Things to do in Bern

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A town with a prominent church tower, a river, and snow-capped mountains in the background.
A coastal town with historic buildings, a prominent church tower, and a bridge over the water.
A river with a bridge, historic buildings, and a church with a spire.
Family travel and enjoy view of Beautiful Brienz lake in Switzerland
A river with a bridge, historic buildings, and a church tower.

Things to do

Picture 1 for Activity Lucerne: Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide

Lucerne: Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide

￥5,021
per adult
Lucerne: Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide
Chocolate tour in Bern with chocolate tasting

Chocolate tour in Bern with chocolate tasting

￥11,046
per adult
Chocolate tour in Bern with chocolate tasting
Discover Bern. Understand Switzerland

Discover Bern. Understand Switzerland

￥5,021
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Discover Bern. Understand Switzerland
Discover Bern, Understand Switzerland Walking Tour

Discover Bern, Understand Switzerland Walking Tour

￥5,021
per adult
Discover Bern, Understand Switzerland Walking Tour
Bern 2-Hour Tour in Spanish and English of the Old Town

Best of Bern: Walking Tour of Old Town with Expert Guide

￥6,829
per adult
Best of Bern: Walking Tour of Old Town with Expert Guide
Lucerne: Photography Walking Tour

Lucerne: Photography Walking Tour

￥24,101
per adult
Lucerne: Photography Walking Tour
Picture 3 for Activity Bern: 90-Minute Stroll Through the Old Town

Bern: 90-Minute Stroll Through the Old Town

￥5,222
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Bern: 90-Minute Stroll Through the Old Town
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Bern must see attractions

1. Bern Rose Garden

Bern Rose Garden is one of the prettiest parks in the city, with 220 types of roses displayed. In this former cemetery, countless rows of colorful flowers, made up of rhododendrons, irises and azaleas now complement the eclectic rose collection. Spend some time reading a book in the peaceful setting before making your way through the Old Town.
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A park with flower beds, trees, and benches.

2. Federal Palace

The Bundeshaus is the impressive building housing the Swiss Parliament. It is easy to recognize in the Bern skyline with its remarkable large green dome at its center and two smaller versions on either side. Walk through the grand rooms of this structure, built between 1894 and 1902, and learn about its political and architectural importance.
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A grand building with a dome and statues, surrounded by a reflective plaza and other classical architecture.

3. Berner Munster

The late-Gothic Berner Münster is a magnificent medieval cathedral that soars above Bern's Old Town. This vast building dates back to 1421, although the first church to occupy this site is thought to have been a small 12th-century chapel. From the top of the cathedral’s tower are fantastic views of the region.
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An ornate church interior with a large pipe organ, arched ceilings, and detailed woodwork.

4. Paul Klee Museum

The Paul Klee Museum, opened in 2005, holds a large proportion of the Swiss German painter’s works. Peruse fine examples of cubist, surrealist and expressionist works in the three warehouses, with wave-like shapes, that undulate along a pleasant green field. Italian architect Renzo Piano designed the modern buildings to flow with the hills of the natural landscape.
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A modern architectural structure with a curved design, surrounded by lush greenery.

5. Bern Historical Museum

Educational, informative, but also visually stunning, the Bern Historical Museum will keep you fascinated for hours. Spend a few hours here to discover history, archeology, ethnography and numismatics from all corners of the world.
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A historic building with two lion statues at the entrance, surrounded by trees and featuring a large mural on the facade.

6. Bern Art Museum

More than 50,000 objects fill the Bern Art Museum, covering eight centuries of artistic endeavors. Among the showcased items are sculptures, paintings, videos, drawings, prints and photographs. The focus is on art produced in Bern, Swiss art, 19th-century French art and international modern art.
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A grand hallway with ornate ceiling, classical columns, and a large painting.

What to do in Bern

Stay near popular Bern attractions

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Bern Expo

8.2/10 (103 reviews)
BERNEXPO hosts over a million visitors annually across its 22 versatile event spaces in Bern. Check the official calendar to align your visit with trade fairs or cultural festivals that match your interests.
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Where to stay in Bern

Find the best Bern areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bern
Learn more about Bern
A historic town with a prominent church spire, cobblestone streets, and surrounding greenery.

Old City of Bern

Unique features of Old City of Bern include the historic sites and museums. Make a stop by Bern Town Hall or Berner Munster while you're exploring the area.

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Photo by Yannik Adrion
Open Photo by Yannik Adrion

Breitenrain-Lorraine

If you're spending some time in Breitenrain-Lorraine, Wankdorf Stadium and Botanical Garden are top sights worth seeing.

A river winding through a town with historic buildings and a prominent church spire.
Photo by Paczeal Zhao
Open Photo by Paczeal Zhao

Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde

While visiting Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde, you might make a stop by sights like Paul Klee Museum and Bern Rose Garden.

A river with a bridge, a tower, and surrounding greenery.

Langgasse-Felsenau

While Langgasse-Felsenau isn't home to many top sights, Botanical Garden and Bern Art Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

A large historic building with domes, surrounded by trees and a river.

Monbijou

Monbijou might not have many top sights, but Federal Palace and Bern Art Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Popular day trips from Bern

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Belp

A calm lake at sunrise with a boat and a person silhouetted against the sun.

Frauenkappelen

Frequently asked questions

Is Bern worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor adventures, there are many great things to do in Bern. Be sure to experience the area's mix of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Bern?
Once you've visited popular attractions like Bern Historical Museum and Einstein-Haus, spend the rest of your day exploring Bern's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bern?
Berner Munster is one of the top tourist attractions in Bern and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Bern?
Three days will give you time to check out some popular city highlights, including Berner Munster, Bern Historical Museum and Einstein-Haus. The average stay in Bern is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your vacation, Interlaken isn't far away.
Is Bern a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to see and do in Bern. Several sights, including Berner Munster and Bern Historical Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Bern's best neighborhoods, Innere Stadt is 0.16 kilometers away from downtown, while Old City of Bern is 0.16 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Bern with kids?
Deciding what to do in Bern with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Bern for adults?
Kursaal Bern and Swiss Alpine Museum are just two of the things to do in Bern. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Bern?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Bern is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Berner Munster is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.