Bern Travel Guide
Weather, best time to visit, and the best food, culture, nature and activities.
Food & Drink
- KornhauskellerSwiss, European · $$$$
Located in a magnificent cellar, this restaurant offers traditional Swiss and European cuisine in a grand, historic setting.
- Restaurant RosengartenSwiss, International · $$$
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Bern while dining on refined local and international dishes. Ideal for a romantic meal.
- Altes Tramdepot Brauerei und RestaurantSwiss, Brewery · $$
A popular brewery and restaurant situated right by the Bear Park, serving hearty Swiss fare and house-brewed beers.
- Mani'sEuropean, Seasonal · $$$
A cozy and modern restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative take on European dishes.
- Dachstock Reitschule
A renowned cultural center and club housed in a former riding school, famous for live concerts, DJ nights, and diverse music genres.
- ISC Club
An underground club offering a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse program of electronic music, indie nights, and themed parties.
- Kreissaal
A relaxed bar and lounge known for its cozy ambiance, creative cocktails, and occasional DJ sets, popular for evening drinks.
Culture & History
- Zentrum Paul Klee
An architectural marvel housing the world's most significant collection of works by artist Paul Klee, alongside exhibitions of other modern art.
- Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum
The second-largest historical museum in Switzerland, featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions on Bern's history, culture, and an extensive section dedicated to Albert Einstein.
- Kunstmuseum Bern (Museum of Fine Arts Bern)
Switzerland's oldest art museum, boasting a comprehensive collection spanning eight centuries, including works by Swiss and international masters.
- Pathé Westside
A large, modern multiplex cinema located in the Westside shopping and leisure center, showing the latest blockbusters in multiple languages.
- Kino Rex
A historic cinema in the city center known for its diverse program, including independent films, documentaries, and art-house productions.
- Gurtenfestival
One of Switzerland's largest and most famous music festivals, held annually on Gurten mountain, featuring international and national artists across various genres.
- Busker Street Festival
A lively street art and music festival that transforms Bern's Old Town into an open-air stage, showcasing artists from around the world.
Nature & Outdoors
- Marzili Bad
A famous public outdoor swimming area along the Aare River, featuring large sunbathing lawns, various pools, and direct river access for swimming.
- Lorraine Bad
Another popular and slightly more relaxed riverside swimming spot on the opposite side of the Aare, offering a natural swimming experience.
- Gurten
Bern's local mountain, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the Alps. Accessible by funicular, it features walking trails, playgrounds, and restaurants.
Active & Fun
- Activ Fitness Bern
A popular fitness chain with multiple locations across Bern, offering a wide range of strength and cardio equipment, as well as group classes.
- Update Fitness Bern
Modern fitness studios providing state-of-the-art equipment, personal training options, and various fitness courses.
- Marzili Bad
Part of the extensive Marzili complex, this outdoor pool area includes several pools (lap, non-swimmer, children's) in addition to river swimming.
- Weyermannshaus Bad
One of the largest outdoor swimming pools in Switzerland, featuring a huge natural pond for swimming, traditional pools, and extensive green spaces.