In the heart of World Heritage Listed Old Bern it’s easy to forget that this grey-green cobbled fairytale city is the Swiss capital and not sleek, confident Zürich. Bern couldn’t be less similar, with its red roofs, four miles of atmospheric arcades, fountains, clock towers and cellar shops and bars, and this is where you’ll find the cultural heart of the country. If you’re here to get lost in a new city then the best places to stay in Bern can be found in the old heart of town. And while Switzerland is known for being fairly pricey, some of our Guru’s recommendations for the best places to stay in Bern are very affordable.

Bern also has a wonderful collection of open air markets held in front of the parliament building - these food and flower markets aren’t just for visitors - a collection of cafes, bars, restaurants and microbreweries to rival any great European capital, some beautiful parks and some wonderful architecture - including eleven fantastical 16th century fountains depicting characters from Swiss folklore. One of the most memorable is the Kindlifresserbrunnen, or the Ogre Fountain, which is an ogre eating children! You can see them all by strolling Marktgasse. Bern also has an unmissable Bear Park.

Where To Stay

• Altstadt, the Old City, is where you'll find most of Bern's sights and loveliest architecture. However, if you stay here expect to pay a fair premium for accommodation.
• Located a little further out from the centre on the banks of the river, Stadtbach is a little quieter and cheaper. Or alternatively, give Engeried (which is of a similar ilk) a try.

What Not To Miss

Part of being the cultural capital means having all the best museums, and Bern definitely doesn’t disappoint there:

• There’s the Centrum Paul Klee, Switzerland’s version of the Guggenheim, the Kuntmuseum, which is Switzerland’s oldest and most impressive fine arts museum,
• As well as the Historisches Museum, full of historic treasures, and the Naturhistorisches Museum
• Or perhaps head round the Schweizerisches Alpines Museum, which is all about Alpine mountaineering and cartography
• And then there’s a children's museum, the Kindermuseum Creaviva, which is full of hands on exhibits and opportunities for children to make their own art.
• There’s also the smaller museums, like the Einstein-Haus, converted from the humble apartment Einstein shared with his family while he was working at the patent office
• After heading to a museum (or two!) stop for a relaxing coffee in the lovely Bundesplatz, the city's main square.

Our gurus recommendations for the best places to stay in Bern are all centrally located and make an ideal base for exploring the city whether you're after top-notch luxury or a charming B&B.

The best places to stay in Bern

For the Altstadt

• The Bellevue Palace offers everything you’d expect from a palace turned five star hotel: huge rooms with marble bathrooms, elegant but richly decorated public spaces, stunning views and all the mod. cons. you can imagine - but without any stuffiness you might anticipate, it’s very friendly.
• Hotel Schweizerhof is a truly luxurious stay which effortlessly blends old with new. Boasting a top location, great spa and exquisite restaurant, you really can't go wrong staying here.

For Stadtbach

• The Am Pavillon B&B is a cool, designer, nine-bedroom B&B in an elegant converted terrace. The interiors are all unique and carefully chosen, with their lovely rooms starting from just over £100 a night.

For Engeried

• Innere Enge is just a ten-minute drive from the centre of town, but while the location might not be the most obvious choice, it’s got plenty of quirky charm, spacious rooms, great views and a basement jazz club.

For an apartment

• If you fancy the flexibility of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• LIke most cities, Bern is a year round destination, but if you want the warm weather, you'll need to visit during the summer months, with the average temperature climbing to 17°C in July and August.
• However this is peak tourist season, so for a quieter and cheaper alternative consider coming in the shoulder season months (May and October).
• If you're visiting from abroad then fly into Bern Airport, located 12km south of the city, before taking a bus or train into the centre.
• If you'd like the autonomy afforded to you by having a car, check out the selection available with our partner, Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Bern
• Alternatively have a look at out picks of the best places to stay in Basel or Lausanne.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.