When to visit Bern: June to August for warm days along the Aare river, though pack for occasional rain typical of Swiss summers
When is the best time to visit Bern?
Avg Temp
14–24°C
Rainfall
Moderate, ~95mm/month
Best Time
June to August for warm days along the Aare river, though pack for occasional rain typical of Swiss summers
Packing Tips (4)
- Light layers for mild days and cooler evenings
- A compact rain jacket for sudden showers
- Comfortable shoes for the Old Town's cobblestones and arcades
- Swimwear if you plan to float the Aare river like locals do
What does Bern cost?
Typical prices
- Budget mealCHF 20.00
- Mid-range mealCHF 45.00
- CappuccinoCHF 4.50
- Domestic beerCHF 7.00
- Taxi (per km)CHF 4.00
- Public transport ticketCHF 4.60
- Museum entryCHF 20.00
- Mid-range hotel (night)CHF 220.00
Local currency: CHF
Food & Drink
Kornhauskeller
A grand vaulted cellar restaurant in the former granary building, serving Swiss and international dishes under an ornate painted ceiling.
Zunft zu Webern
A historic guild-hall restaurant known for classic Bernese dishes like Berner Platte, a hearty meat-and-sauerkraut platter.
Restaurant Lorenzini
A well-regarded Italian restaurant and cafe in the Old Town, popular for aperitivo and pasta.
Altes Tramdepot
A brewery-restaurant in a converted tram depot near the Bear Park, known for its own beers and Swiss pub fare.
Della Casa
A traditional, unpretentious restaurant near the train station serving classic Bernese comfort food since the 1930s.
Bar Aarbergerhof
A popular Old Town bar known for its extensive gin selection and lively evening crowd.
ISC Club Bern
One of Bern's main nightclubs, hosting DJs and dance nights near the train station.
Turnhalle
A converted gymnasium turned bar and restaurant, popular for evening drinks and a relaxed crowd.
Culture & History
Zentrum Paul Klee
A striking Renzo Piano-designed museum on Bern's outskirts holding the world's largest collection of Paul Klee's work.
Kunstmuseum Bern
Switzerland's oldest art museum, with collections ranging from medieval works to Picasso and the controversial Gurlitt trove.
Einstein Museum (Historical Museum of Bern)
Housed alongside the Bern Historical Museum, documenting Albert Einstein's years living and working in Bern.
Bern Historical Museum
A large museum covering Bernese and world history and cultures, in a castle-like building near the Parliament.
Kino Rex Bern
A well-known cinema near the train station showing both mainstream and original-language international films.
Cinématte
An arthouse cinema and cultural venue by the Aare river, known for independent and classic film screenings.
Gurtenfestival
A major open-air music festival held on the Gurten hill overlooking Bern.
Zibelemärit (Onion Market)
A traditional autumn market where vendors sell decorative onion braids and produce throughout the Old Town.
Nature & Outdoors
Aare River banks at Marzili
Locals swim and float down the fast-flowing Aare River here in summer, then relax on the grassy riverside lawns.
Gurten
Bern's local hill, reached by funicular, with walking trails and views over the city and the distant Alps.
Active & Fun
Migros Fitnesscenter Bern
A widely available Swiss fitness chain with a centrally located branch.
Marzili Freibad
An outdoor riverside swimming pool complex fed by the Aare, a Bern summer institution since 1930.
Cities in Switzerland
Planning Bern?
Try a ready-made trip first.
Open the demo trip with no sign-up: Barcelona on your own, or Rome, Florence and Venice as a group. Then plan Bern your way.