Itineraries

Discover Bern, the capital of Switzerland, with tours, hotels and restaurants

A perfect reflection of the
rest of Switzerland, Bern, the country's capital, is small, orderly, peaceful and incredibly beautiful.

Bern was founded at the end of the 12th century - it is said that the bear on its coat of arms was killed during the construction of the city. Most of the buildings in the centre, made of sandstone, are from the 16th and 17th centuries - houses and shops arranged between arcades on three parallel boulevards through which modern trams run permanently on time.

Switzerland blends nature and the urban with grace and precision, and it's no different here. Around the wooded centre runs the scenic River Aar, with its greenish waters coming from the glaciers - very high bridges connect it with the newer parts of the city. In the summer, people walk along the cobbled banks and even fall into the water, which is transparent in a way that makes anyone who thinks of São Paulo's River Tietê disbelieve them.

If you're captivated by this blend of history, nature and the urban rhythm of Bern and wish to experience it yourself, finding a top hotel to stay in will make your experience truly unforgettable. At Hotel deals in Switzerland at top-hotels-switzerland.com, you can find some of the best hotel deals in Switzerland that will place you right in the center of this remarkable city, adding to the allure of your visit.

For more options in Bern and other Swiss cities, tophotels.com offers a variety of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. From luxurious retreats in the heart of the city to quaint hideaways on the outskirts, your perfect stay awaits. Start planning your visit to Switzerland and experience the enchanting mix of history, nature, and urban sophistication that Bern embodies.

In two days you can enjoy Bern in its entirety: walk the cobbled streets and browse the little shops (for cheese, chocolate, watches and pocket knives, of course) and the historic buildings, discover the work of some of the figures who have lived there (Albert Einstein and Paul Klee), visit a handful of good restaurants, photograph to your heart's content the views of the river and the impeccable parks. And you slightly envy how well the 130,000 inhabitants live.

What to do in Bern: everything is in the centre (on the three boulevards) or just a short walk away.

The clock tower is a kind of heart of the centre (and houses a tram reference station). It was once part of a city defence wall and was rebuilt after the fire of 1405 to house a 1.4 tonne bell and a mechanical astronomical clock. As is the case in Prague, at busy times people gather in front of the tower to watch roosters, jesters and bears dancing to the gears.

Bern Cathedral and Münsterplattform

In a large square that hosts a colourful flower, fruit and food market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the monumental Cathedral began construction in 1421 in a late Gothic style. Those who brave the 344 steps can climb the tower to see the view (the ticket is included in the transport card you receive at the hotel). Right next door is the Münsterplattform, a garden square where children play in the grass, a hippie plays the guitar (I got the impression he's the only hippie in Bern) and people drink beer at outdoor tables in the summer. Walk around the perimeter of the wall that surrounds it to admire the view of the river - check out the pretty set of gardens of the lucky people who live in the little houses next door.

Bern History Museum (Einstein Museum)

Housed in an imposing palace from the late 19th century, the Einstein Museum was born out of a temporary exhibition held in 2005 - it was in Bern that the German scientist developed the Theory of Relativity. I would have liked the museum to be more interactive and technological, but it's still worth a visit to learn curious details about Einstein's life, such as when he was spied on during the Cold War and the letters he exchanged with Freud. At the exit you can buy your own Einstein doll in various versions. Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, tickets CHF 18

Bärengraben

We don't like the fact that there are bears trapped here, but this 6,000 m² space is marvellous. You can go down some steps (or by lift) to the edge of the River Aar, walk along the stones and take photos with the Nydeggbrücke bridge. In the heat you can have a beer in the Altes Tramdepot restaurant.

Paul Klee Zentrum

The Swiss artist was one of the great artists of the 20th century. His informal, childlike and colourful style was influenced by the dimensionality of Cubism, the surrealist forms of Miró and the abstraction of Kandinsky. He painted while listening to music (his parents were musicians) and believed that art does not exist to "reproduce the visible; rather, it makes life visible". You can learn all this at this modern museum designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, which houses 4,000 works by Paul Klee (40 per cent of his oeuvre). Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, tickets CHF 20

Gurten

7 km from the centre, this is Bern's main mountain at 860 metres. There is a park with trails, a playground and a toboggan run for children, two restaurants and another chance to see the city from above. In July, the Gurtenfestival is in full swing. You can get there by funicular railway from Wabern station (30 minutes from Zytglogge).

Rosengarten

A 1913 park lined with a mirror of water with nymphs and irises, roses and azaleas among impeccable lawns where heat-hungry Swiss stretch out their canga on summer days. At the far end of the park, a wall offers an incredible panorama of the old centre and, always, the River Aar. The walk is even better with lunch at the outdoor tables of the Rosengarten restaurant (see below). It was one of our favourite walks in Bern.

Newsletter

Sign up with your email address to receive the best travel stories directly to your inbox

Leave this field empty if you're human:

Shops

Yes, the centre has the usual shops like H&M and Desigual. A little more expensive than usual because we're in Switzerland and a little more charming because we're in Bern. But it's all about exploring the arcades (check out the shops below street level, in former storage basements) to find interesting local shops like Chäsbuebwhich sells a wide range of Swiss cheeses and other delicacies. For marvellous chocolates, check out Confiserie Tschirren AG and Läderach (or pop into the Coop supermarket and stock up on Lindt flavours to bring back). Check out Iljos Cucina for the home and kitchen, the Yamatuti for gifts, toys and decorative objects (there's everything there, Anna and I went crazy over some VERY cute socks), and the Heimatwerk Bern for expensive but authentic souvenirs made by Swiss artisans.

READ ALSO: 10 apps for lazy travellers

Bern Ticket - By booking any hotel (and even some Airbnb flats) you receive a free public transport ticket valid for the entire duration of your stay. It includes transport on all the city's buses and trams, the funicular up Gurten Mountain and the lift up to the tower of Bern Cathedral.

Where to eat in Bern

Adriano's

In the city's best café, which is almost always full, cool baristas serve freshly ground espresso beans. There are some sandwiches to satisfy your hunger.

Restaurant Rosengarten (photo)

This is the perfect spot for lunch in one of the city's most special locations: Rosengarten Park. We loved the photos we took sitting at an outdoor table with a marvellous view. There are dishes such as salad with goat's cheese, pears and walnuts and spaghetti with voggoli - the executive menu has a starter and main course for CHF 20.

Kornhauskeller

The setting is sensational: in a former 18th century storage shed, the restaurant is housed under sandstone vaults with beautiful frescoes on the ceiling and walls. There's an area with sofas and more of a ~lounge~ atmosphere, with people sipping drinks, and another with tables covered in white tablecloths for those who want to try the Mediterranean menu (main courses range from CHF 24 to 55).

READ MORE: 9 ways to extend your trip

Casa Novo

It's the place for a quiet dinner in an elegant lounge with friendly service (our waiter was Swiss-Brazilian). The menu is all Spanish (as an aperitif you're offered cava, the country's champagne) - I had ceviche with verjus (unripe green grape juice) and pheasant breast with cranberry chutney, apple and caramelised walnuts. To eat slowly, enjoying the little surprises the chef sends at the beginning and end of the meal, and accepting the sommelier's suggestions for the wine of the day. 3-course menu for CHF 82.50.

Where to stay in Bern - hotel in Bern

Hotel Alpenblick (rates from CHF 200, BOOK HERE!)

In a residential area 10 minutes by tram from the centre and 850 metres from the Rosengarten, it cultivates a modern atmosphere. The reception area has a huge black and white photo covering the wall, a bicycle adorning the doorway and several lamps hanging from the ceiling. The rooms are simple (and the cheapest ones small), with some designer furniture, comfortable beds and powerful showers, all very new and clean. In the restaurant, the same black and white photos set the tone; the outdoor area, with tables with umbrellas and barrels decorated with potted plants, is delightful on sunny days.

Bern Backpackers Hotel&Hostel Glocke (rates from CHF 37 in a shared room and 75 in a private room)

Hostels are quite expensive here, as in cities like London and Paris. This one has simple but tidy decor and a satisfactory structure: good beds with duvets, new bathrooms and a clean kitchen. The location in the centre is undoubtedly excellent

Hotel-Pension Marthahaus (rates from CHF 135)

A friendly B&B set in a white, flowery house. The rooms are basic but comfortable and the breakfast is generous.

Smart tip: as hotels are quite expensive, it's worth renting a flat or room on Airbnb.

Hotel Schweizerhof (rates from CHF 350)
For those who like classic, glamorous hotels, this one has hosted the likes of Liz Taylor. Its 99 elegant rooms have Nespresso machines and crystal chandeliers, and the facilities include a spa and a French brasserie.