Bern is not a typical capital or a typical Swiss city for that matter. It has a provincial feel and preserves an air of freshness and calm. Some of it maybe due to the beautiful views of the Alps in the distance, watching over the city.

The main sights are concentrated in a rather compact area between the U shape of the Aare river and the train station. So get a comfortable pair of shoes and an umbrella and prepare for an active day of walking and exploring.

Start with a walk in the Old city, a UNESCO listed monument. The buildings in the Old City, dating from a variety of periods, include 15th-century arcades and 16th-century fountains. Most of the medieval town was restored in the 18th century but it has retained its original character.

Some buildings that deserve a closer look are the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) which was however in renovation in Spring 2018 and The Cathedral.

There are a wealth of additional sights hidden within the sandstone facades that are well worth discovering, including the Einstein Haus (Kramgasse 49). You will have to climb a steep set of stairs to tge first floor where you buy the ticket and the another to visit the museum. If you have a stroller, leave it on the ground floor

Continue to the Terrace of the House of Parliament where you can admire mountain views. A great opportunity if not accompanied by small children is to take a guided visit of the Parliament Building. Visit are organised hourly. There was a special visit geared for families with kids was scheduled for Sat at 9h30.

In Summer, you can admire the Water fountains choreography at BundesPlatz, just behind the Parliament.

If you star getting hungry, shop for traditional cheese, meat and bread at the market (Open on Tue, Thursday and Saturday) at Baerenplatz. You can enjoy a picnic with the locals on the terrace behind the Cathedral. If you are looking for a proper meal, Metzgerstübli on the river banks has yummy fresh food at reasonable prices.

After lunch, have a quick peek in the imposing Cathedral (before crossing the old town to reach the BearPark.

The BearPark is home to Finn, Björk, and their daughter Ursina. The animals have been living in the new park along the bank of Aare since 2009. The new BearPark provides a landscape where the brown bears can climb, fish and play, but also just relax. It is free of charge and a great stop if you are visiting with kids. All the little ones were very excited to see the family in action.

If you look for more action for the little ones, head to the Gurten Park. Plenty of relaxing activities await you high above the city. The Gurten – where around 80,000 music fans gather each summer for the Gurtenfestival – also offers a gorgeous view. The Gurten is a paradise for a day out with children. A toboggan run and around 22 attractions – most of which are free – invite children to explore and run around.

Returning into the old city, notice the cellar entrances lining the Kramgasse. Bern has many underground cellars. All of the buildings surrounding Kramgasse contain cellars.  These have been were mainly used to store the goods of the patrons of the buildings. Many of the cellars are now trendy little cafes or shops.

One of the oldest is the Klötzlikeller, in which owners serve up typical Swiss comfort food. The perfect end to a busy day of sightseeing!

Happy travels!