Old City of Bern Travel Guide
Bern
Visit Old City of Bern
Popular places to visit
Federal Palace
Browse a market, play in the fountain or go ice-skating beside this iconic political hub, before taking a guided tour through its historic halls.
Berner Munster
Peruse centuries-old religious art, climb the tallest church tower in Switzerland and attend sacred music recitals when you visit Bern's Gothic cathedral.
Bern Art Museum
Inside one of the oldest art museums in Switzerland, view a vast treasure trove of art from the last 800 years, including works by renowned masters.
Einstein-Haus
You can study the exhibits at Einstein-Haus, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Innere Stadt. Experience the museums and festivals in this walkable area.
Prison Tower (Kafigturm)
Once used to confine felons and now a venue for exhibitions, this tall structure has served the city of Bern for nearly four centuries.
Bern Expo
After visiting Bern Expo, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Bern. Experience the museums and festivals in this walkable area.
Things to do
Bern: Chocolate Tasting Tour
Lucerne: Guided Walking Tour with an Official Guide
Chocolate tour in Bern with chocolate tasting
Bern Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone
Top hotels in Old City of Bern
Stay KooooK Bern City – Online Check In
The staff at this hotel are so nice and friendly. The kitchen/common area is very efficient and well decorated.
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
NH Bern The Bristol
Room was supposedly a premium room but was small with minimal views of surrounding rooftops. Breakfast was decent but not outstanding. Bar was limited
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Hotel Bären Am Bundesplatz
Nice modern style hotel close to the train station. Staff were helpful and friendly. Breakfast selection was limited.
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Hotel Savoy Bern
Great location in Bern near to the train station and right in the centre of Bern's Old Town. The staff were helpful especially Charles who helped with restaurant bookings and other queries. The rooms were nice and cleaned to a a very good standard. I would highly recommend staying here.
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Best Western Plus Hotel Bern
Lovely hotel with a perfect location. Enjoyed an afternoon drink in the rooftop bar. Coffee machine and water supplied in the room. Lovely comfortable room. Very clean and well maintained. Air con which is lovely and quiet. I would recommend and would definitely stay there again.
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa
This is a very lovely hotel. It exceeded my expectations. Clean, comfortable, very hospitable staff. The only downside is the heat control. The lowest heat setting is 20 degrees which much too hot for sleeping. The staff were apologetic and brought us a fan but we needed to have the windows open ...
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
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Other neighbourhoods around Old City of Bern
Gelbes Quartier
While visiting Gelbes Quartier, you might make a stop by sights like Prison Tower (Kafigturm) and Theater am Zytglogge.
Grünes Quartier
If you're spending some time in Grünes Quartier, Bern Clock Tower and Bern Town Hall are top sights worth seeing.
Weisses Quartier
Though Weisses Quartier may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Bern Town Hall and Berner Munster.
Rotes Quartier
If you're spending some time in Rotes Quartier, Bern Art Museum and Wege zu Klee are top sights worth seeing.
Matte
If you're spending some time in Matte, Nydeggbrucke and Untertorbrucke are top sights worth seeing.
Monbijou
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Monbijou and surrounding area, you can visit Freibad Marzili and Federal Palace.
