3-day city break to Bern: Old Town, culture, sights & places to visit

Contents:

• Day 1: A journey through time in Bern’s Old Town – from the Zytglogge to culinary delights
• Day 2: Art, communication and moments of flow
• Day 3: Nature, cheese and wellness – excursions around Bern
• Tips for your stay in Bern
• Conclusion: Bern’s charm lies in the details

Day 1: A journey through time in Bern’s Old Town – from the Zytglogge to culinary delights

Morning – Old Town charm and a delicious coffee to start the day

Start your stay in a relaxed manner with breakfast at the stylish Café VERSA. Over aromatic coffee, fresh pastries and in a stylish setting, your Bern experience begins with a touch of design and tranquillity – the perfect way to get in the mood for the city.

Afterwards, set off on your walking tour through the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Particularly impressive is Kramgasse, the heart of the historic centre. Lined with arcades, sandstone façades and fountains, the street runs dead straight through the Old Town. Here, boutiques, bookshops, cafés and craft workshops line the street. A highlight is the Zytglogge, the medieval clock tower with its famous figurine display – particularly impressive on the hour.

Lunchtime – Landmarks and Views

Just round the corner is the Kindlifresserbrunnen – one of the city’s most bizarre figures, still shrouded in mysterious legends to this day. Continue your walk to the Bundeshaus, the seat of the Swiss government. From the neighbouring Münsterplattform, you can enjoy sweeping views across the Aare as far as the Alps – and if the weather is on your side, this is also a wonderful spot for a little picnic in the countryside.

Afternoon – In Einstein’s footsteps

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Einstein House, where Albert Einstein lived between 1903 and 1905. The small but impressive exhibition offers insights into his life in Bern – and into the period when he developed the foundations of the theory of relativity.

Afterwards, there’s time for a leisurely stroll through the small boutiques and galleries of the Old Town or a break at one of the many street cafés.

Evening – Dinner in the Gewölbesaal

To round off the day, a special culinary experience awaits you at the Kornhauskeller. The magnificent hall, with its high vaulted ceilings and blend of history and modernity, creates a unique atmosphere. The cuisine is creative, seasonal and rooted in the region – a stylish end to a first day full of new impressions.

Day 2: Art, communication and moments of flow

Morning – Pure culture

Start the day at the Kunstmuseum Bern, Switzerland’s oldest art museum. The collection spans from the Middle Ages to the present day and includes works by Ferdinand Hodler, Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee and many other great artists.

Next, head to the Zentrum Paul Klee on the eastern outskirts of the city – an architectural highlight designed by Renzo Piano and a must-see for art lovers. The journey takes about 10 minutes: simply take bus no. 12 from ‘Bärenplatz’ directly to the ‘Zentrum Paul Klee’ stop. On the way, enjoy the changing views between urban Bern and the green surroundings. The light-filled building houses over 4,000 works by Klee and impresses not only with its art but also with its sweeping forms and inspiring atmosphere.

Lunch – Architectural & interactive

Back in the city, the Museum of Communication awaits you – interactive, surprising and the recipient of numerous awards. Here, communication isn’t just explained, but brought to life in a playful way.

For lunch, the Altes Tramdepot near the Bärengraben is the perfect choice – Bernese brewing excellence with views of the Old Town and the River Aare. The building was constructed in 1889–90 as a depot for the historic pneumatic tram and was later converted into a brewery and restaurant. Today, you can enjoy home-brewed beers, hearty cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere here – perfect for a delightful break.

Afternoon – The Aare instead of the tarmac: home by boat

After your visit to the museum, the afternoon offers the chance to experience Bern from a new perspective. If you fancy taking it easy, take a stroll to the Rosengarten, enjoy the view of the old town and then visit the Bärengraben – Bern’s animal landmark.

Or would you prefer something active and unforgettable?
In summer, there’s a very special experience on offer: a trip by rubber dinghy or SUP from Thun to Bern. The route, around 20 km long, winds through an idyllic river landscape – past woods, sandbanks and swimming spots. The starting point is the lock in Thun, and the destination is the Eichholz river bathing spot near Bern. Anyone arriving here has definitely earned an aperitif.

Evening – rounding off the day with a view and a rooftop atmosphere

Back in Bern, you can round off the day in style – whether after a cultural outing or an adventure on the Aare. Our tip for warm evenings: a cocktail on the roof terrace of the Hotel Schweizerhof – with views over the city’s rooftops. Alternatively, the Dampfzentrale Bern, right on the banks of the Aare, offers creative cuisine in an urban setting.

Either way, Bern shows its most enjoyable and relaxed side in the evening.

Day 3: Nature, cheese, wellness – day trips around Bern

Morning – Three ways to start the day on a high note

The final day of your stay in Bern is the perfect opportunity to venture beyond the city limits – and discover the region’s many different facets: whether it’s a view from the local mountain, a trip to the rolling hills of the Emmental or soothing relaxation in a saltwater spa – each option offers a special way to round off your trip.

Option 1: Gurten – Bern’s green vantage point
Just ten minutes from the city centre lies the Gurten, Bern’s local mountain. The historic Gurtenbahn takes you up in comfort (the journey is free with the Bern Ticket) – and once there, a breathtaking panoramic view of Bern and the Alps awaits you.Numerous walking trails, a viewing tower, meadows, playgrounds and a panoramic restaurant make the Gurten the ideal destination for nature lovers, families and anyone who wants to experience the city from above. A real highlight, especially in fine weather – peaceful, close by and yet impressive. The Gurten is one of Bern’s most versatile attractions, perfectly combining relaxation with stunning views.

Option 2: Emmental – rolling hills and a cheese-making tradition
About an hour’s drive from Bern, the idyllic Emmental invites you to enjoy an authentic day out. The lovely rolling hills, lush greenery and traditional farmhouses characterise the landscape of this region.
A visit to an Emmental show cheese dairy is an experience for all the senses: watch the cheese being made, take a peek into the maturing cellars and sample fresh Emmental specialities right there on the spot. 

Option 3: Schönbühl Salt Baths – Deep-acting relaxation
Just around 30 minutes from Bern lies the Schönbühl Salt Baths , Switzerland’s largest natural saltwater spa. The 35°C thermal water, with its high salt content, provides soothing relaxation and carries you almost weightlessly through the pool.
Indoor and outdoor areas, various saunas, steam baths and relaxation rooms create the perfect space to recharge. Those who wish can also treat themselves to a massage or beauty treatment.

Lunch – savouring regional specialities

Depending on the route you choose, you’ll enjoy lunch in a variety of different locations:

• On the Gurten, the restaurant serves traditional dishes with a stunning view.
• In the Emmental, traditional inns serve rösti, Züpfe, and meat and cheese specialities.
• At the Schönbühl spa, the bistro serves fresh, light meals in peaceful surroundings.

Afternoon – Shopping under the arcades

Back in Bern, it’s well worth taking an afternoon stroll through the arcades of the Old Town – at over six kilometres, one of the longest covered shopping streets in Europe and also one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.

Our tip for cheese lovers: at Zur Chäshütte you’ll find a fine selection of regional cheeses – from tangy alpine cheese to creamy soft cheese, lovingly packaged and perfect as a culinary souvenir. If you’re looking for stylish gifts and inspiring ideas, do pop into Kitchener – a concept store for fashion, lifestyle and accessories with an international flair. Nearby, it’s well worth a visit to The New New Bern – a stylishly curated second-hand shop offering high-quality clothing and accessories. Sustainable, modern and carefully selected – ideal for anyone seeking fashion with character and attitude. Don’t miss: Zweiblatt, a beautiful concept store for timeless design, home accessories, stationery and lovely things to take home.

For a special coffee break: Jusq’à Bern – minimalist, high-quality, and, according to many locals, simply the best coffee in town. 

Evening – A culinary finale by the Aare

To round off your trip, we recommend dinner at the elegant Casa Novo, situated right on the Aare. This stylish restaurant combines Mediterranean cuisine with Swiss sophistication – accompanied by an excellent wine list and personalised service. In summer, you can sit on the terrace overlooking the water, whilst inside, elegant design and a warm atmosphere invite you to linger. 

A fitting end to three delightful days in Bern.

Tips for your stay in Bern

• Bern Ticket: An overnight stay in a hotel, youth hostel or at an official campsite in Bern automatically includes the Bern Ticket. This allows you to use public transport in zones 100/101 free of charge – including the Gurtenbahn, Marzilibahn and Münsterplattform lift.

• Getting there & getting around: Bern is easily accessible by train. From the main station, you can reach the heart of the Old Town in just a few minutes. If you’re travelling by car, it’s best to use one of the central car parks. The city itself is ideal for exploring on foot.

• Best time to visit: Bern is at its best from spring to autumn. In late summer in particular, the city enchants visitors with its warm light, peaceful atmosphere and pleasant temperatures.

• Our hotel recommendations:
  – Hotel Alpenblick – A stylish 3* superior hotel in a quiet location, with a charming garden, modern rooms and a direct tram link to the city centre.
  – Hotel Landhaus – Personal, creative and right on the River Aare: a small Bernese city hotel full of character, not far from the Old Town.

Conclusion: Bern’s charm lies in the details

Bern surprises – not with superlatives, but with style, serenity and substance. The Old Town captivates with history you can touch, the museums with inspiring depth, and the surrounding area with its green diversity. Whether strolling beneath the arcades, taking in the view from the cathedral platform or enjoying an aperitif by the Aare – Bern works its magic quietly but lastingly. Anyone who spends three days in the city will be rewarded with lasting impressions: cultural, culinary and through sights that reflect Bern’s character in a special way.