About Bern

Bern, the charming Swiss capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, blends medieval magic with cultural flair. Think cobbled streets, red rooftops, arcades, and whimsical clock towers. If you're hotel-hunting, Altstadt is your go-to for boutique stays and elegant charm—perfect for sightseeing lovers. For budget-friendly yet stylish options, head to laid-back Stadtbach or Engeried, both just outside the centre but still close to the action. Whether it’s luxury, family-friendly, or affordable chic, Bern has you covered.

This is a city that feels like it was made for wandering. Start your day at the open-air markets in front of the Parliament building, where locals pick up fresh flowers and produce, then follow the scent of coffee to one of the many charming cafés or microbreweries nearby. As you stroll through the old town, you’ll spot a series of quirky 16th-century fountains—eleven in total—each telling a piece of Swiss folklore. The most unforgettable? The Kindlifresserbrunnen, or Ogre Fountain, where an ogre is caught mid-snack… on a bunch of children. It’s both bizarre and fascinating. And don’t miss Bear Park, a unique city highlight that’s exactly what it sounds like.

Being Switzerland’s cultural heart, Bern is packed with fantastic museums too. Whether you're drawn to the bold architecture of the Zentrum Paul Klee, want to explore the art collections in the Kunstmuseum, or prefer the fascinating stories in the historical and natural history museums, there’s something for everyone. Even kids can get hands-on at the Creaviva children’s museum. And if you’re curious about Einstein’s time in Bern, stop by his former apartment, now the cosy Einstein-Haus museum. 

The best places to stay in Bern

For the altstadt

  • Bellevue Palace delivers classic luxury with a refreshing twist. Expect grand, marble-filled rooms, lavish yet welcoming interiors, and breathtaking views over the city. It’s a five-star experience with modern comforts and genuine warmth—no pretension, just pure Swiss hospitality in the heart of Altstadt.
  • Hotel Schweizerhof, Bern perfectly balances timeless elegance with contemporary style. Located in the heart of Altstadt, it offers plush rooms, a serene spa, and an exceptional restaurant. It’s ideal for travellers who want luxury, comfort, and character all in one unforgettable stay.

For stadtbach

  • Am Pavillon B&B blends chic design with cosy charm in a beautifully restored townhouse. Each of the nine individually styled rooms is full of personality and thoughtful touches. It's the perfect spot for design lovers seeking a stylish, memorable stay in Stadtbach.

For engeried

  • Just ten minutes from the heart of town, Innere Enge is a hidden gem brimming with character. With roomy, comfortable suites, panoramic views, and a legendary jazz club tucked beneath the hotel, it’s perfect for travellers craving a unique and soulful stay. Peaceful yet packed with personality, it offers an escape that still keeps you close to the action.

For ostermundigen

  • Harry's Home is modern, family-friendly, and just minutes from Bern’s historic heart. Spacious rooms, sleek design, and panoramic views from the 9th-floor dining area make this the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

For liebefeld

  • Landhaus Liebefeld- This charming and refined guesthouse combines timeless Swiss character with modern comforts. Just minutes from Bern’s centre, it offers elegant rooms, a cosy lounge, and a traditional wood-panelled bar. The on-site restaurant serves seasonal dishes, best enjoyed on the sunny terrace.

For an apartment

  • If you fancy the flexibility of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Like most cities, Bern is a year round destination, but if you want the warm weather, you'll need to visit during the summer months, with the average temperature climbing to 17°C in July and August.
  • However this is peak tourist season, so for a quieter and cheaper alternative consider coming in the shoulder season months (May and October).
  • If you're visiting from abroad then fly into Bern Airport, located 12km south of the city, before taking a bus or train into the centre.
  • If you'd like the autonomy afforded to you by having a car, check out the selection available with our partner, Rentalcars.

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The best hotels in Bern

Am Pavillon B&B

Bern

This cool, designer B&B, in a handsome terrace, is a rarity in Switzerland’s capital city where hotel rooms and breakfasts are not cheap. It’s good value, stylish and laidback while owner Stefan is happy to provide insider tips on the city.

  • Sights nearby - The Clocktower and the centre of Bern is just 1km away.
  • Boutique
  • Designer
from $134 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Harry's Home

Bern (Ostermundingen)

Located just minutes from Bern’s historic centre, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms and apartments, ideal for families. The sleek, minimalist decor creates a relaxed vibe. There's a dining room with stunning mountain views, a kids' playroom, and excellent transport links. Effortless comfort.

  • Great walks - Take a scenic stroll through Bern's UNESCO Old Town, where cobbled streets, historical architecture, and cosy cafes await
  • Short break - Stay in spacious comfort with easy access to Bern’s centre, enjoying stunning views from the 9th-floor restaurant
  • Families - Spacious family rooms with kitchens and apartments provide all the comfort needed for a stress-free family holiday
  • Sights nearby - Explore the Bern Bear Park, just a short distance from the hotel for a family-friendly adventure
from $173 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Innere Enge

Bern

A charming hotel with Swiss-chalet looks yet only a 10-minute drive from Bern’s city centre. Comfortably traditional, with spacious rooms and glorious views, its trump card is its quirky jazz-theme bedrooms - music and memorabilia - and basement jazz club.

  • Sights nearby - With its 64 metre high green dome The Federal Palace is a grandiose edifice.
  • Local markets - Bern's Old Town is awash with markets and cafes.
  • Restaurant
  • Quirky
from $216 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Hotel Schweizerhof, Bern

Bern

A grand luxury hotel right in the centre of Bern. Clean contemporary style meets old fashioned elegance. Generously proportioned rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, warm hues and glitzy chandeliers. The spa is modern bordering on futuristic. Excellent French brasserie. Grown-up sophistication.

  • Spa breaks - A spoiling modern spa complete with hammam, wellness area, Finnish Sauna, Turkish steam bath and customised treatments.
  • City Style - A sophisticated luxury hotel in an excellent central location.
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Federal Parliament Building, Federal Square and the Clock Tower. Wander through the pretty medieval old town.
  • Restaurant - Classic French brasserie cuisine in Jack's Brasserie.
from $318 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Landhaus Liebefeld

Bern (Bern )

This bright, stately guesthouse is a stone's throw from Bern city centre. Simple and elegant rooms lead down into the warm sitting room and traditional wood-panelled bar. Try the restaurant's contemporary seasonal dishes or enjoy a drink on the sunny terrace. A stylish and understated city hotel.

  • City Style - Located in a quiet residential neighbourhood with easy access to the city centre, this is the perfect base for a city break
  • Romantic Break - The Platane Suite, with its marble decked bathroom and luxurious bed, is ideal for a romantic getaway
  • Foodies - The traditional Swiss cuisine on offer at the hotel restaurant will delight food-lovers
  • Sights nearby - Take a cable car up to Berner Hausberg at the top of the Gurten Mountain and enjoy fantastic views over the entire city
from $286 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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Bellevue Palace

Bern

Everything you’d expect of a five-star, luxury hotel, the Bellevue Palace has in spades: vast rooms, marble bathrooms, richly decorated salons, smart dining and stunning views. But all mixed in with an unstuffy, easy-going atmosphere and flawless yet friendly service.

  • Local markets - Have a wander round Bern's old town, its antique shops and markets.
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
  • Landmark
from $372 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
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