8 Best Things to Do in Bern Switzerland on Your Vacation in 2024

Switzerland is visited by many and it’s a place with mighty ranges and snow-capped mountains with a view to die for. When someone thinks about Switzerland, two cities that pop in their mind are Geneva and Zurich or maybe even Zermatt. But the country has got many cities with beautiful views and pristine buildings. Bern is one such place. Bern, the capital city of Switzerland is filled with historical museums, churches and buildings. The city is truly beautiful and tranquil. In recent years, the city of Bern has been attracting quite a number of tourists through its warm charm. Though not big in size, there are a lot of things to do in Bern. For all history geeks out there, wander through this picturesque destination and get to know all about the rich culture through the statues and fountains that are present all over this small city.

8 Best Things to Do in Bern

• The Old Town
• Zentrum Paul Klee
• The Einstein and Historical Museum of Bern
• Hot Namamen
• Swim in the Aare
• Tierpark, Bern
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Rose Garden

1. The Old Town

The Old Town of Bern has got the status of World Heritage Site from UNESCO itself and hence a walk exploring the old town is one of the best things to do in Bern. Surrounded by turquoise waters, the town is situated on top of a cliff with arcades, small little wish fountains and cobbled streets stretched to over six kilometres. This old city has preserved its charm throughout the years showcasing statues, bookstores, and cute little cafes just around the corner making it rusty and quirky. 

Things to do:

• Take a guided tour to run through the narrow streets
• Try locating the 11 Renaissance fountains situated across the Old town of Bern
• Take pictures at the famous clock tower

2. Zentrum Paul Klee

Dedicated to the famous artist of Bern, Paul Klee, Zentrum Paul Klee is an art museum that was designed by an Italian architect Mr Renzo Piano. The design of the museum is that of a hilly terrain. With such wonderful architecture, it is one of the most photographed buildings in the town of Bern and also one of the best things to do in Bern. The museum is entirely dedicated to the paintings which showcase paintings based on themes that are changed throughout the year with at least 100 paintings displayed for every theme. The place guarantees that the paintings you see are never the same when you visit back. 

Open hours: Tuesday – Sunday between 10 AM and 5 PM

3. The Einstein and Historical Museum of Bern

The Einstein Museum and the Historical Museum of Bern are combined together and exist in a building that is approximately 130 years old. The structure of the building is that of 15th-century castles. It is also the second-largest museum in Switzerland. The historical museum exhibits objects and things dating back to the stone age and much backwards. Whereas, the Einstein museum exhibits the life of the scientist Mr Albert Einstein. The museum demonstrates how he lived during his period through letters, objects and films. The Nobel prize received by him is also on the display making a visit here to be one of the best things to do in Bern. 

Open hours: Tuesday – Sunday between 10 AM to 5 PM

4. Hot Namamen

Take a bite of Namamen, Japanese ramen with a bit of funky European twist. Hog the famous Namamen at the Japanese Noodle Bar located near the Westside shopping centre in Bern, as it one of the best things to do in Bern. Made out of pasta, algae and bamboo with mild spicy broth and a pinch of sesame and soy sauce, it makes sure your hunger is gone with just one serve. 

5. Swim in the Aare

The undisturbed river flowing on all three sides of the city of Bern is River Aare. The people of Bern are special about this river and treat it right and never pollute it. During the summer, when the temperature gets really hot, the people of Bern enjoy a swim in the river as it is considered to be one of the best things to do in Bern. The city of Bern considers swimming to be on UNESCO’s list of activities to do in Switzerland and also an official activity in the city during the summer season. Everyone is allowed to swim with appropriate clothing and strict rules implemented by the government to preserve the quality of Aare.

6. Tierpark, Bern

Whether it’s sunny outside or the chill breeze blows as soon as you step out, people of Bern love their days outdoor. If you are travelling with kids or you like watching animals at their natural habitat, take a stroll at the Tierpark, a wildlife zoo in the city of Bern, which is one of the best things to do in Bern. One of a kind, the zoo is split into two, the lower and the upper floor zoos. Find the animals from warmer climates in the lower floor of the zoo and while on top, go on long walks and spot pelicans and otters. If you are truly a nature lover, try having a picnic or lunches in one of the many tables available throughout the upper part of the zoo. Let your inner self out and find peace within, at such a pleasant place. 

Open hours: All days between 8:30 AM – 7 PM

7. Museum of Fine Arts

Museum of Fine Arts is the oldest museum that was ever opened in the county. The doors of the museum opened during 1879. The museum exhibits objects from the middle ages to the pieces that represented great movements up until the current day. There are over 2500+ paintings and sculptures and almost 40000 photos, sketches and films from different artists, visiting which makes it a must and one of the best things to do in Bern. 

Open hours: Tuesday – Sunday between 10 AM – 9 PM

8. Rose Garden

Located on the high grounds of Bern, is the Rose Garden close by the Baren park, one of the best things to do in Bern. What was once a cemetery was turned into a garden during the year 1913 after the plants were planted. The garden is filled with over 200 varieties of rose with 200 iris, lilies that bloom only in the month of July and 28 rhododendron types of roses and ponds, cute water fountains and lawn neatly mowed. 

For all the people who wish to travel to a heart warmed destination yet romantic, make sure the city of Bern is on your list. Visit Pickyourtrail to know all that is needed to travel to Bern and choose a Switzerland tour package or Switzerland honeymoon package from many available on our website and fly. You can also customize your vacation as you wish just by logging into our website or by speaking with one of our travel consultants. Hope you have a wonderful International tour packages with us ,Happy Travelling!