Your Guide to 24 Hours in Berne — Destination Dreamer Diaries

I had been to every major swiss city: Zurich, Lucerene, Geneva, Basel, the Swiss Alps… the only thing that was left on my list after all this time – was Berne.

And man… did it not disappoint.

View of Bern, Switzerland in October 2021

The train ride from Lausanne was absolutely stunning…

Berne is by far the most distinct Swiss city of them all. With an old downtown reminiscent of Munich, a commercial scene like a miniature Vienna, and rolling hills reminiscent of the Swiss Alps – this Swiss city has a little bit of something for everyone.

So, what are you to do if you’ve only got 24 hours in Bern?

Here’s what I think no trip to Bern is complete without:

1. Explore the Old Town

Like I said before, this is the most special Swiss city of them all as it’s very unique. I wasn’t able to compare it to another one that I’ve been to.

Parliament Building in Bern, Switzerland

It has a Munich-like little downtown with corners of trees and mountains. There was a beautiful open market near their Parliament building (called Bundeshaus) full of fresh produce, cheese, and breads.

There are also a lot of cute cafes and antique shops!

Bern has a special character that’s worth exploring downtown.

2. Take a Tram Ride

For me, no Switzerland trip is complete without a tram ride. When you take it all the way to the Gurten funicular, you’ll see little snippets of the city from an utterly artistic angle…

… which brings me to…

3. Snap a Picture at the top of the Gurten

Me at the top of Gurten in Bern, Switzerland in October 2021

… this. I actually think this view is too high up to appreciate the autumn foliage and intricate buildings and clock towers of Berne, but definitely is something worth doing.

There’s a little loop to discover, a toboggan to ride, and another tower to hike up – but beware, this tower reactivated my previous fear of heights!

4. Go into Coop

Just… just do it. I mention it in every Switzerland post I write.

Don’t buy your chocolate elsewhere. Don’t spend your precious swiss francs eating. Just go into coop, grab something fun – and you’ll thank me later.

So many fun vegan things to try in Switzerland’s coop!

The vegan dark chocolate sea salt truffles and the raspberry quinoa chocolate bars are both to die for.

5. Relax in the Rosengarten

This was my second favorite thing I did in Bern. It’s quite a hike up – bring comfortable shoes and be ready for a steep uphill walk.

But obviously, it’s worth the view once you reach the top!

View from the Rosengarten cafe in Bern, Swizterland

6. Just Walk Around

Discovering Bern by foot is a great way to go!

As the local at the front desk of the hostel told me, Bern is very small. Most Swiss cities are, but this one is one of the most walkable - besides Lucerne.

It’s fun to just go in circles and see which clock tower you end up next, to sit on a step and people watch, and take pictures of what you come across!