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

Planning a trip to Bern and have no idea where to stay? You’ve found the experts!

Bern is every bit the charming European city you’re hoping for, known for its medieval Old Town, the crystal-clear Aare River, Bear Park, and historic landmarks like the Clock Tower with its mechanical puppet shows every hour. Still, it’s not as big as you might think. Everything is nearby, and if you don’t feel like walking, the city has one of the best public transport systems not only in Europe but in the world.

To save you the hassle of planning your trip, we’ve put together this guide to the three best areas to stay in Bern, plus hotels we’d actually stay in ourselves.

Ready? Let’s go!

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Bern, Switzerland 

Bern is actually Switzerland’s capital city, so it’s full of historic charm and important buildings. It doesn’t really feel like a capital city, though; it has more of a small-town vibe, and it’s definitely not as polished or fast-paced as Zurich.

The Old Town (Altstadt) is the best place to stay, with cobblestones, both local and fancy spots, and tons of historic landmarks within easy reach. However, it’s a bit more high-end, and the hotels are mainly historic buildings with lots of charm and character. Staying here doesn’t require any driving (it’s limited anyway) or public transport, so get ready to walk, and walk some more.

Mattenhof is just south of the Old Town and makes for a convenient (and cheaper) base while still being close to the top sights. Breitenrain-Lorraine is more of the local side of town, with lots of charm of its own and all the peace and quiet you could ask for.

Overall, Bern is easy to get around on foot. But if walking is out of the question, you can take the tram, bus, or train and get to places much faster. Plus, almost every stay in Bern gives you a free public transport pass (talk about convenience). If you’d rather get your workout in, you can easily rent a bike and get around that way, too, as the city is very bike-friendly

• Altstadt (Old Town) – Best for first-time visitors & sights – This UNESCO-protected area is packed with historic buildings, museums, fountains, and over 6 kilometers (about 3.8 miles) of medieval arcaded shopping streets. Our favorite stay here is NH Bern The Bristol, an upscale hotel just steps from the Swiss Parliament (Federal Palace). 

• Breitenrain-Lorraine – Best for local vibes & budget stays – If you prefer green spaces and close proximity to Wankdorf Stadium and the BERNEXPO grounds, this is probably the area for you. Swissôtel Kursaal Bern is our top pick here, with an in-house casino, fitness center, event spaces, Asian cuisine, and a lovely rooftop terrace. 

• Mattenhof – Best for convenience & transport connections – If you’re looking for a quiet residential area just a short bus ride from Altstadt, this is it. A great stay here is Hotel Ambassador, with an indoor pool and fantastic Japanese live-cooking teppanyaki. 

Where to Stay in Bern, Switzerland

Altstadt (Old Town)

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS & SIGHTS

Pros

• You can walk to iconic sights, restaurants, and cafés
• Home to the main train station and several tram lines
• Feels authentic, with narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings
• Most of the area is pedestrianized

Cons 

• Driving is difficult and parking is limited 
• Prices are a bit higher here  
• Street noise is almost constant 

If you love the historic charm of European cities, Altstadt is where you’ll want to stay. Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is the city’s historic heart, filled with medieval arcades, sandstone buildings, beautiful squares, and some of Switzerland’s most iconic landmarks. Staying here puts you just steps from the Zytglogge Clock Tower, Bern Cathedral, Bundeshaus (Federal Palace), and the Bear Park. 

Mornings here start nice and slow at one of the cafés along Zeughausgasse, followed by a stroll to Bundesplatz with a Swiss pastry in hand, if you’re anything like us. Then you can wander down the cobblestones of Kramgasse, where a stop at the Albert Einstein House is almost necessary.

Nights are just as relaxed, mainly spent along the Aare River, whether that’s over a romantic dinner or a nightcap in a hidden speakeasy bar. Best of all, everything is within walking distance once you step outside your hotel.

It’s not all perfect, though. Altstadt can get busy, and accommodation and dining here tend to be some of the most expensive in Bern. Still, it’s hard to beat for first-time visitors, history lovers, and anyone who wants the most atmospheric base for exploring Bern on foot.

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. 

If Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa is all sold out, Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern is a great second choice, where you’ll be walking and dining next to Swiss politicians, as it’s the official guesthouse of the Swiss government. It’s located directly next door to the Federal Parliament, so no wonder. 

Hotel Savoy is an excellent backup, although it’s a bit smaller and more tech-friendly if you need to catch up on some work. Since it sits on a pedestrianized street, it’s especially popular with families, with Bundesplatz (Parliament Square) and many of Bern’s major landmarks within a short and easy walk. 

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.

Kreuz Bern Modern City Hotel is another fantastic mid-range option with family rooms and a cozy, authentic restaurant. From here, you’re just a short walk from the lively pedestrian street of Zeughausgasse, the Clock Tower, and the Federal Palace. 

For something similar, Boutique Hotel Belle Epoque offers a charming historic stay, except this one feels almost like an art gallery, with period paintings, furniture, and ornaments everywhere you look. It’s closer to the famous Bear Park (BärenPark), right by the Aare River. 

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.

Another one of our favorite wallet-friendly stays in the area is Best Western Plus Hotel Bern, with modern interiors hidden behind a historic Art Nouveau facade. The hotel is located right next to the French Church and Kornhausplatz, where you can easily catch the next tram. 

Akomo Bern is also a solid option nearby that comes with a free Bern Public Transport Ticket for local tram and bus travel. It’s an apartment-style hotel with spacious layouts, making it ideal for families and bigger groups traveling on a budget. 

Breitenrain-Lorraine

BEST FOR LOCAL VIBES & BUDGET STAYS

Pros 

• Plenty of budget-friendly stays from B&B’s to aparthotels
• Home to Bern’s entertainment, sports, and expo hub
• Feels more local and less crowded

Cons 

• Old Town is about a 15-minute uphill walk
• Weekends tend to be quieter here

Just north of the Old Town, Breitenrain-Lorraine offers a quieter and more residential side of Bern while still being close to the city center. This neighborhood is known for its independent cafés, local restaurants, riverside walking paths, and beautiful views over the Aare River. There’s still plenty going on here, though it’s not nearly as crowded with tourists, and Altstadt is only a short walk away (if you think 15 minutes is short).

One of the biggest perks of staying here is the proximity to Wankdorf Stadium, PostFinance Arena, and the BERNEXPO grounds. In other words, it’s super convenient if you want to catch a football or hockey game, attend an event, or see a concert.

Hotels here also tend to be more affordable, plus they’re more modern and tech-ready if that’s more your thing than historic buildings. Just like Altstadt, everything moves at a slower pace here. Driving is easy, too, and many properties come with free parking.

We think this area is great if you’re after a quieter stay, especially for digital nomads, budget-conscious visitors, and anyone who prefers everyday Bern over the main tourist hotspots.

Hotel Jardin Bern – $$$

You won’t find many 5-star hotels in this residential area, but Hotel Jardin Bern is probably the closest thing to one. A stay here comes with lots of perks, including a fresh daily buffet with local pastries and coffee stations on each floor. Even better, you get free rental bikes, parking, and even free access to a nearby fitness center.

You’re also not far from the Old Town. There’s a scenic walking path through the hilltop Rose Garden, past the Bear Park, and straight across the river into the historic center in just 20 minutes. And if you’re feeling lazy, the Breitenrain tram stop is just one block away.

It’s also ideally positioned near the BERNEXPO exhibition grounds, the Wankdorf Stadium, and the PostFinance Arena, so you can catch a sports match or attend a concert without the hassle of figuring out transport. Prices start at around €180 to €300+ per night.

If Hotel Jardin Bern is fully booked, Hotel Waldhorn is a solid backup with its own parking garage, a free buffet breakfast, and hot drinks around the clock. You’re also close to Bern’s entertainment and expo hub, with the Viktoriaplatz tram stop just a short walk away. 

Swissôtel Kursaal Bern – $$ 

Swissôtel Kursaal Bern is more than just a place to spend a night or two. It combines a grand casino, a congress center, two gourmet restaurants (one overlooking a live koi fish pond!), and stylish designer interiors. Thanks to its convenient position on Schänzli Hill, most rooms come with gorgeous views of the Aare River, the Alps, and the Old Town rooftops.

But one of its biggest selling points has to be the location. The hotel sits just across the Kornhausbrücke bridge, which means you can walk straight into Altstadt in no time. Even better, the hotel has its own tram stop right outside the entrance, connecting you to Bern Main Train Station in just 5 minutes.

Prices usually start at around €150 per night and can go up to €360+ in peak season. Still, it’s a steal considering everything you get.

Stay KooooK Bern Wankdorf is a strong backup, with a clever digital studio concept where, with the push of a button, you can hide the bed and instantly create more space. As for the location, you’re right next to Bern Wankdorf Train Station, and since you get a free Bern Public Transport Ticket with your stay, it’s super easy to get around. 

If you love your tech gadgets as much as having space to spread out, Evi’s Home Hotel & Apartments won’t disappoint. The apartments here are fully automated, you can self-check in, and you’re just a 15-minute walk from the BERNEXPO grounds and Wankdorf Stadium. 

Prize by Radisson, Bern City – $  

For a more budget-friendly stay in the Breitenrain-Lorraine neighborhood, Prize by Radisson, Bern City is definitely worth a look! To start, it’s massive, with over 150 rooms, but it doesn’t really feel crowded, which is perfect if you’re after a relaxing stay.

Second, it’s futuristic and tech-friendly, so it’s also ideal for business travelers or anyone who loves their tech. Come night, the place to be is the rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a romantic date night or catch the sunset over Bern’s skyline.

As for the location, you really get the best of Bern, with the Rose Garden and Bear Park just a short walk away. And if walking is out of the question, the Schönburg bus stop is right at your doorstep. With prices starting at just €110 per night, it’s hard to complain.

If Prize by Radisson, Bern City is all booked up, Moxy Bern Expo is another affordable option, right next to the Bern Wankdorf S-Bahn station. This hotel is all about comfort and convenience and best suited for concertgoers, younger couples, and anyone who appreciates high-energy communal spaces more than traditional hotel setups. 

Another one of our favorites Hotel Marthahaus, although this one is a bit more family-oriented. It’s a classic B&B-style stay near the University of Bern’s Botanical Garden, with bus and tram connections just a short walk away. 

Mattenhof 

BEST FOR CONVENIENCE & TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS

Pros 

• Hotels here offer great value for money
• Driving is easy and there’s plenty of parking
• Home to the United States Embassy and several international consulates
• Excellent public transport connections

Cons 

• Most businesses close early, so the area quiets down sooner than other parts of the city
• There can be traffic noise along the main roads

Southwest of the Old Town, Mattenhof feels more local and laid-back, but you’re still only a short tram ride away from Bern’s main attractions. This is one of those neighborhoods where you never feel rushed. Mornings start with coffee at Eigerplatz, and the best part about exploring this area is that no matter which side street you take, you’ll enjoy peace and quiet while admiring historic villas that now serve as international consulates.

Monbijou Park and the Rose Garden are nearby if you need a breath of fresh air, and you’ll also find the Bern Historical Museum, along with excellent shopping and dining options around Eigerplatz. Here, there’s no fighting with crowds, and driving is nice and easy, with many stays offering parking spots. Since most businesses close early, weekends and evenings can feel pretty quiet, so you may need to head elsewhere for dinner. 

Fortunately, you can walk to the main train station in minutes, and this is also the only area in town with a direct transit connection to Gurten, Bern’s local mountain. We think it’s the perfect base for families, business travelers, and visitors looking for good-value accommodations close to the city center.

Hotel La Pergola – $$$ 

If you’re looking for a cozy and quiet stay, Hotel La Pergola is well worth checking out! But this isn’t your typical luxury hotel. It’s more about comfort and convenience, with plenty of single rooms for solo and business travelers who need an easy base to get things done. 

It comes with a lovely garden patio where you’ll probably spend most of your time when you’re not out exploring. From here, the US Embassy is just steps away, which makes it a convenient option if you have a visa or passport appointment. 

You can walk to Bern Main Railway Station and the House of Parliament (Bundeshaus) in about 10 minutes, or take advantage of the Hasler bus stop and local tram lines right outside if you’re in a rush. Rates typically start from around €140 and go up to €300+ per night.

If Hotel La Pergola is all sold out for your dates, Sorell Business Hotel Ador Bern is a great modern alternative with a lively café lounge for socializing and networking. Even better, the City West shopping center is right next door and connected by an indoor elevator, so you don’t even have to step outside to see a movie or go shopping. 

Hotel Ambassador – $$ 

Hotel Ambassador offers great value for money! It’s quite possibly the only hotel we’ve mentioned so far with an indoor pool, or a pool for that matter. But that’s not the only thing that sets it apart.

Here you’ll find the city’s only authentic Japanese teppanyaki restaurant, complete with a live-cooking kitchen. That’s dinner on a whole new level right there. And if you like a bit of pampering on the side, you can head to the spa and easily spend half a day there, hopping from the sauna to the pool, or squeeze in a workout at the gym.

As for the location, you’re right down the street from the Gurten Funicular Station, so a cable railway ride to the mountain is an easy choice. Prices typically start from around €160 to €370+ per night, depending on the room and season, which we think is excellent value considering everything you get.

Los Lorentes Hotel Bern City – $  

One of our favorite budget stays in Mattenhof is Los Lorentes Hotel Bern City. It feels more upscale than wallet-friendly, which is why we think it’s such a great bargain. For starters, it’s fairly new (opened in 2022), and it’s an aparthotel with spacious layouts, making it ideal for family vacations.

Even better, there’s an Aldi grocery store nearby, so you can stock up your kitchen and cook whenever you feel like it, helping you save even more money. Evenings here are best spent on the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a nightcap or watch the sunset. 

If you’re driving, you’ll appreciate the underground parking garage. And if you’re not, the Weyermannshaus bus stop sits right outside the hotel lobby, so you’ll be in the center of the action in no time. Prices start at around €140 per night, a real bargain if you ask us!

Another fantastic option if you’re looking to save money is the Ibis Styles Bern City with large family suites, a kids’ play area, free breakfast, and round-the-clock hot drinks. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Bern Main Railway Station, with the Eigerplatz transit hub only two blocks away. 

Top Activities to do in Bern

Now that we’ve picked the best area and hotel to stay in, it’s time to decide what to do. And that’s the fun part! Bern is easy enough to explore on foot, but we quickly realized that booking a tour or two is the best way to make the most of your trip.  

Here are our favorite things to do in Bern, besides trying every Wiener Schnitzel we can get our hands on: 

• Discover Bern with a local guide – Save yourself the hassle of planning every little detail and explore Bern with a local who knows the city like the back of their hand. On this 2-hour guided walking tour, you’ll visit the Zytglogge Tower, Federal Palace, and Bear Park, then stroll down Kramgasse, Bern’s main street lined with cute cafés and shops. 

• Enjoy a chocolate tasting – If you have a sweet tooth, this chocolate tasting tour is the perfect fit for you. You’ll sample nine Swiss chocolates and even get a full tasting box, all while checking off some of Bern’s major landmarks, including the Zytglogge Clock Tower, Bern Cathedral, and Bear Park. Not a bad way to sightsee, if you ask us. 

• Take a cheese-filled day trip from Bern – When you’ve seen and done it all in Bern, take this full-day tour to Gruyères, where you can learn how Switzerland’s famous cheese is made and top it all off with a chocolate tasting. You’ll also have plenty of time to explore this medieval town at your own pace. 

• Visit Jungfraujoch – If you want to see the Swiss Alps at their very best, this day trip to Jungfraujoch makes it easy. You’ll ride the famous cogwheel train into the mountains, stop at Staubbach Falls for amazing photos, and explore Interlaken along the way. 

Thanks for reading!

At first glance, Bern feels like a quick stop between Switzerland’s bigger destinations, but a few days spent wandering its arcaded streets, relaxing along the Aare River, and discovering its hidden corners quickly proves otherwise. Whether you’re staying in the heart of the Old Town or a quieter local neighborhood, Bern offers the kind of easygoing atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and stay a little longer.

Now that you’ve got Bern covered, it’s time to check out our other Switzerland travel guides here. From alpine adventures and lakeside towns to vibrant cities, there’s so much more waiting to be explored. We’ve also linked some of our favorite guides below to help you plan the next leg of your journey.

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