Discover UNESCO World Heritage Old Town
Bern, Switzerland • 
Popular
Popular
Best months to visit
Jul, Aug
14°C – 25°C, warmest month with long daylight hours; periodic rain showers, but mostly pleasant for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
14°C – 25°C, warmest month with long daylight hours; periodic rain showers, but mostly pleasant for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Cobblestone streets, arcades, and steps make full access challenging.
Cobblestone streets, arcades, and steps make full access challenging.
Value for money
High
Exploring is free, and tours offer great value.
Exploring is free, and tours offer great value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Stroll
Couples loved the charming streets and the romantic atmosphere. A perfect date location!
Picturesque Setting
The architecture and river views are stunning, creating beautiful photo opportunities for couples.
Charming Arcades
Covered walkways provided a cozy experience, especially during a light drizzle. Perfect!
Uneven Cobbles
Cobblestone streets can be challenging for extended walks, especially for those with mobility issues.
Limited Sunday
Many shops are closed on Sundays, which limits shopping opportunities for couples.
Clock Tower
The Zytglogge tour requires advance booking, which may be inconvenient for some couples.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join a duo as they explore the historical charm of Bern's Old Town.
Discover the captivating highlights of Bern Old town.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
-1-5°C
Cold and wintry, with a mix of rain and possible snow. Festive atmosphere with Christmas markets and seasonal lights.
Cold and wintry, with a mix of rain and possible snow. Festive atmosphere with Christmas markets and seasonal lights.
Open
All major sites are open. Christmas markets and special events can cause crowding around key squares and streets.
All major sites are open. Christmas markets and special events can cause crowding around key squares and streets.
Recommended
December is popular for its holiday charm—markets, decorations, and a festive spirit transform the Old Town. Dress warmly and expect higher prices around the holidays.
December is popular for its holiday charm—markets, decorations, and a festive spirit transform the Old Town. Dress warmly and expect higher prices around the holidays.
January
LOW
-3-4°C
Cold winter conditions, occasional snowfall and rain. Streets can be icy; outdoor walking is possible but less comfortable.
Cold winter conditions, occasional snowfall and rain. Streets can be icy; outdoor walking is possible but less comfortable.
Open
No major restrictions; outdoor walking tours may be affected by weather. Most venues operate with regular winter hours.
No major restrictions; outdoor walking tours may be affected by weather. Most venues operate with regular winter hours.
Not recommended
January is off-peak for tourism in Bern's Old Town. While the UNESCO site remains open and operational, cold weather and shorter daylight hours mean outdoor exploration is less popular.
January is off-peak for tourism in Bern's Old Town. While the UNESCO site remains open and operational, cold weather and shorter daylight hours mean outdoor exploration is less popular.
February
LOW
-2-6°C
Cold, with possible snow flurries and rain. Days gradually lengthen but winter persists.
Cold, with possible snow flurries and rain. Days gradually lengthen but winter persists.
Open
Outdoor activities subject to weather; most cultural venues and shops are open.
Outdoor activities subject to weather; most cultural venues and shops are open.
Not recommended
February sees continued winter conditions, with Bern's Old Town accessible but less lively. It's suitable for those seeking tranquility and fewer crowds.
February sees continued winter conditions, with Bern's Old Town accessible but less lively. It's suitable for those seeking tranquility and fewer crowds.
March
MEDIUM
1-11°C
Cool and variable, with the start of spring. Rain more likely than snow, and days are longer.
Cool and variable, with the start of spring. Rain more likely than snow, and days are longer.
Open
No significant restrictions; most venues and public transport operate normally.
No significant restrictions; most venues and public transport operate normally.
Recommended
March marks the transition to spring, making Bern's Old Town more attractive for walking tours and outdoor exploration. Visitor numbers begin to rise.
March marks the transition to spring, making Bern's Old Town more attractive for walking tours and outdoor exploration. Visitor numbers begin to rise.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
BERNMOBIL buses, such as line 12 to Zentrum Paul Klee and tram line 9, provide direct access to the Old Town, with stops at Zytglogge and Rathaus.
Train
Recommended
Bern Hauptbahnhof (main train station) is directly adjacent to the Old Town, a 5-10 minute walk to the historic streets.
Walking
Recommended
The Old Town is best explored on foot. A short walk from the main train station down Spitalgasse leads directly into the heart of the district.
Bike
Rent bicycles from providers like Rent a Bike at the main train station or use the PubliBike bike-sharing service.
Car
Arrive by car and park in public parking garages on the periphery of the Old Town, such as Rathaus Parking, Metro Parking, Casino Parking, and Bahnhof Parking.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the main train station, Casinoplatz, and Waisenhausplatz.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages up to 99