Switzerland

The Lazy Person’s Guide to Bern

by AM

I don’t know about you, but these days I’m leaning more towards taking it easy when I visit a new country. Luckily, I’ve had the luxury of returning to the city of Bern multiple times since my brother lived there for a couple of years. With each visit, I’ve taken my time to explore the city’s atmosphere, cuisine, culture, and people. While I used to be very interested in museums and historical sites, over time I’ve lost some of that enthusiasm. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t do any research beforehand or while I’m there (when I’m feeling adventurous and don’t want to know everything beforehand).

My perfect day in Bern

It starts with a walk

My brother lived right in the city center, so I was blessed with the option of having almost all facilities within a 10-minute walk. I especially like to walk around the city’s parliament as it’s so peaceful in the morning. It can get very busy during the afternoon or evening if the weather is nice.

It goes against the city’s rules, but I take my dog for a walk here to let her run around while the city life hasn’t started buzzing just yet. While she plays like crazy, I get to enjoy this amazing view

Coffee time

I am not what you would call a coffee connoisseur, but being Albanian, I can proudly say that we are used to having some of the best coffee. We took the Italian espresso, added a little Albanian twist, and the coffee is delicious. Having lived in the Netherlands for almost 7 years now, my taste buds are used to the disappointment (no ofense to the Dutch people, but the coffee lacks perspective). However, I do find Swiss coffee better, perhaps due to the Italian influence.

I know that there are many nice cafes in the city, but being a creature of habit, you will mostly see me at TCHIBO KAFFEEHAUS MAX, here you can check their TripAdvisor account. It is slightly more expensive than other coffee places around, but I like the fact that I can sit there for a long time working, and the staff won’t come to ask 100 times if I need something else. Here, you can enjoy a lovely cappuccino with some nice croissants. If you want a small bite of something sweet, I recommend the small Pastel De Nata. It’s nothing like what you’d have in Portugal, but I find it decent.

If you don’t see me here, then I can either be found at Einstein café & bel étage or JUL.

Another walk

I have to get to those steps one way or another, and this city has so much to offer in terms of nature. When I think of Bern, nature is what comes to my mind. I personally don’t find the city very lively, so I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who likes nightlife. My brother struggled in his day-to-day life in Bern because of the limited options for younger people. At first, I thought he was joking when he said, “If you want to see people in Bern, the only place is at the train station.” So, if you are someone who likes to be surrounded by people, you may be in the wrong place, according to me. But, enough of this; let’s get back to the topic, walking.
 

My dog loves to walk by the Aare River as she can be unleashed without breaking any laws. In the summer, you can go for a swim, and the water is crystal clear. I have seen people getting into the water even in the peak of winter when the temperature outside is -10 degrees. So, if you like that, be my guest, but those extreme sports are not for me, my friend.

Beware of the wooden boxes

I have found this concept to be true in all of the cities I have visited in Switzerland, and I absolutely love it. It is common to find games in random places, so if you are with someone else and would like to play a chess game, dominos etc., there are plenty of options available. I am not sure if you are supposed to put the equipment back in the box if you’re finished playing, but it only makes sense to do so.

Go shopping

If you’re looking for luxury goods, Bern has plenty to offer, including high-end watches, fine jewelry, designer clothing, and expensive wines. The go-to spots for shopping are Spitalgasse or Marktgasse street, but be warned – it ain’t cheap! If you’re on a regular salary in Western or Southern Europe, you’ll find everything way overpriced. It’s interesting to see so many elderly shoppers in these stores, while younger people may struggle to afford such indulgences. Sometimes I wonder if the prices are just too high for the younger crowd, or if my fashion sense skews towards the old. Please don’t forget to indulge in as much chocolate possible that you can, with the vast variety of options in Switerland.  Two of my ultimate favourites are Lindt (shocker!) and Läderach.
 

Buy that pasta

Have you seen how many pasta options there are in a regular Coop or Migros store? There are so many different fresh raviolis with succulent fillings. I think, well, I am sure I am using the word succulent out of context, but I have been watching so many cooking shows, that I was dying to use the word, even if it doesn’t quite fit. Anyways, I would gladly skip a restaurant meal and forever choose to walk around in the huge store, admiring the oh so many options and drive myself crazy with choosing just the right one to have for lunch or dinner.
 

Before you go home to cook that pasta..

You might know by now that the legend has it that the city got its name due to the animal, the bear, which can be found all around the city. There is one particular place where you can watch the bears in their free habitat, completely unbothered by their human peers, the Barenpark. Below is a photo of one fine-looking bear going about its business.

It’s merely a 15-20 min walk from the main shopping streets, it’s not too long, and the bears might eventually enjoy your company.

Cocktail hour

I’m not usually a beer drinker, but I do enjoy a nice glass of wine or a cocktail every now and then. If you’re like me, I highly recommend checking out the “Die Taube” bar. It’s one of the best places I’ve had a cocktail in Bern, and maybe even in all of Switzerland. I highly recommend trying the Whiskey Sour with chickpea juice.

 
 
  • Bern is the capital city of Switzerland, located in the center of the country.
    The Old Town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
  • The city is located on the Aare River, which is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and other water activities during the summer.
  • The Rose Garden in Bern offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
  • The Swiss government is located in Bern, and the city is home to numerous international organizations, including the United Nations Office at Geneva and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
  • The official language of Bern is Swiss German, but many people also speak French and English.
  • Some of the popular attractions in Bern include the Zytglogge clock tower, the Bern Cathedral, and the Paul Klee Center, which features works by the famous Swiss painter.