Bern-5-day-itinerary

August 5, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Bern Airport (BEG) or take a train from Zurich or Geneva
9:00 AM: Check-in at Hotel Bärengraben, a charming hotel in the city center
10:00 AM: Visit the Bern Cathedral (Münster), a stunning Gothic cathedral with beautiful architecture and stained glass windows
11:30 AM: Explore the Bundesplatz, the main square of Bern, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops
Lunch: Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine at Restaurant Bärengraben, located in your hotel (or try some street food at one of the many food stalls)
Afternoon: Visit the Swiss Parliament Building (Bundeshaus), a beautiful example of Neo-Renaissance architecture
Evening: Wander along the Aare River and enjoy the city’s charming atmosphere

Day 2: History and Culture

9:00 AM: Visit the Bern Historical Museum (Historisches Museum Bern), which tells the story of Bern’s rich history and culture
11:30 AM: Explore the Altstadt, Bern’s historic old town, with its cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and charming cafes
Lunch: Try some local delicacies at Restaurant Schützenplatz, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Swiss dishes
Afternoon: Visit the Swiss National Museum (Schweizerisches Nationalmuseum), which showcases Switzerland’s history, art, and culture
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Deininger, a Michelin-starred restaurant with modern Swiss cuisine

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

9:00 AM: Take a stroll along the Aare River Promenade, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
11:00 AM: Visit the Bern Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten Bern), with its stunning collection of plants, flowers, and trees
Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or grab some food at one of the many cafes in the botanical garden
Afternoon: Relax at Lötschergarten, a beautiful park with a tranquil atmosphere and scenic views
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Hirschen, which serves traditional Swiss cuisine with a focus on local ingredients

Day 4: Shopping and Entertainment

9:00 AM: Visit the Bahnhofquartier, Bern’s shopping district, with its wide range of shops, cafes, and restaurants
11:30 AM: Explore the Kunstmuseum Bern, a modern art museum with an impressive collection of contemporary art
Lunch: Try some street food at one of the many food stalls or grab lunch at Restaurant Bahnhofquartier
Afternoon: Visit the Swiss Comic Center (Comic-Sammlung), which showcases Switzerland’s rich comic heritage
Evening: Enjoy dinner and live music at Restaurant Dampfzentrale, a cozy restaurant with a lively atmosphere

Day 5: Departure

Morning: Check-out of your hotel and head back to the airport or train station for departure
Other tips:
- Bern is a very walkable city, so explore on foot whenever possible!
- Try some local specialties like Älplermühle (alpine milk bread) or Rüblitorte (a type of fruit tart)
- Don’t forget to take in the stunning views from the Zytglogge, a medieval clock tower with beautiful architecture
- Consider purchasing a Bern Card, which grants you access to many attractions and public transportation

Getting Around

Public Transportation: Bern has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. You can use the Bern Ticket app or buy tickets at any ticket machine.
Walking: Explore the city on foot and enjoy the scenic views
Taxi: Available throughout the city, but not as frequent in some areas

Tips for Tourists

Weather: Check the weather forecast before heading out, especially during winter months when snow and ice can be hazardous.
Language: While many Berners speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic German phrases like “Hallo” (hello) or “Danke” (thank you).
Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night.

Other Things to Know

Have a wonderful time exploring Bern!