Discovering the Best of Bern 2024

Summary: Our Guide to Bern: Top Attractions, Culinary Hotspots, Nightlife, and More. Plus, Tips on Making Connections with the Locals and Finding Fun Recreational Activities

Welcome to Bern! If you're planning to move to Bern, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Bern has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Bern.

Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is a city rich in history and culture, offering a plethora of attractions for both tourists and locals. The city's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit with its medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower. The Bern Historical Museum, the second largest historical museum in Switzerland, houses a vast collection of artifacts showcasing Bern's history and culture. The Rosengarten, a beautiful rose garden with over 200 varieties of roses, offers a tranquil retreat and a stunning view of the city. The Bear Park, home to Bern's symbol, the Bernese bears, is another popular attraction. The Federal Palace, where the Swiss Federal Assembly and Federal Council are located, offers guided tours. The Gurten, a local mountain offering panoramic views of Bern, is perfect for hiking and picnicking. The Paul Klee Center, dedicated to the works of Swiss painter Paul Klee, and the Einstein Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Albert Einstein, are also worth a visit.

Bern's restaurant and nightlife scene is as diverse as its cultural offerings. The Kornhauskeller, located in a historic grain storage building, serves traditional Swiss cuisine in a grand, vaulted cellar. The Schwellenmätteli Restaurants, located on the banks of the Aare River, offer a unique dining experience with stunning views. For a taste of Bern's nightlife, the Turnhalle bar in the PROGR center, a former school turned cultural center, is a popular spot with its eclectic program of concerts, DJ sets, and cultural events. The Sky Terrace on the top floor of the Schweizerhof Hotel offers a panoramic view of Bern's skyline and a wide selection of cocktails. The Bonsoir Club, one of Bern's oldest clubs, is known for its diverse music program ranging from hip hop to electronic music. The Matte district, with its many bars and clubs, is the heart of Bern's nightlife.

Recreational activities in Bern are as varied as its cultural and culinary offerings. The Aare River, which flows around three sides of the city, is popular for swimming and rafting during the summer. The Gurten, Bern's local mountain, offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Marzili, a public outdoor pool complex located on the banks of the Aare River, is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The Dählhölzli Zoo, home to a variety of Swiss and exotic animals, is a favorite among families. The Emmental region, just a short drive from Bern, offers beautiful hiking trails and is also known for its cheese production. The Bernese Oberland, with its stunning alpine scenery, is perfect for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. The Trummelbach Falls, a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain, is a unique natural spectacle.