Where to stay in Bern — pick the right hotel, book in 3 clicks
Bern is the capital of Switzerland that travellers often overlook, yet it has one of the most beautifully preserved medieval old towns in Europe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town sits on a bend of the emerald-green Aare River, with covered arcades (Lauben) stretching more than 6 kilometres so you can shop even in the rain, the historic Zytglogge clock tower, and brightly coloured medieval fountains scattered all over town.
Why stay in Bern
UNESCO Old Town
One of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, with covered arcades that let you stroll and shop even when it rains.
Zytglogge Clock Tower
A 13th-century astronomical clock tower whose mechanical figures put on a show every hour.
Float Down the Aare
In summer locals love floating along the cool, clear emerald Aare — it is a real city pastime.
BärenPark Bear Park
The bear is Bern's symbol, and there is a riverside bear park where you can watch real bears in a spacious natural setting.
Ranked reviews — find your ideal stay in Bern
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Local dishes to try in Bern
- 1🥩
Berner Platte
A platter of various boiled meats with sausage, potatoes and sauerkraut — Bern's signature dish.
📍 Local Dish - 2🥔
Rösti
Crispy fried grated potato, a classic side — Bern sits right on Switzerland's Rösti dividing line.
📍 Local Dish - 3🧅
Zibelechueche
An onion tart made specially for the Zibelemärit, Bern's annual onion market each November.
📍 Festival - 4🍪
Berner Haselnusslebkuchen
Bern-style hazelnut gingerbread, fragrant with spices, popular during festivals and winter.
📍 Dessert
- 1🕰️
Zytglogge
A medieval astronomical clock tower in the heart of town, with a mechanical figure show before the chime on every hour.
📍 Old Town - 2⛪
Bern Minster
The tallest Gothic cathedral in Switzerland — climb 344 steps up the tower for views over the old town and the Aare.
📍 Old Town - 3🐻
BärenPark
A bear park beside the Aare that gives the bears a wide natural space — the city's longtime symbol.
📍 Riverside - 4⛲
Medieval Fountains
More than 100 brightly painted, statue-topped fountains across the old town, especially the Kindlifresserbrunnen.
📍 Old Town - 5🌳
Rosengarten
A rose garden on a hill above town — the finest free viewpoint over the old town and the river bend.
📍 On the Hill - 6🏛️
Federal Palace
Switzerland's federal government seat, with a plaza of 26 water jets for the 26 cantons out front that kids love to splash in.
📍 Old Town
Things to do in Bern
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Bern — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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3 Bern hotels our team picked for you
Selected from real reviews — one per budget tier, each with a score and instant 3-site price comparison
★ 9.3LuxuryHotel Schweizerhof Bern & THE SPA
#1 luxury stay · 3 minutes from the station
★ 9.1LuxuryHotel Bellevue Palace Bern
#4 Parliament icon · Old Town views
★ 9.0Upper-midHotel Savoy Bern
#2 central 4-star · 2 minutes to the station
โรงแรมแนะนำทั้งหมดในBern
ครบทุกระดับงบ — คัดจากคะแนนรีวิวจริง พร้อมเทียบราคา 3 เว็บ
Am Pavillon Bed & Kitchen
#3 B&B with great atmosphere · shared kitchen
Hotel City am Bahnhof
#8 budget 3-star · 3 minutes from the station
Bern Backpackers Hotel Glocke
#10 hostel · TripAdvisor's #1 in Bern, 100 m from the Zytglogge
Sorell Hotel Ador
#5 Business hotel · 2-3 min walk from the main station
Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
#7 rooftop bar · 5 minutes from the station
Hotel National Bern
#9 free breakfast - 2-minute walk to the station
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🚆 Getting around Bern
Walking the Old Town
The old town is compact and entirely walkable, and the covered arcades shield you nicely from sun and rain.
Bernmobil Trams
Trams and buses cover the whole city, and hotel guests get a Bern Ticket for free public transport.
Bern Railway Station
Right next to the old town, it is a hub connecting Zurich, Geneva and Interlaken within an hour.
Marzili Funicular
A short hillside funicular running from the riverbank up to the parliament quarter, saving you the steep climb.
Where to go next near Bern
ZurichSwitzerland's financial centre and largest city, blending a riverside old town with a clear lake and the Alps as a backdrop.
See this city's guide →
GenevaHome to the UN headquarters and the famous Jet d'Eau fountain, on the shore of Lake Geneva with views of the Alps and Mont Blanc.
See this city's guide →
LucerneA classic lakeside town with the Chapel Bridge, the stone Lion Monument, and views of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi.
See this city's guide →
InterlakenA resort town between two lakes — the gateway to the Jungfrau massif, adventure activities, and the start of the railway up the Top of Europe.
See this city's guide →Frequently asked — where to stay in Bern
Is Bern really the capital of Switzerland?+
Yes, Bern is the de facto capital and the seat of the federal government and parliament, even though many people mistakenly think Zurich or Geneva is the capital.
Is half a day enough for Bern?+
The old town can be seen in half a day to a full day, but staying overnight gives you the quiet evening atmosphere. It also makes a great base for exploring the Bernese Oberland region, such as Interlaken.
Is floating down the Aare dangerous?+
The current is strong and the water is very cold, so it suits only strong swimmers. Get in and out at marked points; beginners are safer just watching or dipping their feet from the bank.
Ready to book your Bern stay?
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