Things to do in Bern

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A town with a prominent church tower, a river, and snow-capped mountains in the background.
A coastal town with historic buildings, a prominent church tower, and a bridge over the water.
A river with a bridge, historic buildings, and a church with a spire.
Family travel and enjoy view of Beautiful Brienz lake in Switzerland
A river with a bridge, historic buildings, and a church tower.

Bern Attractions

Whatever you're into, Bern has plenty in store for you. With thrilling adventures, grand sights and mouthwatering local fare, this buzzing national capital guarantees a memorable time.

If you're ready to discover the best of Bern, sign up for one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly local show you the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {121 fun activities in Bern fun activities in Bern} are also worth a look.

Things to do

Picture 1 for Activity Lucerne: Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide

Lucerne: Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide

$31
per adult
Lucerne: Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide
Bern 2-Hour Tour in Spanish and English of the Old Town

Best of Bern: Walking Tour of Old Town with Expert Guide

$42
per adult
Best of Bern: Walking Tour of Old Town with Expert Guide
Lucerne: Photography Walking Tour

Lucerne: Photography Walking Tour

$149
per adult
Lucerne: Photography Walking Tour
Discover Bern, Understand Switzerland Walking Tour

Discover Bern, Understand Switzerland Walking Tour

$31
per adult
Discover Bern, Understand Switzerland Walking Tour
Explore Swiss Timekeeping Omega and Swatch Museum Tour from Bern

Explore Swiss Timekeeping Omega and Swatch Museum Tour from Bern

$197
per adult
Explore Swiss Timekeeping Omega and Swatch Museum Tour from Bern
Bern: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Bern: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

$172
per adult
Bern: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
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Bern must see attractions

1. Bern Rose Garden

Bern Rose Garden is one of the prettiest parks in the city, with 220 types of roses displayed. In this former cemetery, countless rows of colorful flowers, made up of rhododendrons, irises and azaleas now complement the eclectic rose collection. Spend some time reading a book in the peaceful setting before making your way through the Old Town.
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A park with flower beds, trees, and benches.

2. Federal Palace

The Bundeshaus is the impressive building housing the Swiss Parliament. It is easy to recognize in the Bern skyline with its remarkable large green dome at its center and two smaller versions on either side. Walk through the grand rooms of this structure, built between 1894 and 1902, and learn about its political and architectural importance.
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A grand building with a dome and statues, surrounded by a reflective plaza and other classical architecture.

3. Berner Munster

The late-Gothic Berner Münster is a magnificent medieval cathedral that soars above Bern's Old Town. This vast building dates back to 1421, although the first church to occupy this site is thought to have been a small 12th-century chapel. From the top of the cathedral’s tower are fantastic views of the region.
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An ornate church interior with a large pipe organ, arched ceilings, and detailed woodwork.

4. Bern Historical Museum

Educational, informative, but also visually stunning, the Bern Historical Museum will keep you fascinated for hours. Spend a few hours here to discover history, archeology, ethnography and numismatics from all corners of the world.
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A historic building with two lion statues at the entrance, surrounded by trees and featuring a large mural on the facade.

5. Paul Klee Museum

The Paul Klee Museum, opened in 2005, holds a large proportion of the Swiss German painter’s works. Peruse fine examples of cubist, surrealist and expressionist works in the three warehouses, with wave-like shapes, that undulate along a pleasant green field. Italian architect Renzo Piano designed the modern buildings to flow with the hills of the natural landscape.
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A modern architectural structure with a curved design, surrounded by lush greenery.

6. Bern Art Museum

More than 50,000 objects fill the Bern Art Museum, covering eight centuries of artistic endeavors. Among the showcased items are sculptures, paintings, videos, drawings, prints and photographs. The focus is on art produced in Bern, Swiss art, 19th-century French art and international modern art.
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A grand hallway with ornate ceiling, classical columns, and a large painting.

Recommended things to do in Bern

Number of things to do
121
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Bern: Unlimited Switzerland Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan: $4
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Bern

Free Things to Do in Bern

A trip to Bern need not cost a fortune. You won't even need your wallet if you go to:

Freibad Marzili - Jump in and frolic about at this fun-filled attraction.

Prison Tower - Soak up some of the intriguing history of the region through this attraction.

French Church - No matter what you believe in, this site will inspire a sense of reverence.

Wege zu Klee - Take your camera and let Mother Nature capture your imagination.

Gardens - Nurture your green thumb and appreciate the many and varied plants on display.

Things to Do in Bern with Kids

Bern is an excellent destination for a family escape. Bring the youngsters along and enjoy these popular family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Bern? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Bern attractions

A park entrance with lion statues, a fountain, and a building with a red roof in the background.

Bern Expo

8.2/10 (103 reviews)
BERNEXPO hosts over a million visitors annually across its 22 versatile event spaces in Bern. Check the official calendar to align your visit with trade fairs or cultural festivals that match your interests.
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Where to stay in Bern

Find the best Bern areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Bern
Learn more about Bern
A historic town with a prominent church spire, cobblestone streets, and surrounding greenery.

Old City of Bern

Unique features of Old City of Bern include the historic sites and museums. Make a stop by Bern Town Hall or Berner Munster while you're exploring the area.

A cityscape with a prominent church tower and a cathedral, surrounded by mountains in the background.
Photo by Yannik Adrion
Open Photo by Yannik Adrion

Breitenrain-Lorraine

If you're spending some time in Breitenrain-Lorraine, Wankdorf Stadium and Botanical Garden are top sights worth seeing.

A river winding through a town with historic buildings and a prominent church spire.
Photo by Paczeal Zhao
Open Photo by Paczeal Zhao

Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde

While visiting Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde, you might make a stop by sights like Paul Klee Museum and Bern Rose Garden.

A river with a bridge, a tower, and surrounding greenery.

Langgasse-Felsenau

While Langgasse-Felsenau isn't home to many top sights, Botanical Garden and Bern Art Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

A large historic building with domes, surrounded by trees and a river.

Monbijou

Monbijou might not have many top sights, but Federal Palace and Bern Art Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Bern

A river winding through a town with historic buildings and a bridge.

Ittigen

A town with a mix of residential houses, commercial buildings, and green fields.

Muri bei Bern

A historic cityscape with a prominent tower, a river, and lush greenery.

Ostermundigen

A rural landscape with rolling hills, a farmhouse, and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Belp

A paved path through a park with trees on both sides.

Koeniz

A forest path with a stream, surrounded by trees with autumn leaves.

Bümpliz-Oberbottigen

Frequently asked questions

Is Bern worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or try unique foods and venture into nature, there are many things to do in Bern.
How do I spend a day in Bern?
Start your adventures with a visit to Bern Historical Museum and Bern Natural History Museum. Then, check out different areas of Bern for tasty eats and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bern?
Don't leave without exploring Bern Historical Museum, rated the top tourist attraction in Bern.
Is three days enough to stay in Bern?
Three days will give you time to check out many city highlights, including Bern Historical Museum, Paul Klee Centre and Bern Natural History Museum. The average stay in Bern is two days. If you have the urge to extend your vacation, Interlaken isn't far away.
Is Bern a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city center, Bern is a great place to visit on foot. Enjoy wandering between Bern Historical Museum and Paul Klee Centre. Then take a stroll around Innere Stadt, located 0.1 miles from downtown, and Old City of Bern, which is roughly 0.1 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Bern with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Bern with kids.

What to do in Bern for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Bern, with experiences for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Kursaal Bern or Swiss Alpine Museum.
Are there free things to do in Bern?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Bern is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can experience without getting your cash out. BärenPark is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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