The Best of Bern: Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore

Finish the night by descending into one of Bern's signature vaulted sandstone cellars. This intimate lounge serves exceptional, inventive cocktails in a subterranean space that feels like a well-kept secret, perfect for a lingering nightcap.

Duck under the sandstone arcades to this bustling local institution, where the espresso machine is treated with religious reverence. In autumn, their house-roasted beans pair perfectly with a fresh cinnamon bun, providing the perfect excuse to people-watch from the heated outdoor benches.

Drive around the bay to Spiez for lunch on the terrace at the Belvédère. It is a design-forward spot where you can eat fresh perch fillets from the lake while looking out over the marina and the steeply terraced vineyards.

Power up the winding switchbacks of the Gurnigel Pass, a favorite of local drivers testing their gearboxes. Park at the Berghaus for a quick, no-nonsense espresso and a breath of crisp mountain air with views stretching across the Bernese Alps.

Escape the afternoon chill inside this striking octagonal brick building, which housed Switzerland's first gasworks. Today, it’s a multi-story sanctuary of steam, warm stones, and herbal teas that feels entirely indulgent on a crisp November afternoon.

Autumn in Switzerland is synonymous with 'Wildsaison' (game season), and there is no better place to experience it than this historic, wood-paneled tavern. They elevate traditional dishes with organic, hyper-local ingredients, paired with a stellar list of biodynamic Swiss wines.

Cross over to the sunny side of the lake to Sigriswil. Walk across the spectacular 340-meter-long suspension bridge for dizzying views of the Bernese Alps, then grab a final macchiato at the nearby Hotel Bären before the easy cruise back to Bern.

Walk down to the riverbank to this former industrial powerhouse turned cultural hub. The restaurant serves brilliant seasonal plates—think pumpkin risotto and wild venison—right beside the rushing, turquoise Aare, which feels wonderfully dramatic under grey autumn skies.

Start above the mist at the Rose Garden, where the entire loop of the Aare River and the red-roofed Old Town are framed by brilliant golden linden trees. Grab a warming flat white from the park's pavilion and watch the morning fog slowly lift from the valley.

Descend into Thun, a historic town where the river Aare spills out of the lake. Skip the castle crowds and wander the unique double-decker sidewalks of Obere Hauptgasse, stopping to explore the independent boutiques and watch the river surfers.