Discover the Best of Bern in 5 Days

Experience the historic charm of Bern, Switzerland's captivating capital city.

17 June 2023

As a tourist visiting Bern, Switzerland, you can explore the historic Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy views of the River Aare. You can also visit famous attractions in the city, such as the Bern Cathedral, the Swiss Alpine Museum, and the Zentrum Paul Klee Museum. Additionally, you can sample local Swiss cuisine and enjoy some of the best Swiss chocolate at various cafes and restaurants.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Bern

  • Check into Hotel Schweizerhof a beautiful hotel located in central Bern
  • Grab lunch at Rösterei Kaffee, the coolest coffee shop in town
  • Take a scenic walk around the city and visit Parliament Square, Clock Tower, and Berner Münster
  • Indulge in Swiss cheese fondue at Kornhauskeller, a historic restaurant
Day 2

Explore Old Town

  • Start the day with a morning coffee and croissant at Einstein Cafe
  • Explore the charming Old Town and its markets, shops, and fountains
  • Visit the Zytglogge (Clock Tower); every hour, the mechanical figures come alive, a sight not to be missed!
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at the famous Rose Garden, soaking in the stunning views of the city
  • Visit the Bern Historical Museum and Kunsthaus Bern, both housing impressive art and history exhibitions
Day 3

Discover Swiss Culture

  • Take a train to Emmental, the birthplace of Emmental cheese
  • Visit a dairy farm and watch the cheese-making process in action
  • Enjoy samples of freshly made cheese and try the local beverage, Rivella
  • Visit the Kambly biscuit factory for a sweet treat
  • Head back to Bern and dine at Restaurant Ruben's, known for its traditional Swiss cuisine
Day 4

Experience the Outdoors

  • Start the day with a trip to Gurten, Bern's very own mountain
  • Take the funicular railway to the top and enjoy the stunning views of the city and mountains
  • Have a picnic lunch and hike around the area
  • Visit the BearPark and get up close to Bern's beloved symbols of the city
  • Dine at Hüsy, a rustic Swiss chalet in the countryside, specializing in hearty Swiss dishes
Day 5

Relax and Unwind

  • Sleep in and begin the day with a relaxing spa treatment at Hotel Bellevue Palace
  • Take a walk around the Aare River and enjoy the city's green spaces
  • Visit the BEA Expo, a fantastic exhibition showcasing Swiss agriculture, culture, and science
  • End the day with dinner at Jack's Brasserie, located within Hotel Schweizerhof, and try their signature dish Wiener Schnitzel.
  • Enjoy your time in Bern and don't forget to explore every corner of the beautiful city!

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Romantic Bliss in Bern: A 4-Day Guide

Experience the perfect romantic getaway in Bern, Switzerland, where you can admire the breathtaking views of the city's historic Old Town and the shimmering River Aare. Take a romantic stroll through the cobbled streets, visit the famous Bern Rose Garden, and enjoy an intimate dinner in one of the charming restaurants in the city. Indulge in the city's famous chocolates, take a leisurely boat ride on the river, and soak up the serene vibes of this picturesque Swiss city with your significant other.

Bern, Switzerland: 3 Days of Family Fun and Adventure!

Bern, Switzerland offers a perfect family-friendly trip, with its charming Old Town and excellent array of kid-friendly activities. Explore the famous Bear Park, where kids can observe and learn about the resident bears in a natural habitat. Visit the interactive Swiss Museum of Communication, which showcases the evolution of communication technology and offers engaging exhibits for all ages.

Budget Bliss: The Ultimate 3-Day Guide to Bern

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.

2 Days of Adventure: Budget Travels to Bern

A trip to Bern, Switzerland on a limited budget can be an enjoyable and affordable experience. Famous for its beautiful old town, Bern offers plenty of free attractions like the historic Clock Tower, the Rose Garden, and the Bear Pit. Staying in budget accommodation and eating at local markets can save you money while still experiencing the city's rich culture and history.