Where to Stay in Bern (2026)

Top tips for Bern

Image by GPhotography from Pixabay

The Quick Answer

• The best neighbourhoods for sightseeing: Altstadt, Stadtbach, Kirchenfeld
• The most historic neighbourhoods: Altstadt, Kirchenfeld

Table of Contents

Many are under the misapprehension that Zurich or Geneva is the capital of Switzerland; actually it’s Bern! But Bern doesn’t really feel like a capital city, it’s very relaxed, and charmingly whimsical. From the medieval architecture and red rooftops, to the 16th century fountains and the open air markets, Bern is the kind of place best experienced at a wandering pace. 

A Visitor’s Guide to the Neighbourhoods of Bern

Via GoogleMaps

Bern is a modest-sized city, but its neighbourhoods offer plenty of variation, so if you’re not looking for the most obvious pick for a short stay (which is the Altstadt), it’s worth considering some of Bern’s other neighbourhoods. If you do fancy the Altstadt, it is a fantastically central place to stay, complete with charming squares and around six kilometres of covered arcades, 11 glorious decorative fountains, fantastic museums, a castle, and a wonderful Gothic cathedral. The Stadtbach district is outside the city centre, but close enough to walk to and can be a more affordable choice, as well as being more relaxed and ideal for longer stays. Engeried offers a similar range of accommodation and excellent public transport links.  Kirchenfeld is a green and elegant area, which is also a great base for anyone wanting to visit the city's museums.  

Altstadt

By Flickr user Karlheinz Klingbeil

Bern’s Altstadt, or Old Town, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1983, reflecting the care and management which has gone into preserving its heart. The very oldest part dates from around 1200, and is around Nydegg Castle and the Clock Tower. The city then grew steadily until 1405, when a huge fire destroyed 650 wooden buildings, and after that everything that was built had to be built from stone - much of it in local sandstone, which is why so much of the Altstadt has a uniform look today. Bern’s wonderful covered arcades date from this period, and they’re a major feature of the Altstadt now, many populated by boutiques, cafes and bars; they make it possible to enjoy the city in the pouring rain or beating sunshine! The Altstadt's squares often host markets, and sit below some of the city’s most magnificent buildings: the Gothic cathedral, the castle, the Clock Tower, the Parliament Building, the Lower Gate Bridge, the Holy Ghost Church, and Bern’s famous fountains! 

Stadtbach

By Fickr user Patrick Nouhailler

Situated on the riverside outside of the centre of Bern, Stadtbach is still historic and pretty, but also quieter, with some very affordable accommodation options. It is a great neighbourhood for longer stays, because there is a good range of varied accommodation too, including apartments and aparthotels. It is within walking distance of the Altstadt’s appeals, but you can also shoot across on public transport. Expect reasonably priced places to eat and drink too, and a friendly atmosphere. 

Engeried

By Flickr user Karlheinz Klingbeil

Engeried is another quieter, off-centre neighbourhood, with a beautiful park, and enough elevation to offer a view of the Altstadt’s highlights and the Aare River. The transport links are good too, both towards the centre of Bern and outwards via the green spaces of the Länggasse district. It is a very family-friendly neighbourhood, with a welcoming atmosphere and lots of facilities to please: expect pretty high streets with cafes, boutiques, bars and restaurants, and a really unique character.

Kirchenfeld

By Flickr user Olivier Bruchez

Elegant, and rather grand and serious feeling, Kirchenfeld is the museum district, where you’ll find the Bern Historic Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Kunsthalle Bern, and the Einstein Museum. This is also the neighbourhood where most foreign embassies are located. Its other major landmarks are the Kirchenfeldbrücke Bridge, which connects Kirchenfeld to Altstadt, and the Dählhölzli Zoo. It is probably because there are so many museums and galleries in Kirchenfeld that it also has an excellent collection of cafes, bars and restaurants, and some excellent arty boutiques. This is also a great neighbourhood to consider if you’re looking for high-end accommodation, or something a bit boutique/unique.