Ultimate 3-Day Bern Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Begin your Bern adventure in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, a labyrinth of cobbled lanes, medieval arcades, and charming fountains dating back to the 12th century. Stroll along Kramgasse, marvel at centuries-old façades, and soak in the atmosphere where history comes alive.

Old Town

Pause to admire the iconic Zytglogge, Bern’s medieval clock tower. Catch the hourly show of its astronomical clock and learn about its fascinating history as a guard tower, prison, and timekeeper since the 13th century.

Zytglogge

Enjoy a classic Swiss lunch at Kornhauskeller, an architectural marvel with vaulted ceilings and a menu featuring Bernese specialties like rösti and cheese fondue.

Kornhauskeller

After lunch, head to the Bern Cathedral (Berner Münster), Switzerland’s tallest church. Climb the 344 steps to the viewing platform for a magnificent panorama of the city and the Alps.

Bern Cathedral

Dine at the riverside gem Altes Tramdepot, a microbrewery and restaurant with hearty Swiss fare and a terrace overlooking the Bear Park and Aare river.

Altes Tramdepot

Start at the acclaimed Kunstmuseum, Switzerland’s oldest art museum, featuring works from Paul Klee to Picasso and Swiss masters in a beautiful neoclassical building.

Kunstmuseum

Next, visit the Einstein Museum at the Bern Historical Museum, where interactive exhibits illuminate the life and legacy of the city’s most famous resident.

Einstein Museum

For lunch, settle in at Restaurant Della Casa, beloved by locals for its traditional Swiss cuisine and cozy interiors.

Restaurant Della Casa

Spend the afternoon exploring the lush Rosengarten, a tranquil rose garden with over 200 varieties and sweeping views of Bern’s rooftops and the Bernese Alps.

Rosengarten

Enjoy innovative cuisine at Lötschberg, a contemporary eatery famous for its Swiss cheese specialties and extensive regional wine list.

Lötschberg

Discover the whimsical world of Paul Klee at the striking Zentrum Paul Klee, an undulating glass-and-steel museum housing over 4,000 works by the Swiss modernist.

Zentrum Paul Klee

Make a quick stop at the quirky Bernisches Historisches Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on Bernese culture, archaeology, and global artifacts.

Bernisches Historisches Museum

Lunch awaits at Restaurant Volkshaus 1914, a stylish spot with a relaxed vibe and creative Swiss-European dishes.

Restaurant Volkshaus 1914

In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll along the Aare River Promenade, following crystal-clear waters and passing picturesque bridges and city views. In warmer months, join locals for a dip in the river!

Aare River Promenade

End your journey with a memorable dinner at the intimate Restaurant Zum Zähringer, known for its seasonal Swiss dishes and historic ambiance in the heart of Bern.

Restaurant Zum Zähringer