Best Places to Visit in Bern, Switzerland

The historic Old Town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most well-preserved medieval city centres in Europe. The city captures its timeless charm through its narrow cobblestone streets, colourful medieval buildings and vibrant public squares.

The Zytglogge (Clock Tower) is the most iconic landmark in Bern. This medieval tower was originally built as a city gate, and was later transformed into a remarkable astronomical clock. This magnificent clock tower features a mesmerising mechanical show four minutes before every hour, and ranks amongst the must-visit places to visit in Bern in one day​.

The Bern Minster Cathedral is a breathtaking masterpiece of Swiss Gothic architecture. It is the tallest cathedral in Switzerland and is one of the most striking landmarks in the historic city of Bern. Here, visitors can explore the intricate stone carvings and climb the 312 steps of the tower to the best panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The Bundeshaus (Parliament Building) is one of the most impressive architectural landmarks in Bern. This grand neo-Renaissance building sits majestically above the Aare River and offers visitors a chance to witness its impressive architecture.

The Bern Historical Museum is a castle-like, neo-Gothic building that houses Switzerland's second-largest cultural history museum. The museum combines centuries of Swiss history with the fascinating life and discoveries of Albert Einstein, who developed his groundbreaking ideas while living in Bern.

The Rosengarten (Rose Garden) is widely regarded as the most beautiful park in Bern. The park sits on a hillside above the Old Town. From here, visitors enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the historic rooftops, 400+ varieties of roses the winding Aare River and the distant Swiss Alps.

The list of the best places to visit in Bern, Switzerland, is incomplete ​without the Bear Park. The bear has been the symbol of Bern for centuries, and the park offers visitors a chance to observe Bern’s iconic bears in a spacious riverside habitat. The BarenPark is located at the eastern end of the old town. So, you can combine your day with a walk up to the Rosengarten for the perfect Bern morning itinerary.

The Aare River is the city’s natural playground and an integral part of local life. From swimming in its crystal-clear, turquoise waters to relaxing along its peaceful riverbanks, the Aare River offers the ultimate outdoor relaxation zone within the Swiss capital.

Bern is home to over 100 public fountains. However, the eleven elaborate Renaissance fountains are living symbols of the city’s history and artistry. These decorative fountains are scattered throughout the cobblestone streets of the Altstadt.

Reaching Bern is incredibly convenient as the federal city sits at the heart of Switzerland’s rail network. Most travelers arrive via direct intercity trains from Zurich Airport (75 mins) or Geneva Airport (under 2 hours), pulling into the Bern Hauptbahnhof, which is centrally located just steps from the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Getting around the city is best done on foot due to its compact nature, or by using the dense network of red Bernmobil trams and buses. For a unique experience, don't miss the Marzilibahn, one of Europe’s shortest funiculars, which connects the parliament district to the riverside Marzili quarter.

Tip: The Bern Ticket is provided for free to anyone staying at least one night in commercial accommodation in the city. It grants unlimited free travel on all trams and buses in the central zones (100/101), including the Gurten and Marzili funiculars.

• Book Your Old Town Tours Early: As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bern’s historic center is a major draw. It is highly recommended to book these tours at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Use the Bern Ticket for Transit: If you stay at least one night in any registered accommodation (hotel, hostel, or campsite) in the city, you will receive the Bern Ticket upon check-in. This grants you 100% free travel on all trams and buses in the city zones (100/101), and even includes the Gurten funicular and the Marzili lift.
• Dress for the Aare River: If you visit in the summer and plan to join the locals for the traditional Aare Swim, remember that this is a glacial river. Even on a hot 30°C day, the water remains brisk. Pack a waterproof bag (locally called an Aarebag) to keep your clothes dry while you float, and wear sturdy water shoes for the pebble-lined entry points.
• Start Your Sightseeing at the Rosengarten: For the best photography, head to the Rose Garden between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. Starting here gives you a stunning panoramic view of the Old Town while it's backlit by the morning sun, and you’ll avoid the heavy tour groups that arrive at the nearby Bear Park later in the afternoon.
• Respect the River Currents: The Aare flows very quickly and is meant for strong swimmers only. Always enter and exit at the designated red-railed steps. For your first time, it is advisable to walk the route along the bank first to spot your exit point, as missing it can result in being carried past the safe swimming zones.
• Use the Swiss Travel Pass for Museums: While the Bern Ticket covers transport, the Swiss Travel Pass is your key to culture. It provides free entry to Bern’s top-tier museums, including the Zentrum Paul Klee, the Einstein House, and the Bern Historical Museum. If you plan on visiting more than two museums, the pass pays for itself quickly.

To ensure you don’t miss any of these legendary spots of Bern, plan your Switzerland journey with our Switzerland tour packages for completely personalised itineraries designed to showcase the very best of this region along with other such regions.

Book our completely customizable Bern Tour Packages, for your hassle-free Bern Trip!

To help you plan the perfect trip, dive deeper into our specific guides:

Bern Travel Guide | Best Restaurants in Bern