Bern 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Old Town Bern

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café LOSCHI, famous for its Swiss pastries and traditional breakfast dishes.
  • Visit the Zytglogge, the only remaining gate from Bern’s medieval city walls, which houses a clock tower with an intricate mechanical clock.
  • Stroll through Bear Park (Bärenpark), home to the symbolic animal of Bern.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Old Town (Altstadt) and its arcades, a unique architectural feature for which Bern is famous. Don’t miss the Parliament Buildings (Bundeshaus) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (ETH) main building.
  • Visit the Zentrum Paul Klee museum to admire the works of this famous Swiss artist.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant 14 GaultMillau, offering a variety of Swiss and international dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Take a leisurely evening walk along the Aare River, where you can see locals enjoying a dip on warm summer evenings.

Day 2: Discovering Bern’s Modern Side

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at Kornhauskeller, one of the oldest restaurants in Switzerland, located inside the Kornhaus building.
  • Visit the Swiss Federal Museum of History (Museum of Swiss Arms), a must for anyone interested in Swiss history and military artifacts.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the Rosengarten Rosarium, a beautiful rose garden with over 400 varieties of roses.
  • Head to the Dächli Museum, dedicated to traditional Swiss craftsmanship, particularly that of wooden toys.

Evening:

  • For dinner, head to La Terrasse, a restaurant offering an excellent selection of regional and international dishes with panoramic views of Bern.
  • End your day with a visit to the Rose Garden (Rosengarten) or the Tierpark Dählhölzli, Bern’s zoo, both perfect for a relaxing evening stroll.

Accommodation:

Transportation:

  • The city center is easily walkable, but you can also use the efficient public transportation system (TramWay). A day pass costs CHF 6 for adults and CHF 3 for children aged 6-16.

Things to Know:

  • Swiss Francs (CHF) are the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • The official language is German, but many people in Bern speak English as well.
  • Switzerland is famous for its chocolate and watches; consider buying a souvenir from one of the city’s many shops.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting churches or religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered.

Tips:

  • Take advantage of Bern’s numerous fountains (160 in total!) to stay hydrated during your visit.
  • Ask locals for recommendations on hidden gems off the beaten path. They are always happy to share their favorite spots!
  • Enjoy your trip and remember to take plenty of photos!