Visit Berne

The Old Town of Bern, which figures on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage sites has one of the longest "weatherproof" shopping malls in Europe under its six kilometres of covered arcades. The mediaeval atmosphere, with shops in the cellar vaults must be unique.

There are so many museums, theatres, landmarks, cafés, restaurants and shops - not to mention the weekly market (and the lovely Christmas market) - all of which can be easily reached on foot. But this is also the Capital of Switzerland so there you will find the Parliament Building from where Switzerland is governed. The imposing building is right at the heart of the Old Town. Bern is built on a peninsular formed by a meander of the River Aare and it is centrally located and easy to reach. This makes it an ideal starting point from which you can discover the whole of Switzerland by taking day trips.

Shopping Bern should begin in the square mileage of arcades that currently comprise the ancient Old Town. The open-air malls, replete with boutiques and restaurants, are covered and thus still suitable for rainy-day sales.

Farmer’s markets can also be found in this area, as residents come to grab fresh produce, flowers, and meats in the Bundesplatz and Munsterplatz on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Most Bern stores are open Monday through Saturday, with the main railway station being the only locale with open Sunday shops. Hours are short on Mondays, mostly limited to the afternoon, while other weekdays host fuller business hours (Saturdays are 8-4).

A Crafts Market is known to bustle on the first Saturdays of every month, save January and February, and the Flea Market on Muhlepatz in the Matte swarms with shoppers every third Saturday from May through October.

Kornhauskeller - This place is awesome. A beautiful dining experience. The entire staff spoke great English and was very polite. The service is wonderful. The building is a historical landmark in the city, and according to the Bern city tour guide, long ago it was a storage place for the city's people to store wine, cheese, and other types of food for the upcoming winter. The menu items vary between French and Italian, and a couple of items had an Asian flair to them. There is a bar upstairs that plays some pumping music later at night. On the street, there is a Keller cafe which is more casual, and it is a good place for a light lunch, or just to stop in and have a coffee or cocktail.
Lorenzini - Hotelgasse 10
Not far from to the Parliament Building you will find this Italian restaurant in the style of a bistro-brasserie with its elegant "salotti" and beautiful courtyard terrace.
Wein & Sein - Münstergasse 50
This lovely restaurant, with its vaulted ceiling, offers a 4-course menu. The extensive wine list offers options to complement all meals. Pleasant outdoor dining area on Münstergasse.
La Tavola Pronta - Laupenstr. 57
This small restaurant, tucked away in a cosy cellar, has a lovely dining room with a fireplace and serves Italian specialities in a charming atmosphere.

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