- Getting around
- Bern's compact centre is entirely walkable, with almost every sight inside a 20-minute stroll and the covered arcades keeping you dry in rain or snow. An efficient tram and bus network run by Bernmobil covers the outskirts and museums like the Zentrum Paul Klee (bus 12); many hotels give guests a free Bern Ticket covering local zones, so ask on check-in. The main station sits at the western edge of the old town and links to Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Interlaken in under two hours. Zurich Airport is around 90 minutes by direct train, while Geneva Airport is about two hours; both are far simpler than driving into the traffic-limited old town. Buy tickets from machines or the SBB app before boarding.
- Money
- Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, not the euro, though some places accept euros at a poor rate. Cards and mobile payment are accepted almost everywhere, but keep a few francs for bakery kiosks, market stalls and the Aare changing-room lockers. Bern is expensive, so budget accordingly: a coffee runs around 4 to 5 francs and a simple main 25 to 35. Service is included by law, so tipping is not expected; locals simply round up to the nearest franc or two for good service. Tap water is excellent and the ornate street fountains are drinkable, saving on bottled water.
- Safety
- Bern is very safe with low crime, and violent incidents are rare. The main nuisance is opportunistic pickpocketing around the station and busy arcades in high season, so keep bags zipped. The real hazard is the Aare itself: the river is fast, cold and powerful, and every year overconfident swimmers get into trouble, so only enter if you swim strongly, never after drinking, and always exit at the marked handrails before the weir. Cobbles and tram tracks can be slippery when wet, and winter brings ice underfoot, so wear grippy shoes in the colder months.
- Best season
- Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is the sweet spot, with warm days long enough to enjoy the Aare, the terraces and the rose garden in bloom. July and August are warmest and busiest, and the river swim is at its best then. Autumn brings crisp air and golden light over the old town, while December wraps the arcades in one of Switzerland's prettiest Christmas markets. Winter is cold and can be grey, but museums are quiet and prices for rooms ease. Book accommodation early around any national political sessions or major trade fairs.
- Where to stay
- The Old Town inside the river loop is the atmospheric first choice, putting you among the arcades, fountains and best restaurants, though rooms are pricey and some streets are lively at night. The area around the Bahnhof suits travellers wanting easy train connections and a wider range of mid-range hotels, all still within walking distance of the sights. For a quieter, more local feel, the Lorraine and Breitenrain districts just north of the river offer characterful cafes and better-value stays a short walk or tram ride from the centre.
Switzerland
