Bern in 72 hours: The best photo spots

If you have 72 hours, you can really immerse yourself in the Bernese way of life. We’ll show you how to capture your trip on camera. These are the best photo spots and experiences for three days in Bern.

The group stands in Bern's snow-covered rose garden, laughing and enjoying the moment as they take a selfie with the picturesque, snow-covered city view and the cathedral in the background. The joy and shared experience under the bare trees against the backdrop of the clear, wintry sky creates a feeling of warmth and friendship.

Day 1

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.

Abend

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.

Check-in

The picture shows a modern, minimalist room in the Stay Kooook Bern City in soft grey tones with a sun-drenched bed and a practical wall organiser, which creates a calm and tidy atmosphere.

The picture shows a cosy roof terrace of the Stay Kooook Bern City at dusk, with a view of a historic city and the Alps in the background, which exude a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.

The picture shows a bright, friendly kitchen bar at Stay Kooook Bern City with a modern design, fresh plants and inviting seating that creates a sociable and lively atmosphere.

The picture shows a room at the Hotel Stay Kooook Bern City with green walls. Modern furniture and lots of plants add an inviting and modern touch.

The picture shows the outside of the Hotel Stay Kooook Bern City in Bern's old town. The sun is shining and gives a warm light to the stone façade.

Day 2

Morning

Guess what? The stars are perfectly aligned for drifting. Today we’re going with the flow. And what better way to start the day than with a sumptuous breakfast? There’s no better place than the café Jul in the old town.

And the pampering just keeps on coming: next stop, Hammam and Spa Oktogon. At this time of day, there aren’t many people around and you can explore and take pictures. Why do that, you ask? The spa looks like it’s straight out the Arabian Nights. Middle Eastern elements such as lanterns, delicately decorated silver bowls, cushions and loungers create the perfect space to relax. The ritual consists of several steps: natural scrubs, hot herbal steam rooms, warm baths and Moroccan clay wraps.

Midday

Lunch is served in the bistro of the Hammam and Spa Oktogon or in the Marzilibrücke restaurant right next door. Then, take a walk along the River Aare and to the Matte neighbourhood, the oldest part of the city. From there, you can take the Matte lift up to the Minster Terrace for an unbeatable. Why not sit down on one of the benches to relax and take some pictures? And if you want to go even higher, you can climb the 334 steps to the top of the Minster Tower.

The exterior view of the Hammam & Spa Oktogon in Bern shows an atmospherically illuminated building at the blue hour, whose warm light conjures up an inviting atmosphere in the evening scenery.

Hammam & Spa Oktogon Bern

Marzilibrücke

The picture shows the cathedral platform in Bern under bright sunlight breaking through the leaves of the trees, creating an autumnal mood. People stroll along relaxed, enjoying the warmth and the play of light and shadow, which creates a peaceful, lively atmosphere.

Minster Terrace

The picture shows the Christmas market in front of the illuminated Bern Minster. People stroll through the festively decorated stalls, illuminated by warm lights that create a cosy and festive atmosphere. The mood is cheerful and lively.

Bernese Minster

Evening

Back at the hotel, there’s time to freshen up and relax. Then we suggest an early dinner at the Trattoria Sempre. We don’t want to give away too much, but their dishes are highly Instagrammable. They’re also delicious and authentically Italian.

Space Eye

Today’s evening activity is out of this world. Head to the Space eye observatory in the Gantrisch Nature Park. Depending on the programme (make sure to book in advance!) and the weather, you can search for aliens in Europe’s largest telescope, explore our own distant galaxies in the planetarium and learn about surprising connections to our environment on the tour.

08:02 p.m. from Bern
Train S3 from Bern Station to Kehrsatz
08:19 p.m. from Kehrsatz
Bus 340 from Kehrsatz to Niedermuhlern, Käserei
From arrival
Shuttle from Niedermuhlern, Käserei to Space Eye

You might not have come back down to earth by the time you get back to Bern, so here’s an idea: end your day on the roof terrace at Nido. You’ll have a wonderful view of the city lights and the stars.

Space Eye

The picture shows an elegant restaurant with modern furnishings and a warm atmosphere. The delicate pastel colours of the chairs harmonise with the white tablecloths and the wooden floor. The wall is adorned with an artistic panorama of Bern, which conveys a sense of local colour. Large windows open onto a terrace with parasols and a picturesque view of the surrounding area. The inviting table arrangements with gleaming cutlery and discreet table lamps create a cosy yet stylish atmosphere, perfect for a special culinary experience.

Ristorante NIDO

Day 3

Morning

And then it’s time to say goodbye. Your suitcases are packed, check-out is done, and you can go discover the Lorraine neighbourhood. For example, you could go to Falafingo, an Anatolian breakfast restaurant with colourful decorations.

We advise you to leave your luggage at your hotel or in a locker at the main station

The photo shows the interior of a café with a lively and artistic atmosphere. Guests are seated at tables; a large, colourful mural with an octopus can be seen in the background. Above the tables hang lamps embedded in a fishing net, which matches the maritime theme of the decoration. The room is inviting and creatively designed.

Midday

If you have time, you might want to leave the city and explore the surrounding areas and meet some cute companions. Pick up a sandwich at Bread à Porter on your way to the station and off you go.

Alpaca farm Bern

The journey takes you to an alpaca farm – yes, you heard that right. You will fall in love with these fluffy animals at first sight, but just if you are a little slower to warm up, they will win you over 100 percent on a walk. They will accompany you over field paths, through the woods and across green meadows. Oh, and the icing on the cake? Along the way, you will always have a view of the city of Bern and the Bernese Alps. An experience for your camera and your heart

A leisurely alpaca stroll