How to Spend TWO Days in Bern, Switzerland: 2-Day Itinerary

Planning a weekend getaway to Bern? You’ve come to the right place!

Bern is hands down one of the most charming towns we’ve visited. It’s also pretty small and walkable, which made it an easy choice for a short trip; the kind where you can cover most of the sights, sign up for a few tours, dance in a jazz club, and still never feel rushed.

So whether you’re visiting for Bear Park, Einstein’s home, the views from Rosengarten, or maybe a chocolate or cheese factory is more your thing, this 2-day itinerary has you covered from breakfast right through to the nightcap, with plenty of good food in between. 

Want to learn more? Let’s jump right into it!

Itinerary Overview  

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, but unlike most European capitals we’ve seen (which are usually buzzing and big), this one feels more like a small historic town. It’s also pretty walkable, so you won’t need a rental car to get around here. However, if you don’t feel like walking, the trams and buses are well-connected and easy to use. 

Trains are also handy for nearby cities, like the day trip we have planned for your second day. Bern is so small that you can actually see most of the highlights in one day, so it doesn’t really matter which area you base yourself in if sightseeing is high on your list. Most tours in this itinerary meet in the Old Town, which you can easily reach from the other neighborhoods (most likely on foot).

So now that we know getting around Bern is easy, the real question is: how do you make the most of just two days here? Short trips can be hectic, but with this 2-day itinerary, you’ll cover the majority of the highlights without ever feeling rushed or left hungry. We thought about everything, from where to eat to where to watch the sunset. 

Here’s a quick overview of how your two days in Bern could look: 

Day 1: Kickstart your morning with a hearty breakfast, then discover Bern’s highlights on a walking tour. Spend the afternoon exploring the Museum District or indulging in a chocolate tasting tour before ending the day with scenic views from Rosengarten and dinner in a very unique spot. 

Day 2: Fuel up with a healthy breakfast, then take the train to Gruyères for a full-day cheese factory tour. End the evening with a tapas-style dinner, then either continue the night out or wander through the Old Town for one last romantic stroll before calling it a day. 

Day 1 

Breakfast – Einstein   

There’s no better way to start your trip to Bern than with a relaxing breakfast at Einstein Café & Bel Etage. This is exactly the kind of place for slow mornings, where you can just sip your coffee and read a magazine without feeling rushed to get on with your day.

The food is something else, too! People come here for the homemade apple strudel or fluffy pancakes, and their signature “Einstein Coffee” (espresso, brandy, and amaretto) is a must! Not exactly your everyday morning coffee, but hey, you’re on vacation!

If you’re visiting in winter, you will love the second-floor historic lounge even more than the busy downstairs, where you can settle into a plush armchair and cuddle up with a book or someone special. Location-wise, it can’t be more convenient, or more special, right below Albert Einstein’s former apartment.

From here, it’s just a 10-minute stroll through the Old Town to the tour meeting point. Since it opens at 8:30 am most mornings, there’s plenty of time to enjoy breakfast before heading off on your tour.

Morning – Discover Bern’s historic sights with a local

With just a few days in Bern, we wanted to see as much as possible without rushing around all day. This small-group walking tour turned out to be exactly what we were looking for. We booked the 10 am group tour, which wrapped up around 12 pm, and we still had the rest of the day. 

It starts at a little square next to the General Secretariat but ends at Bear Park. This gives you more time to spend there afterward (and it’s so worth it!). In just a couple of hours, we explored the Old Town and stopped at some of Bern’s biggest highlights. 

First up was the Parliament Building (Federal Palace), and we even had time to look inside. From there, it was on to the Clock Tower. Arriving 5 minutes before the main bell struck, the hour was definitely the right call, as we got to watch the mechanical figures put on their little show.

Next up was Kramgasse, the main street lined with cafés and shops, and where you’ll want to come back for a morning coffee or brunch, or just to watch people go about their day. The tour wrapped up at Bear Park, where we spent time wandering around and looking for the hidden bears in their massive enclosure. 

Along the way, our guide Karina shared things we wouldn’t have picked up on our own; we even got a few restaurant recommendations, which are always useful when they come from a local.

We loved every second of this tour, and judging by the 100+ five-star reviews, we’re not the only ones.

Lunch – Burrito Bandito 

After spending some time at Bear Park, make your way back through Bern’s Old Town for a quick lunch at Burrito Bandito before heading off to your next activity. This place serves Californian-Mexican cuisine, and it’s honestly one of the best we’ve tried in Europe. I suggest the smash burgers if you’re not a burrito fan, but the quesadillas are just as good (it’s really hard to make a choice here!).

Inside, it’s all trendy vibes, you know, the Los Angeles surfer kind, with great music in the background. It almost feels like you’re not in Bern, but if you choose to eat outside, you’re right on the historic street and very much in quintessential Bern. It opens at 11:30 am (12 pm on Sundays), so you’ve got enough time before your afternoon tours.

And if you choose to go to the museums rather than the chocolate tour this afternoon, you can find a lunch option on that side of the river, as the morning tour ends at the BearPark.

Afternoon – Chocolate tasting or museums 

Since you’ve had a busy morning, we’ll let you decide what you feel like doing this afternoon. Our choice was the chocolate tasting tour (because, you know, Switzerland and chocolate), but feel free to head to the Museum District and hop on a museum tour of your own. 

Enjoy a chocolate tasting

If you didn’t have enough dessert for lunch, we have the perfect solution for you! This 2-hour chocolate tasting tour is definitely going to hit the spot, and no, it’s not just for people with a sweet tooth! You’ll get to try nine different sweet treats while learning a bit about Switzerland’s history with chocolate. Not a bad deal, if you ask us!

The tour does repeat a few sights from the morning walking tour, but you get a different perspective and lots of new stories, which we didn’t mind at all. We met our guide Felix at the Prison Tower on the Bärenplatz side, and you’ll know you’ve found the right person because they’re dressed in red. 

We started with a few pre-packaged chocolates before moving on to an award-winning artisan chocolate shop, where we had ice cream and sampled some of their best chocolates. To finish things off, you’ll get to try the famous chocolate bear (L’Ours de Berne) when you pass by Bear Park. Overall, it was more chocolate than we thought we could eat in one afternoon. 

We did the 1:30 pm tour, which fit perfectly after the morning one. But if the 1:30 pm tour is sold out or doesn’t fit your schedule, the morning slot is usually available, so you can simply swap the two around. 

Don’t just take our word for it! Check out the AMAZING reviews here and see for yourself! 

Museums 

To see a different side of Bern, head to Kirchenfeld, the Museum District. It’s just across the Aare River from the Old Town and, as the name suggests, is where most of the city’s museums are located. Most close at 5 pm, so you can visit as many as you can fit in. 

The area itself is well worth the trip, too. It’s peaceful, full of greenery, and makes hopping from one museum to the next a rather enjoyable experience. Here are a few you can choose from:

• Bern History Museum – If you’re only planning to visit one museum while you’re here, we’d put this one at the top of the list. The castle-like architecture alone is worth seeing, but inside you’ll find hands-on exhibits that take you through Bern’s history, from the Middle Ages all the way to modern times. We think families with children will have fun here too, as there’s plenty to see and interact with. 

• Einstein Museum – One of the reasons the Bern History Museum is so popular is that it’s home to the Einstein Museum. This museum is dedicated to Albert Einstein and his time living in Bern, where he developed the Theory of Relativity. Don’t worry, though, it’s not all complicated science. The exhibits do a great job of explaining things in a simple and fun way, so it’s a great place to visit with kids, too. 

• Museum of Communication – If you’re looking for something completely different, this museum won’t disappoint. It’s a very interactive museum, so you get to play and experiment with things like designing your own stamps or dubbing your favorite Hollywood film. It’s spread across three floors, so you might end up spending more time here than you planned. 

• Natural History Museum of Bern – For unusual exhibits and lots of taxidermied animals, this museum is a must. Not only is it one of the oldest museums in Switzerland, but the exhibits here are so varied, and each one has a story of its own. The one about Barry, the world’s most legendary St. Bernard rescue dog, is one of them. Then there’s the skeleton of an Indian circus elephant that went loose and was eventually shot down with a cannon. Lots of fun and unusual things here, so definitely include it on your list.

• Zentrum Paul Klee – A bit farther from the other museums, this is a well-known art museum that hosts the most important collection of the painter’s work. There’s even an interesting film about Klee’s life. To finish your visit, we recommend stopping by the adjacent cemetery, where you’ll find Paul Klee’s tomb. 

There are several ticket options, and buying individual tickets isn’t really worth it. We recommend the Bern Museum Card, which gives you unlimited entry to all museums in the city for around €28 for 24 hours or €35 for 48 hours. 

Evening – See the city from the Rosengarten 

If you’ve had enough of historic streets and landmarks, we suggest heading to The Rosengarten for some of the best views in the city. It’s perched just above Bern and only about a 30-minute walk from the Bern History Museum. Scouts honor, it feels much shorter because the whole route is scenic from start to finish. 

Now, this is actually the best spot to catch the sunset, but depending on the time of year you’re visiting, that can be pretty late. So after you wrap up your museum exploration, make your way to the Rosengarten and enjoy the golden hour as the city and the Aare River catch the last bit of sunlight. While you’re there, keep an eye out for the life-sized bronze statue of Albert Einstein; it’s a great photo op. 

If walking isn’t your thing, it’s only about a 10-minute drive, and Bus 10 drops you right at the park. You can also grab a drink at Restaurant Rosengarten and sit out on the veranda, or head inside and enjoy the same views through the huge glass windows.

Dinner – Kornhauskeller Restaurant & Bar

After The Rosengarten, we hope you’re starving by now (we definitely were), because it’s time to settle in for the night and enjoy a lovely dinner. For this, we’re sending you to Kornhauskeller Restaurant & Bar, a traditional Bernese spot with vaulted ceilings and cozy decor.

Vaulted cellars are very popular in Bern, but this is like nothing we’ve ever seen or dined in before. First of all, it’s in the basement of a former granary dating back to the 18th century. The painted ceilings and grand chandeliers make quite a first impression, and since it feels more like a cathedral than a restaurant, it might take you a while before you even look at the menu.

The food is just as good. We ordered the Geschnetzeltes with rösti (basically veal with hash browns, but so tasty!), though you’ll also find fish and vegetarian dishes. It’s open until 11:30 pm, and you definitely need to book a table as it fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

Day 2

Breakfast – Energy Kitchen Bern 

Today starts with breakfast at Energy Kitchen Bern. We happened to come across this cute spot on our first day and instantly decided we had to have breakfast here. It’s a pretty healthy breakfast too, and that’s great because you’ll need your energy boost for the busy morning ahead.

The atmosphere is buzzing as it’s right next to the train station, so plenty of people stop by to grab something to go. And the choices are way too many! We absolutely loved the freshly baked flaky croissants, but the homemade muesli cups and smoothie bowls are just as tempting. 

The coffee is organic and specialty, but you can also have a cold-pressed juice for a healthier option. Whatever you choose, you know it’s something healthy to fuel you up for the day. 

This place is only a 4-minute walk from the tour meeting point and opens at 6:30 am Monday through Friday (7:45 am on Saturdays), and it’s closed on Sundays. We recommend heading there when they open if you want a relaxing start to the day. 

Full day – Visit Gruyères for a cheese and history-filled day trip 

Today is all about exploring Gruyères, a medieval village about a 45-minute train ride from Bern. This castle, cheese, and chocolate tour is exactly how we planned our time here. We didn’t really come for the chocolate tasting again (though it certainly didn’t hurt). 

What we were actually excited about was visiting a cheese factory, seeing how the famous Swiss cheese is made, and of course, trying whatever they put in front of us. The tour meets at 9:30 am in front of the Tourist Information office at Bern train station and returns around 4:30 pm to the same spot. We loved that it was just a small group of six, which made the whole experience feel more personal and definitely more relaxed. 

Our first stop was a cheese factory, where we watched the art of Swiss cheese making and tasted cheese at different stages of aging. For those who don’t eat cheese, I have just one question: why? 

After that, we had about three hours to wander the cobblestone streets, visit the 13th-century castle on the hill, and soak up the medieval charm of Gruyères. There was also time for lunch here (at your own expense), which we really enjoyed. The final stop was Maison Cailler, where we tasted some of the best Swiss chocolate. Do I need to say more?

Dinner – Capitol Restaurant & Bar  

If the cheese tastings only left you wanting more, we’ve got just the place for dinner. Capitol Restaurant & Bar is a trendy restaurant inside the former Capitol cinema in Bern’s Old Town.

What we actually love about it is the tapas-style concept. 

Basically, everything comes in starter-size portions and is meant to be shared. Or not. You can just keep the good stuff to yourself. 

We went for the beef nuggets with house-made truffle mayonnaise and the Capitol cheeseburger. They even brew their own craft beer here, so you can go ahead and pair your food with a pint or two. After two so-called starters and two desserts, we had absolutely enough.

Just make sure to reserve a table, as it’s a popular spot. It closes at 11:30 pm most days and at 12:30 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and it’s closed on Sundays.

Evening – Your Choice!

For your final night in Bern, it’s completely up to you! Depending on what time you finish dinner, there are so many things you could do that choosing just one might be the hardest part.

But if you’re anything like us, you’d head straight to Marians Jazzroom. It’s one of the oldest jazz clubs in Switzerland, and legends like B.B. King and Ella Fitzgerald have performed here. Pretty amazing when you think about it! 

Or you can grab rooftop drinks at Attika Rooftop Bar, the highest rooftop bar in the Old Town, located on the 8th floor of the Best Western Plus Hotel Bern. If you’d rather keep things quiet, though, a stroll through the Old Town is the perfect way to end your trip, especially if you didn’t get the chance to see all the sights after dark. 

Where to Stay in Bern

To make the most of this itinerary, we recommend staying in Bern’s Old Town. It’s the heart of the city and puts you within easy walking distance of nearly every restaurant, attraction, and tour featured in this guide, so you can spend less time getting around and more time enjoying Bern.

To make planning a little easier, we’ve rounded up three fantastic hotel options for every budget.

Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa – $$$

If you’re ready to splurge, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is exactly the place, especially because of its focus on wellness. In fact, it’s the only hotel spa in the city center, where you get to enjoy everything from champagne jets to glacier-cold plunge pools, if that’s your kind of thing.

When you stay here, you’ll be right across from the main train station, too, so the world is your oyster. And then there’s Jack’s Brasserie, one of the reasons you’d want to come back here. They serve what many say is the best Wiener Schnitzel in the city (lucky you!).

James Bond fans will appreciate that room 411 was used in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and is now an exclusive Bond Suite. You can expect prices to start around €450 per night and climb to €700+ per night depending on the season. Book Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa here!

NH Bern The Bristol – $$

If we had to stay in Bern again, we’d book NH Bern The Bristol in a heartbeat. We absolutely love this stay because it’s right in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, so it’s hard to get bored when you have the Swiss Parliament and the main train station just steps away.  

Unlike its grand historic hotel neighbors, this one is British in its decor through and through, which made it feel a bit more unique to us. In addition to the standard double rooms, you can opt for one of the top-floor junior suites, which we highly recommend for the views. The fact that we could rent bikes for free made getting around super easy, especially in the car-free Old Town.

In terms of pricing, rates typically start at around €170 and go up to €370+ per night, which is a real bargain if you ask us, especially for the location. Check availability and secure your stay here!

Stay KooooK Bern City – $ 

There are not many budget hotels in the Old Town, which is why Stay KooooK Bern City stands out. It’s modern and vibrant, and we think it’s great for socializing as it has that hostel vibe but with the privacy of a boutique aparthotel.

It’s a great choice if you’re a family traveling on a budget, as you get more space and comfort for your money. Here you’ll find a 24/7 communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meals, and the supermarket right across the street is a bonus, helping you save on restaurant prices.

For fun, you can head to the games room with foosball or unwind in the cozy, plant-filled lounge. But the best place to be is, without a doubt, the rooftop terrace, where sunset drinks come with stunning views over the skyline. Rates typically start from around €180 to €280+ per night. Lock in this budget stay here!

Related Read: Want more options? Read our complete guide on where to stay in Bern, featuring the best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations for every budget.

Thanks for reading!

We hope this 2-day Bern itinerary helps you make the most of your time in Switzerland’s charming capital! From wandering the UNESCO-listed Old Town and watching the famous Clock Tower to tasting Swiss chocolate, exploring Gruyères, and catching sunset over the Aare River, these are the experiences that made us fall in love with Bern.

Before you head off, be sure to check out our other Switzerland travel guides for more itinerary ideas, favorite tours, restaurant recommendations, and helpful planning tips. We’ve also got plenty more travel guides waiting for you below!

Where to Stay in Zermatt, Switzerland: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

How to Spend TWO DAYS in Zermatt, Switzerland in Winter: 2-Day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Lucerne, Switzerland: 4 Areas and Hotels