Things to do in Bern

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Clock Tower showing landscape views and a city
Bern Natural History Museum which includes interior views
Bundeshaus which includes a square or plaza, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture
Botanical Garden featuring a garden
Bern Rose Garden featuring a city

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 {71 fun activities in Bern fun activities in Bern} are also worth a look.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Bern must see attractions

1. 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.
Learn more
Bundeshaus which includes a square or plaza, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

2. 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.
Learn more
Bern Rose Garden which includes a fountain, a pond and a garden

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.
Learn more
Berner Munster

4. 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.
Learn more
Paul Klee Museum featuring modern architecture

5. 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.
Learn more
Bern Art Museum

Black Friday Sale

Limited-time deals: Save up to 50% on select hotels.
Book now

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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bern

Bundeshaus which includes a square or plaza, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

Federal Palace

4.5/5(65 reviews)

Browse a market, play in the fountain or go ice-skating beside this iconic political hub, before taking a guided tour through its historic halls.

Federal Palace
Bern Rose Garden which includes a fountain, a pond and a garden

Bern Rose Garden

4.5/5(37 reviews)

See and smell beautiful roses at this dreamy park with hundreds of types of flowers. Appreciate the views from the garden’s position on a ridge.

Bern Rose Garden
Berner Munster

Berner Munster

4.5/5(45 reviews)

Peruse centuries-old religious art, climb the tallest church tower in Switzerland and attend sacred music recitals when you visit Bern's Gothic cathedral.

Berner Munster
Paul Klee Museum featuring modern architecture

Paul Klee Museum

4.5/5(30 reviews)

Take a trip to futuristic warehouses in a rustic green setting to see the inspiring works of a modernist artist.

Paul Klee Museum
Bern Art Museum

Bern Art Museum

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Inside one of the oldest art museums in Switzerland, view a vast treasure trove of art from the last 800 years, including works by renowned masters.

Bern Art Museum
Bern Historical Museum featuring a small town or village

Bern Historical Museum

4.5/5(38 reviews)

Browse this prominent Swiss museum to find local treasures from the Stone Age to the present day and get to know the man behind the genius in the Einstein Museum.

Bern Historical Museum
Clock Tower

Theater am Zytglogge

Get tickets for a show at Theater am Zytglogge, a storied theater in Innere Stadt. Experience the museums and festivals in this walkable area.

Theater am Zytglogge
Amazing Renzo Piano Building for Paul Klee the artist, great day trip out of Bern. #BvSquad #details

Paul Klee Centre

You can browse the exhibits at Paul Klee Centre, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Bern. Experience the museums and festivals in this walkable area.

Paul Klee Centre
Wandering through Bern. Near the bear pit.

Nydeggbrucke

4/5(2 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Innere Stadt with a visit to Nydeggbrucke. Experience the museums and festivals in this walkable area.

Nydeggbrucke

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Bern

Old City of Bern featuring landscape views and a city

Old City of Bern

4.5/5(132 area reviews)

Discover a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site with a well-preserved medieval core, featuring Switzerland's tallest minster, Renaissance fountains, and historic bridges. Experience modernity seamlessly integrated into this medieval gem.

Old City of Bern
Bern Natural History Museum which includes interior views

Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde

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

Kirchenfeld-Schosshalde
Default Image

Langgasse-Felsenau

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Langgasse-Felsenau
Bern Art Museum

Rotes Quartier

While visiting Rotes Quartier, you might make a stop by sights like Bern Art Museum and Wege zu Klee.

Rotes Quartier
Botanical Garden featuring a garden

Breitenrain-Lorraine

4.5/5(34 area reviews)

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

Breitenrain-Lorraine
Bundeshaus which includes a square or plaza, an administrative buidling and heritage architecture

Gelbes Quartier

If you're spending some time in Gelbes Quartier, Prison Tower (Kafigturm) and Theater am Zytglogge are top sights worth seeing.

Gelbes Quartier
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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

Photo by Shui Ling Chu

Muri bei Bern

Bern

Koeniz

Photo by Shui Ling Chu

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia