Bern's Old Town (Altstadt) is the medieval heart of the Swiss capital, set on a peninsula wrapped by a sharp bend of the River Aare, where sandstone buildings and roughly 6 km of covered arcades (Lauben) survive almost intact. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, it is famous for the astronomical Zytglogge clock tower, ornate 16th-century fountains, and the Swiss Federal Parliament, all woven into a living historic townscape. In 2026 it remains a working city rather than a museum piece, buzzing with shops, cafés and, in summer, riverside life along the Aare. Compact and highly walkable, its highlights can be covered on foot in a single day.
The Zytglogge astronomical clock tower — a 13th-century former city gate whose mechanical figures parade for free a few minutes before every hour.
Around 6 km of covered arcades (Lauben) — one of Europe's longest weather-protected shopping promenades, perfect in rain or snow.
Bern Minster (Münster) and its 344-step tower — Switzerland's tallest cathedral spire, with sweeping views over red rooftops and the Alps.
The colourful Renaissance fountains — 16th-century painted figures on almost every lane, including the famous Ogre (Kindlifresser) Fountain.
BärenPark and the Aare riverside — watch the city's emblematic brown bears for free, an easy walk from the Einstein House and Parliament.
Good to know
RulesThe interior of the Zytglogge can only be visited on a guided tour, and advance booking is effectively required (limited group size). The hourly figure show is free to watch from outside, so time your visit accordingly. Prices and hours require up-to-date checking.
SeasonThe brown bears at BärenPark hibernate roughly November to March and may not be visible. Summer swimming in the Aare is only for strong swimmers — the current is fast and the water cold — and you must use the designated entry and exit points.
MannersTipping is not obligatory in Switzerland as service is included; rounding up is plenty. A brief greeting when entering shops is expected, and many shops close on Sundays.
CautionSwitzerland uses Swiss francs (CHF), not euros. Paying in euros usually gives a poor exchange rate with change returned in francs, so prefer card payments and avoid private exchange booths with unfavourable rates.
SafetyBern is very safe, but stay alert to pickpockets in crowds around the main station and the clock tower. Wear bags in front and keep passport and cash in separate places.
RulesThe Old Town lanes are old cobblestone, awkward for wheeled luggage and heels, so wear comfortable shoes. Many museums close on Mondays, so check the day before you go.
Practical info
Bern main station (Bern Bahnhof) sits at the western edge of the Old Town, putting most sights within a 10–20 minute walk, with frequent trams and buses too. Guests at city hotels receive a free public-transport card (Bern Ticket), and a Swiss Travel Pass is handy if you are touring several cities. The Old Town streets are free to wander at any time; for paid sites such as the cathedral tower or the Zytglogge tour, confirm current prices and opening hours on the official websites before you go.
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