Bern in 24 hours: The best photo spots

Bern is beautiful – in front of and behind the lens. If you want to capture your memories in pictures, this is the right itinerary for you. Here are the best photo spots to visit if you only have 24 hours in Bern.

Against the backdrop of Bern, on the cathedral, a woman smiles for a photo, captured by a companion, both enveloped in the joy of a clear, sunny winter's day.

Morning

“Next stop, Bern main station” – when you hear this on the train, you have to look up from your phone. As the train pulls into the station, you’ll have a beautiful view of the turquoise River Aare, the Bernese Minster and the Alps.

Head to the Tourist Information at Bern main station to get the lay of the land, a map and perhaps your first souvenir. The staff know Bern like the back of their hand and are happy to share their insider tips.

Tourist Information

The picture shows a person in a wheelchair and a standing person in a lift at a modern railway station. The scene radiates inclusivity and everyday life, emphasised by the cool architecture and natural daylight.

Travelling to Bern

From there, find your way out of the station and head towards Bollwerk to start your visit with a delicious breakfast at Acai Attendants. They serve Insta-worthy bowls, avocado toasts, cappuccinos and matcha lattes.

No need to put away your camera, because the next stop is the Kornhausbrücke and its stunning views.

From there it is an easy walk to the Bundeshaus (Parliament Building). Tip: The red chairs look great in photos. Walk through the passage for another stunning view from the Bundesterrasse (Parliament Terrace) and let your eyes wander from the River Aare to the popular Marzili Lido.

The morning isn’t over yet, so we’ve left some time for shopping. Bern has all the big chains, of course, but it also has many lovely shops and boutiques. You can find them in the beautiful little alleyways in the old town. And there’s even more than meets the eye: one floor below, in the typical vaulted cellars, you’ll find vintage shops with all sorts of treasures.

The Federal Palace in Bern is shown in the soft light of dusk, while fountains dance on the square in front of it, creating an atmospheric, peaceful scene.

Attractions

Against the blue evening backdrop, the Federal Palace in Bern, framed by dancing fountains, offers a picture full of grandeur and peaceful elegance.

Parliament Building and Parliament Square

The picture shows two young women walking along a busy, historic shopping street. They are laughing and carrying shopping bags as they walk past traditional buildings and a decorative statue. Their winter clothes and the cheerful atmosphere convey a feeling of cosiness and joy.

Bernese Treasures

The picture shows the lively and warm atmosphere of the Kornhauskeller in Bern, where guests come together to enjoy their meal in a historically decorated hall with impressive frescoes and warm lighting.

The most beautiful vaulted cellars in Bern

Midday

Shopping and exploring make you hungry. The Casino Bern will remedy that. Their lunch menu is delicious, and they have the most beautiful bathrooms in Bern – perfect for those mirror selfies. Our next stop takes us to a historic and panoramic gem: the “Zytglogge” (Clock Tower). If you’re interested, you can take a guided tour and discover the inside of the tower and its centuries-old clockwork.

Casino Bern

A group of attentive tourists stand in the lively square in Bern, listening spellbound to the guide's explanations in front of the famous Zytglogge clock. The historical surroundings add to the educational atmosphere.

Tour of the Clock Tower (Zytglogge)

For the afternoon, you have two options, depending on your energy level: you can either walk across the Nydeggbrücke or take bus no. 12 from the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) to the Bear Park. With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to snap a few pictures of Björk, Finn and Ursina, the bears who live there.

Watching the bears can be a fascinating pastime but be sure to get on your way. As soon as the sun starts to set, it’s time to head to the Rose Garden. The wall in front of the gardens is one of the best places to watch the sun set over Bern. Go ahead and snap away but put down your mobile phone at some point and really take in the moment.

Bear Park

Evening

By this point, you will have reached your 10,000 steps, so you don’t even need an excuse to stop off at the Rose Garden restaurant. You can enjoy the dreamy views for a little longer, either on the terrace or inside, behind the panoramic window.

The picture shows the lively terrace of the Rosengarten restaurant in Bern, where guests can relax and chat in sunny weather and enjoy the spectacular view of the city and the surrounding hills.

A breathtaking sunset illuminates the city of Bern, seen from the rose garden. The last rays of the sun bathe the rooftops and the cathedral in a warm light, while the city rests between the green trees. The scene is peaceful and picturesque, a perfect end to the day in the charming Swiss capital.

A cheerful group enjoys a cosy fondue meal in a restaurant with a panoramic view over the city of Bern. The warm lighting, the smiles and the clinking of wine glasses create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The picture shows a couple sitting on a stone wall and enjoying the breathtaking view of the old town of Bern. The scene takes place in the evening hours, while the warm rays of the sun bathe the city, the River Aare and the green surrounding countryside in a golden light. Bern Minster, the bridges and the picturesque sandstone houses of the UNESCO-protected old town can be seen in the background. The relaxed atmosphere, the casual clothing and the rucksacks of the two people suggest that they have been on an exploratory tour or a hike. The picture radiates tranquillity, romance and the beauty of Bern's nature and architecture.

How about a nightcap, or Schlumi, as the locals call it? Bus no. 20 will take you straight to the hip Viktor bar.

Stay overnight at Stay Kooook Bern City

What a perfect way to end a long day. Now you can either take the bus or walk across the Kornhausbrücke and fall into your comfortable bed at Stay Kooook Bern City. Know what’s great about this place? The roof terrace with views over the city. If you’re not ready to sleep yet, you can come up here, look at the stars and let your mind wander. And, of course, this is the perfect spot for one last snapshot of the city.

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