The picturesque old town of Bern is a huge shopping center in itself. Bern's arcades, with their many small and large shops, invite you to stroll around the stores. Those who prefer more compact spaces will also find large shopping centers offering a wide range of products.
The arcades of Bern
The arcades of the old town, known as "Lauben" in Bern, are covered walkways that run alongside the shops in the city center. They allow you to stroll sheltered from the weather along the many shops offering everything from homemade bread to designer clothing.
The Loeb
Le Loeb, located right next to the central station, is the oldest shopping center in the city. Since 1881, you can find everything you want here on several floors. The Nido restaurant, located under the roof, also offers high-quality cuisine.
Westside
The Westside shopping and leisure center is a unique destination with international appeal. Westside is the gateway to the city of Bern, a place where you can shop in style, linger, indulge yourself, and relax. Westside offers a varied program for every visitor: 55 stores, 10 restaurants, 11 movie theaters, 1 water park, fitness, and wellness facilities. Westside is also an architectural experience, as it was designed by the renowned architect Daniel Liebeskind.
The Bernese markets are a traditional and lively institution in the Swiss capital, Bern. They have been a feature of the urban landscape for centuries and are popular with both locals and tourists alike. Here is an overview of the main markets:
Bundesplatz – Federal Square
On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, this important square is completely taken over by street vendors and their customers. For centuries, the Bundesplatz and its weekly market have been part of Bernese tradition and are known beyond the city limits as one of the most beautiful markets.
The selection is impressive, whether it's vegetables, fruits, and berries of all varieties and types, with quality and freshness that are hard to beat. Or flowers and plants for the garden and balcony, of unparalleled quality.
In recent years, Bundesplatz has also begun offering a wide selection of cheeses, meats, and baked goods. Its advantage over large retailers is its proximity to customers, its quality, its expertise, and its good value for money.
Bärenplatz – Bear Square
The Bärenplatz market is open from April to October, Monday through Saturday, and on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the winter months. Bärenplatz is located in the city center and is surrounded by other shops and restaurants.
Münstergasse and Münsterplatz – Münster alley and square
On Saturday mornings, strolling around Münsterplatz is a treat for the eyes and taste buds, complemented by a wide variety of smells and scents.
After shopping, the many small restaurants under the arcades invite you to linger, and the colorful hustle and bustle of the market on Münsterplatz, which is closed to traffic, is a most enjoyable diversion.
On Tuesday mornings, the market is held only in the upper part of the street and offers a wide selection of vegetables, fruit, bread, meat, fish, flowers, etc.
Are you coming to Geneva for the weekend and want some recommendations?
We have put together an itinerary that will allow you to visit the city's must-see attractions in two days.
Bern is a beautiful city, rich in history and stories. That's why it's worth planning a longer stay here.
We have put together a program for you that will allow you to discover and enjoy the most beautiful and interesting places in Bern in two days.
To help you refuel during your visits, we have prepared a selection of restaurants in the city's main neighborhoods. To suit all budgets, several categories of restaurants are presented in each neighborhood.
If you are in Geneva and would like some recommendations, the team at
