very important. Make sure that you have one too, to keep you safe in your trips around the world.

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Happy Travels!