Budget Bliss: The Ultimate 3-Day Guide to Bern

Experience Swiss charm without breaking the bank in Bern.

21 June 2023

Exploring Bern on a tight budget is still possible with numerous free activities such as visiting the historic Old Town, strolling through the Rosengarten park and admiring the street art in Matte district. Budget-friendly accommodation options include hostels and Airbnb rentals, and affordable meals can be found at local eateries and markets like the famous Berner Gourmet Market.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

The Old City and Cheese Fondue

  • Wander through the Old City's cobbled streets, admiring the medieval architecture and charming atmosphere.
  • Visit the Zytglogge clock tower and catch its hourly performance of moving figures.
  • Try the signature Swiss dish of cheese fondue at Aarbergerhof, where locals often dine.
  • Walk to the Rose Garden for stunning views of the city and the Alps in the distance.
  • End the night with drinks at Barbière, a cozy bar with a wide selection of local beers.
  • Stay at: Ibis Budget Bern Expo, a modern and affordable hotel located just outside the Old City.
Day 2

Museums and Bärengraben

  • Start the day at the Bernisches Historisches Museum, learning about Switzerland's history and culture.
  • Check out the contemporary art at the Kunstmuseum Bern.
  • Head to the Bärengraben to see Bern's most famous residents, the brown bears.
  • Visit the Einsteinhaus, where the famous physicist lived during his Annus Mirabilis.
  • Grab lunch at the food stalls at Bundesplatz, watching the bustling market atmosphere.
  • Eat at: Altes Tramdepot, a brewery and restaurant with views of the Old City and tasty pub-style food.
Day 3

Nature and Gelato

  • Take a train to Gurten, a nearby mountain with hiking trails and stunning views.
  • Have a picnic lunch at the top of Gurten and soak in the fresh mountain air.
  • Return to the city for some shopping at the markets along Kramgasse.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with gelato from Tio Gelato they have over 70 flavors!
  • End the trip with a farewell drink at OnTap, a quirky bar with an industrial-chic vibe.
  • Stay at: Ibis Budget Bern Expo, for another night of comfortable and affordable accommodation.
  • Bid adieu to Bern, feeling rejuvenated from its captivating mix of history, culture, and nature.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bern by plane is to fly into Bern Airport. From the airport, you can take the Bernmobil Bus No. 160 to the city center.

Car

The best way to get to Bern by car is to take the A1 motorway. The journey from Zurich takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. There are also several parking options in Bern's city center.

Train

The best way to get to Bern by train is to take a direct train from Zurich to Bern. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and arrives at Bern Central Station.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Bern, you can take a boat ride on the Aare River from neighboring towns such as Thun or Interlaken and enjoy the scenic journey to Bern's Old Town.

Bus

The best way to get to Bern by bus is to take the Flixbus from major cities in Europe to Bern Bus Station. The station is located in the city center and is easily accessible by foot or public transportation.

Destination

Bern

Nestled between towering mountains and rolling hills lies the picturesque city of Bern, one of the few places where you can enjoy chocolate, cheese, and cowbells all in one day.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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