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Bern

Switzerland

Pace: balanced Historic Scenic Charming Relaxed
Ideal trip length
2 - 4 days
Busiest
Jun-Aug
Bern
Destination
Dates
Guests 1 room, 1 adults, 0 children
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Where to stay

Hotels in Bern

Book direct on our own Bern hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

At a glance

Climate
Temperate
Languages
German and French and English
Local currency
CHF (CHF)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
2–4 days
Cost level
4 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Old Town (Altstadt)
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
Not mandatory, appreciated for good service.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Berner Platte Rösti Swiss Cheese Fondue Meringues

When to visit Bern

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: July Busiest: Jun-Aug
  1. Jan
    30

    Cold, snowy, festive

  2. Feb
    35

    Chilly, often snowy

  3. Mar
    45

    Cool, melting snow

  4. Apr
    60

    Mild, spring blooms

  5. May
    75

    Pleasant, green

  6. Jun
    85

    Warm, long days

  7. Jul
    90

    Hot, ideal for Aare

  8. Aug
    88

    Warm, summer festivals

  9. Sept
    80

    Mild, autumn colors

  10. Oct
    65

    Cool, crisp air

  11. Nov
    40

    Cold, misty, quiet

  12. Dec
    50

    Chilly, festive markets

Things to do in Bern

8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Bear Park (BärenPark)

Aare River 1.5 hrs

Observe Bern's symbolic bears roaming freely along the Aare River.

Outdoors Good for children

Bundeshaus (Parliament Building)

Old Town 1 hr

Admire the impressive architecture and join a guided tour of Switzerland's Parliament.

Indoors

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Bern Minster

Old Town 1.5 hrs

Climb Switzerland's tallest cathedral tower for panoramic city views.

Indoors Good for children

Aare River Swim

Aare River 2 hrs

Experience the refreshing current of the emerald Aare River, a local summer tradition.

Outdoors Good for children

Rose Garden (Rosengarten)

East of Old Town 1.5 hrs

Enjoy stunning views of the Old Town, Aare loop, and Alps from a beautiful park.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

3 places

Zytglogge Clock Tower

Old Town 0.5 hrs

Witness the intricate hourly show of Bern's iconic medieval clock tower.

Outdoors Good for children

Einstein House

Old Town 1 hr

Explore the apartment where Albert Einstein developed the theory of relativity.

Indoors

Kramgasse Arcades

Old Town 2 hrs

Wander through the historic arcades, discovering boutiques, cafes, and cellars.

Indoors Good for children

Bern itineraries

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For couples

2 Days in Bern — Romance

Discover the enchanting beauty and intimate charm of Switzerland's capital with your loved one.

This two-day itinerary is crafted for couples seeking a romantic escape amidst Bern's medieval charm and stunning natural beauty. From historic arcades and panoramic viewpoints to intimate riverside dining, experience the city's most enchanting spots. Perfect for those who cherish shared moments and picturesque settings.

2 Days 10 Stops
See the full plan
Things to book

Tours and activities in Bern

Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.

Practical ratings

Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.

Eating & Culinary

Berner Platte 95 · Outstanding
Rösti 87 · Outstanding
Swiss Cheese Fondue 78 · Very good
Meringues 70 · Good

Signature Experiences

Zytglogge Clock Tower 95 · Outstanding
Bear Park (BärenPark) 91 · Outstanding
Bern Minster 88 · Outstanding
Aare River Swim 84 · Very good
Einstein House 81 · Very good
Rose Garden (Rosengarten) 77 · Very good
Bundeshaus (Parliament Building) 74 · Good
Kramgasse Arcades 70 · Good

Best Suitable For

Couples 95 · Outstanding
Families 87 · Outstanding
Friends 78 · Very good
Luxury 70 · Good

Planning & Tips

Invest in a Bern Ticket for free public transport upon arrival. 95 · Outstanding
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. 83 · Very good
Book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak summer season. 70 · Good

Ratings and recommendations are curated from local travel data.

Near Bern

Straight-line distance from the centre of Bern.

Getaways from Bern

Places people from Bern travel to, from our own travel research.

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