24 hours in Bern for culture vultures

An entire day in Switzerland’s federal city – sounds like endless options and lasting memories! If you’re interested in culture, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a culture-packed itinerary to make the most of your 24-hour stay in Bern.

The evening photo shows the Paul Klee Centre in Bern. Its illuminated, undulating contours create an almost musical atmosphere that emphasises the artistic flair of the location and the tranquil natural surroundings.

Morning

The best way to start the day in Bern is well informed and stress-free. So your first stop should be the Tourist Information at Bern main station, where you’ll get great insider tips from our Bern experts and can buy the Museum Card for easy access to Bern’s museums. Afterwards, we recommend a laid-back breakfast in one of Bern’s many wonderful cafés. Volver, for example, with a view of the town hall. Or maybe you prefer a café in one of the iconic vaulted cellars? If you’re in Bern on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, be sure to pay a visit – free of charge – to the Galerie da Mihi.

Tourist Information

Three friends sit smiling at a café table, enjoying drinks and lively conversation. Sunlight fills the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Best Cafés in Bern’s Old City

The picture shows the interior of the da mihi gallery in the art cellar with a large abstract painting on the main wall and a series of smaller portraits next to it. A sculptural work of art stands on a plinth in the centre of the room. The space has an industrial feel with exposed ceiling spotlights and a concrete structure that creates a modern and minimalist mood.

Galerie da Mihi

UNESCO Stroll through Bern’s old town

Bern is officially filled with history, culture and beauty: its old town with its winding alleys, baroque buildings and historic monuments is UNESCO-listed. To dive into the history of the nation’s federal city, find out which famous people called Bern their home, learn all about the most important sights, and hear interesting stories, join the guided UNESCO Stroll through Bern’s old town. You’ll visit the most important places in Bern and get in loads of culture in the process.

To the guided tour

The picture shows a group of people listening to a city guide on the Bundesplatz in front of the Bundeshaus in Bern. The sun casts soft shadows and creates a relaxed, attentive atmosphere, while the listeners, wrapped in warm clothing, appear interested and curious. The atmosphere is calm and culturally enriching.

Is there anything better than sipping fresh fountain water while on a guided tour? Get your ideal companion at the Tourist Information and online: the City Bottle Bern.

The picture shows guests sitting and eating in an outdoor area of a restaurant called "las alps", accompanied by sunny weather and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

Noon

By now, your stomach is probably starting to grumble. Off to Bern’s Museum Quarter! It is located across Kornhausbrücke by the tram stop “Helvetiaplatz”. In addition to all the exciting exhibitions (that we will get to later), many of the museums have their own cafés or restaurants that are perfect for a pre-visit bite to eat. There’s the las alps at the Alps, for example, or the Café Pavillon by the Museum of Communication. If you prefer something a bit more elevated, book a table at the Gault Millau-awarded Steinhalle in the west wing of the Bernisches Historisches Museum.

Afternoon

This is where all those exhibitions come in. With the Museum Card, you have unlimited access to the many diverse museums in the city of Bern. Now all you need to do is try and decide on an exhibition! To make it easier, we’ve provided some recommendations below.

Culture, history, science, art and innovation come together in the Museum Quarter and inspire visitors with a vibrant interplay of impressions and emotions. The network comprises eleven cultural institutions.

First, we’re headed to the Museum of Communication. A cultural institution that specializes in innovative and interactive exhibitions and was even named “Museum of the Year” by the Council of Europe in 2019. If you are interested in nature and the environment, visit the Natural History Museum or the ALPS (Swiss Alpine Museum) next. For history buffs, the exhibitions at the Bernisches Historisches Museum are a must. This museum not only impresses with its building that looks straight out of a fairytale, but also with its varied exhibitions on history, archaeology and society.

Between visits, we recommend stopping off at the Kunsthalle Bar in summer or year-round at the Kulturcasino to enjoy a home-made iced tea or coffee.

To Kunsthalle To Casino Bern

The picture shows the Museum of Communication in Bern, a modern and interactive exhibition. The blue and violet lighting creates a futuristic atmosphere that invites visitors to explore and discover. A place full of curiosity and wonder.

The Natural History Museum in Bern has an exhibition of animal skeletons in a spacious hall. The gigantic whale skeleton dominates the room, which is full of learning opportunities and fascinating insights into natural history.

The "lost property office for memories" displays everyday objects such as shoes, rucksacks and a sleeping bag. A reception desk with telephone and welcome sign invites interaction. The exhibition combines personal memories with objects in a creative way.

The picture shows visitors to an exhibition at the Bernisches Historisches Museum, engrossed in the contemplation of a magnificent work of art. The dark surroundings and the reflecting light create a reverent and almost meditative atmosphere. All visitors seem to be lost in thought, as if the work of art is transporting them to another world. The calm and focussed mood is further enhanced by the subdued lighting and the reflections on the floor.

Museum of Communication

Natural History Museum

The picture shows the façade of the Alpine Museum in Bern. The building has a modern and simple design, with large windows and clear, geometric architecture. The words "ALPINES MUSEUM" are written above the entrance, while a large banner with the words "ALPS" is displayed on the left-hand side. The "les alps" restaurant is visible at the bottom. The façade combines neutral colours with a light shade of pink. Small flags can be seen on the roof, giving the building a lively touch. The scene conveys a professional and inviting impression.

ALPS Swiss Alpine Museum

Bernisches Historisches Museum

Besucher erkunden interaktiv eine moderne Ausstellung. Die spielerische, kreative Atmosphäre ist spürbar, während sie zwischen den Exponaten und ungewöhnlichen Installationen flanieren. Neugier und Vergnügen mischen sich im Raum.

Current exhibitions

Bern’s Museums

All those impressions and new information need to be processed. An extensive, laid-back Apéro (drinks and snacks) is just the thing after visiting the museums. Our favourite bars include the Vigneron wine bistro in the lower old town and the Delinat wine bar – the perfect places to enjoy a fine wine before dinner.

Evening

Dinner is calling! Culture vultures have a colourful selection of options for a varied evening programme. But there is no way around Bühnen Bern. Whether a concert by the Bern Symphony Orchestra, a visit to the theatre, or dinner at the theatre pub Vierte Wand – there’s something for everyone. The latter is located right behind the Stadttheater and delights with a small but fine menu and an exquisite selection of wines, served at the longest table in the city.

See a performance at Bühnen Bern

Bühnen Bern combines opera, drama, ballet and the Bern Symphony Orchestra under one roof. Each season, countless performances are staged in the impressive Stadttheater and at Casino Bern in the heart of Bern’s old town as well as at the Vidmarhallen, located in a former factory building in the Liebefeld neighbourhood. We guarantee you’ll always find something in the Bühnen Bern programme. There’s a suitable production for every visitor, including children.

Let the curtain rise

The image shows a group of actors on a theatre stage, against an immersive backdrop of the roaring sea. The mixture of everyday and historical clothing creates a sense of timelessness and universal human experience.

Spend the night at Kursaal

Views of Bern’s old town and the Alps? Check! A central location that’s easily reachable on foot, by bike, and by public transport? Check! Tasty breakfast? Check! Regular cultural events on site? Check! Comfy beds for a relaxed sleep to process the day’s events? Check! An overnight stay at the Kursaal has everything we could ask for, making it the ideal accommodation for culture enthusiasts.

Off to dreamland