Bern

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Top 10 attractions in Bern

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UNESCO - Bern Old Town
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Swiss Plateau

UNESCO - Bern Old Town

6.8
4.7/5
139 reviews
UNESCO - Bern Old Town is the historic heart of Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The entire district sits on a high plateau surrounded on three sides by the Aare River. Most of the early wooden houses here were destroyed by fire, after which they were rebuilt with sandstone. The continuous red-tiled roofs and sandstone buildings remain in use today, and the medieval street layout has largely remained unchanged. The main street is paved with cobblestones. Heading east along Justice Street, the ground floors of the old houses on both sides are connected by arcades that stretch for several km, housing watch shops, antique stores, bookstores, cafes, and restaurants. Scattered along the center of the street are over 100 fountains, including the Fountain of Justice, the Zähringen Fountain featuring an armored knight with a bear, and the Child Eater Fountain (Kindlifresserbrunnen), each with its own story. The Zytglogge astronomical clock mechanism at the western end is still in operation today. On the hour, the jester rings the bell, the bears parade in a circle, and the gilded figures strike the time—a scene that has been playing out for centuries as crowds look up from below the tower. You can climb the narrow stairs inside the Gothic cathedral near the river to reach the platform, where you can overlook the layers of red tiles and the bend of the Aare River. The Rose Garden on the high ground across the river is also a great spot to look back at the panoramic view.Bern · 222m from downtown
BearPark
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Swiss Plateau

BearPark

5.9
4.1/5
97 reviews
BearPark is located right next to the Nydegg Bridge, spreading along the slopes on the east bank of the Aare River, and is the iconic destination of this City of Bears. The park extends to the banks of the Aare River, separated from the riverside walkway by only a thin line. Brown bears can forage on the slopes, climb large trees, retreat into caves to rest, or go down to the water to splash and play. They can also return to the historic Old Bear Pit via a tunnel to rest. The brown bears living in the park, Björk, Finn, and Ursina, are frequent subjects in visitors' photos, with Ursina having been born right here. The viewing experience here is multi-layered. The upper platform offers an overlook of the entire activity area, while the lower riverside walkway is perfect for viewing the bears at eye level. A funicular, nicknamed the Bear Train, connects the two levels, passing almost right next to the bears' activity area during the ride. Looking up, you can see the layered red-tiled roofs and church spires of the UNESCO - Bern Old Town on the opposite bank.Bern · 1.1 km from downtown
Clock Tower - Zytglogge
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Swiss Plateau

Clock Tower - Zytglogge

5.7
4.6/5
151 reviews
Clock Tower - Zytglogge stands at the western end of Kramgasse in the Old City of Bern and is one of the city's symbols. It was built in the early 13th century, initially serving as a gate tower for the Old City's western fortifications, and later as a guard tower and prison. A fire once destroyed it, and after being rebuilt, it was equipped with a clock and bronze bells for timekeeping. The astronomical clock movement that drives the hands was completed in the first half of the 16th century and is still in operation today. The astronomical clock on the face is presented in the style of an ancient astrolabe. In addition to the time, it can also display the zodiac signs, moon phases, as well as the date and day of the week. Every hour on the hour, a puppet show that has continued for hundreds of years is performed: a jester rings a bell, bear figures parade by, a golden rooster flaps its wings and crows, and the golden god of time, Chronos, at the top of the tower swings his arm to strike the large bell, announcing the arrival of the hour. The interior preserves medieval mechanical devices along with thick stone walls and wooden beams. You can climb the more than 100 steps to the top of the tower to overlook the layered roofs and streets of the Old City, and on clear days, you can even see the peaks of the Bernese Highlands in the distance.Bern · 242m from downtown
Rose Garden
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Swiss Plateau

Rose Garden

5.5
4.3/5
66 reviews
Rose Garden is situated on the high slope opposite the Bern Old Town, right next to BearPark. It was formerly the old cemetery of the Old Town and was converted into a park in the early 20th century. Hundreds of varieties of roses and irises are planted here, along with rhododendrons and other flowering trees and shrubs. In summer, roses bloom in succession, and in spring, Japanese cherry blossoms are in full bloom, offering different floral scenery depending on the season. In addition to flowers, it also features a water lily pond with a fountain, open lawns, and a pavilion with a reading garden. It is famous for its view overlooking the Old Town and the bend of the Aare River. The spire of the Cathedral of Bern and the layered red-tiled roofs are all in full view, and on clear days, you can even see the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The Einstein Bench is a favorite photo spot for many visitors. There is a restaurant inside, where you can dine on the terrace while enjoying the panoramic view of the Old Town.Bern · 1.2 km from downtown
Cathedral of Bern
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Swiss Plateau

Cathedral of Bern

5
4.4/5
91 reviews
Bern Cathedral, built in 1421, is a Christian church with three narrow passages and a model of late Gothic architecture in Switzerland. Its tower is 100 meters high, which is the tallest building in Switzerland, and you can enjoy the medieval street view of Bern from the tower. The main attraction of the church is the magnificent relief created by Erhart Küng on the front of the church. In addition, the stained glass skylights and the beautifully carved choir seats in the church are all worth seeing. There is also a pipe organ composed of 5404 brass pipes built in 1726. It is the largest pipe organ in Switzerland and can be heard during regular concerts or Christmas. From the top of the tower, you can reach the top of the tower through 344 steps spiraling up from the church door, overlooking and overlooking the snow-capped Bernese Oberland peaks in the distance.Bern · 530m from downtown
Einstein House
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Swiss Plateau

Einstein House

4.6
4.2/5
76 reviews
The Einstein House is located at No. 49 Kramstrasse in the Old Town of Bern, only 200 meters from the famous Bern Clock Tower. Einstein and his family rented this small suite from 1903-1905, and today you can get a glimpse of the great physicist here. The first floor of the apartment has been converted into a cafe and restaurant, and Einstein's former residence is just a turn up the stairs. In fact, the suite is very small, and the room is divided into two and a half rooms by a door. There is a desk in the second half of the smaller room, which is the original used by Einstein. On the wall in front of the desk is the famous mass-energy equation: E=mc². It was in 1905 that Einstein published four papers, including on the special theory of relativity, which was of epoch-making significance in the world of physics, so 1905 was also known as "Einstein's Miracle Year".Bern · 409m from downtown
Parliament Building

Parliament Building

3.9
4.4/5
50 reviews
The Federal Parliament Building, built in 1848, is the seat of the Swiss government and stands on the banks of the River Aare. Ordinary tourists can sign up for a guided tour of the Parliament Building and gain insight into the more than 100-year history of the federal capital. The Federal Parliament Building has high beams and green dome exterior, exuding Italian Renaissance style. The interior is also richly decorated, with statues of the Swiss founding fathers, and a large chandelier composed of 214 light bulbs against the stained glass dome is very eye-catching. The square in front of the building is a place for locals to meet and relax, with beautiful fountains and wonderful light shows in summer, and a huge ice rink in winter. In addition, a variety of events are held here, as well as the classic Bern market (onion market) and the Christmas market.Bern · 153m from downtown
Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum

Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum

3.7
4.1/5
29 reviews
The Bern History Museum exhibits the most important historical collections and relics in Berne and even Switzerland from prehistoric times to the present, with nearly 500,000 collections. There is also a special Einstein Museum exhibition area in the museum, which is a better place to learn about this great man. The permanent exhibition displays important items of various historical periods and various fields through multimedia in the permanent exhibition hall. These objects come from different cultures on all continents, spanning from the Stone Age to modern times, including Burgundy, Königsfeld paintings, Grächwil bronze jugs, and a series of precious ancient coins, all of which are world-famous . Einstein Museum The Einstein Museum exhibition area showcases the amazing achievements of Einstein's life and work in detail, and vividly demonstrates Einstein's groundbreaking theories through animated films and some experiments. Temporary Exhibition In addition, the 1,000-square-meter space in the temporary exhibition hall of the museum is used to hold innovation and change exhibitions, displaying themes such as culture, history, prehistory, and national history in a circular manner.Bern · 644m from downtown
Dählhölzli

Dählhölzli

3.5
Bern · 1.6 km from downtown
BERNEXPO

BERNEXPO

3.5
Bern · 2.1 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Bern

Featured Day tours in Bern

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From Zurich: Bern, Gruyeres, Cheese & Chocolate Small Group tour
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FromOMR 105.310
Berne BearPark + Cathedral + Old Town + Natural History Museum [Flexible Itinerary]
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Duration: 8.8 hrs
English
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FromOMR 71.270
UNESCO - Bern Old Town + Bear Park + Clock Tower - Zytglogge + The Olympic Museum [Flexible itinerary]
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FromOMR 76.110
Berne Bear Park + Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum + Cathedral + Old Town [Flexible Itinerary]
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FromOMR 71.270
Cathedral of Bern + Old Town + Art Museum + Clock Tower - Zytglogge + Einstein House [Flexible Itinerary]
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FromOMR 71.270
Murrenbachfall + Schilthorn 1-Day Tour [Adjustable Itinerary]
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Duration: 10 hrs
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FromOMR 71.270
Riffelsee + Gornergrat + Aletsch Glacier + Matterhorn Glacier [Flexible Itinerary]
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Duration: 10.6 hrs
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FromOMR 73.290

Featured Cultural experiences in Bern

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Swiss travel pass - official agent/includes transportation in 90 cities/500+ museums/cruise/postal bus/10% off outlet coupon/train pass
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4.9/5
· 1k reviews· 20.2k booked
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21 consecutive positive reviews
FromOMR 118.240
Neuchatel Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Gems
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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20% off
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FromOMR 2.240OMR 2.81
Bern Highlights Audio Tour: Medieval Charms
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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FromOMR 2.760OMR 3.46
Bern self-guided audio walking tour (8 stops, approx. 2 hrs)
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Duration: 2 hrs
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FromOMR 3.030
Gruyères Village, Cheese & Chocolate Day Tour from Bern
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
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FromOMR 121.370OMR 127.76

Featured Food & drink in Bern

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Chocolate tour in Bern with chocolate tasting
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Duration: 2 hrs
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FromOMR 26.250
Chocolate and liquor fun in Bern with tasting
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
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5% off
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FromOMR 28.790OMR 30.31
Bern: Chocolate Tasting Tour
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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5% off
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FromOMR 24.360OMR 25.65
From Zurich: Scenic Lake Lucerne & Local Cheese Tasting Private Day Tour
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Duration: 10 hrs
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FromOMR 572.040
From Zurich: Alpine Winter Horse Carriage Ride & Fondue Private Tour
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Duration: 7 hrs
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FromOMR 561.640

Featured Outdoor experiences in Bern

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From Zurich: Stein am Rhein and Rhine Falls
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4.7/5
· 347 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
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94.2% of travelers recommend
5% off
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FromOMR 31.000OMR 32.64
From Zurich/Lucerne: Berne Capital and Countryside Day-Trip
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4.8/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 9.5–10.5 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromOMR 83.270OMR 87.66
Grindelwald First: Roundtrip Gondola to Cliff Walk from Grindelwald
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FromOMR 17.740
Interlaken skydiving experience in Switzerland
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 24 booked
Duration: 3.5 hrs
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FromOMR 229.480
AlpinAir Paragliding Interlaken experience
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 48 booked
Duration: 1.2 hrs
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FromOMR 91.000
Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe 1-day tour [comfortable bus/professional multilingual guide/includes 10% discount coupon for the outlet]
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4.8/5
· 499 reviews· 389 booked
Duration: 12.6 hrs
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97.2% of travelers recommend
FromOMR 121.690

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Private Tours in Bern

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Free things to do in Bern

What travelers say about Bern

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莲子99February 24, 2021
5.0
It is a very exquisite place with well-preserved buildings. From the rose garden, it is a harmonious scene. Churches and other landmarks are dotted among them. Whether you are going to the market to check in or walking slowly, it is very leisurely.

UNESCO - Bern Old Town

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小小呆60August 22, 2019
3.0
The bear is the symbol of Bern. This park is located on the edge of the old town. Some bears are kept in enclosures inside. The little bears are quite cute, but this is probably the only attraction of the park. It is a bit tasteless.

BearPark

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旅の径July 31, 2020
5.0
Bern Clock Tower, a masterpiece of Swiss watchmaking, is the most important landmark in Bern. Under the towering green spire, there is a bronze bell with a diameter of 127 cm and a weight of 1,400 kg. The front of the clock tower is inlaid with two clocks of different sizes. In the niche on the side of the small clock face below, there are two small bronze bells and bell-ringing figures, the god of time-Hans, golden dolls, golden roosters, and a row of bears, which are realistic, lively and interesting. Every 5 to 10 minutes before the hour is the busiest time in the clock tower. Bustling tourists gather in front of the clock tower and stop to watch the "time-telling doll show". Just after 57 minutes, the show begins. The bell-ringer who rotates out next to the big bronze bell begins to ring the bell to tell the time on the hour. In the niche, the god of time flipped the hourglass, the dolls danced with joy, the golden rooster spread its wings and crowed, and the little bears paraded in a procession, welcoming the arrival of a new moment. After the bell rang, the tourists left one after another with a sense of satisfaction.

Clock Tower - Zytglogge

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Su0725January 7, 2023
4.0
it’s best place to view the old town. also you can walk down for few minutes and it’s connected to the old town by a bridge. I heard there is a 🐻 park but I didn’t go

Rose Garden

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PennyyouAugust 7, 2023
5.0
伯尔尼是瑞士事实上的首都,there’s a lot of building in olive green, which is quite amazing

Cathedral of Bern

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hiluolingAugust 21, 2019
3.0
Einstein lived in Bern for several years and conducted some important theoretical research in this house. I think the layout inside is quite warm and has the feeling of an intellectual family.

Einstein House

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WillSumMarch 30, 2020
5.0
The Parliament Building is the most important landmark building in Bern. Due to Switzerland's strange political structure and the fact that cities such as Geneva and Zurich are so famous, many people don't know that Bern is the capital of this group of countries. The Parliament itself does not hold many meetings, but the decoration inside is not exquisite. It is still pragmatic, which is very different from the Parliament Buildings in many Eastern European countries.

Parliament Building

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quqkyAugust 22, 2019
3.0
When this museum was built, it was built based on the blueprint of castles from the 15th and 16th centuries. It is the second largest historical museum in Switzerland, displaying the history and culture of Switzerland from prehistoric civilization to the modern times.

Bernisches Historisches Museum - Einstein Museum

Popular cities near Bern

Frequently asked questions

You can give Chocolate tour in Bern with chocolate tasting and Chocolate and liquor fun in Bern with tasting a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include From Zurich: Bern, Gruyeres, Cheese & Chocolate Small Group tour, Berne BearPark + Cathedral + Old Town + Natural History Museum [Flexible Itinerary], and UNESCO - Bern Old Town + Bear Park + Clock Tower - Zytglogge + The Olympic Museum [Flexible itinerary]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 23, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Bern is around OMR 71.27 – OMR 105.31. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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