Bern, Switzerland- Where history meets everyday life.

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, blends historic charm with a slower pace than other major cities. Surrounded by the Aare river, it has a laid back feel with cobblestone streets, arcades, and old world architecture. 

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) for festivals and livelier vibes, or December for Christmas markets.

How Many Days: 1 full day is enough (we stayed 2 nights, but one would cover the highlights)

 The Vibe: Historical yet quirky — medieval architecture, lively streets, but also unexpectedly quiet and “closed-up” at times.

Download the SBB app to buy train tickets and see train schedules.

Bern immediately caught my eye with its medieval streets and iconic clock tower, blending history and everyday life in a unique way. The city had a surprising energy, lively, festive, and full of character, definitely not what I expected, but interesting from the start.

Day 1 – Arrival & Dinner

I arrived in the afternoon from Zurich and went straight to the city center to explore. For my surprise it was Switzerland independence day, so all the stores were closed, but the city was alive with celebrations. There was a festival near the cathedral with live music, food stands, and games.

As I wandered through Bern, In admire the beautiful medieval architecture and the famous clock tower (Zytglogge), one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The sandstones buildings, covered arcades and cobblestone streets created a unique charm that made the afternoon stroll really enjoyable.

I ended the evening with dinner at Capitol Restaurant & Bar, where the food was excellent and the atmosphere relaxed, a great spot to unwind and feel Bern’s vibe.

Day 2 – Bears, river views and Museums.

The next morning, I visited the Bear Park, one of Bern’s most recognized attractions. I walked down closer to the river and spent some time enjoying the peaceful view surrounded by greenery. From there, I made y way back trough the old town to the Cathedral and the intricate details of Bern’s medieval buildings.

Later, I visited the Einstein Museum. It wasn’t anything extraordinary, but it was interesting to see some of the letters he wrote, and imagine how he lived during his time in Bern. The highlight for me was the view from the window, overlooking the city.

I had an early dinner at La Luce, a cozy Italian restaurant with delicious food and a warm atmosphere.

Bern felt completely different from what I expected, almost like the Vegas of Switzerland during my visit. The independence day festivities filled the city with music, crowds and food, giving a fun energy. Between the celebrations, the mix of medieval architecture and modern storefronts created an odd contrast, beautiful to look, yet not the kind of atmosphere that truly resonated with me.

I stayed at Harry’s Home Bern Expo, a comfortable apartment-style hotel just across from the train station. The location was super convenient, only about 7 min by train to the old town. It was great that the hotel included free public transportation tickets with my stay. Check prices and availability on Expedia:

Capitol Restaurant & Bar: Stylish spot with great food and friendly service.

La Luce: Lovely Italian restaurant with authentic flavors and lively vibes.

Stores close early so plan accordingly.

If you visit in early August, you will catch the Swiss National day celebrations.

The restaurants have specific hours for lunch and dinner. Lunch is typically served between 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, while dinner is generally from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Some restaurants offer a bites menu, between lunch and dinner hours.

The stores and pharmacies are closed on Sundays. The only pharmacies open are at the airport or main train station.

Bern is undeniable beautiful, a city of towers, arches and medieval charm framed by the river. I admired its architecture and history, but the combination of modern shops at the base of old buildings took away a bit of the classic feel I usually love.

It’s an interesting place for a short visit, especially if you enjoy history, local events and city energy. Although it didn’t capture me as deeply as other Swiss destinations, I’m glad I experienced it. Every city has its own rhythm, and Bern’s lively, festival-like atmosphere showed me a completely different side of Switzerland.

If you enjoyed this story, follow me on Instagram @vistabyilse for more travel reels, hidden gems, and behind the scene adventures.

Note: these recommendations are based on my personal experiences during my trip. Prices, opening hours and conditions may change, so always check official websites or local sources before your visit. Don’t forget to stay aware of safety guidelines. Local regulations, and seasonal weather when planning your trip.
Connect with me on Instagram @vistabyilse I’d love to hear about your Bern experience!