2 days in Geneva
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.
Your day begins with a walk from the Schönegg district, along the loop of the Aare River, to the Marzili swimming pool. The Marzili is a free outdoor pool located below the Federal Palace, where locals gather in summer to swim. This route is also recommended in winter, as the view of the river, the city, and the Bernese Alps is an unforgettable experience!
Continue on to the cathedral, Switzerland's tallest church, where you can enjoy a variety of activities, such as climbing the tower, visiting the cathedral platform, or taking the elevator through the cliff to reach the historic Matte district.
Another walk will take you through the lower part of the old town towards the Nydeggbrücke bridge. Along the way, you will find many restaurants inviting you to stop for lunch.
After you have eaten, Bern's main attraction awaits you: the Bear Park. The bear is the emblem and heraldic animal of the city. There has been a bear enclosure in Bern for centuries. The old bear pit now hosts exhibitions. The bears themselves live in the Bear Park on the banks of the Aare, where they even have the opportunity to bathe in the river.
From the bear park, the path becomes "steep," as the Bernese say. The climb up the Aargauerstalden is not easy, but it is worth the effort. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with the rose garden, which offers what is undoubtedly the most beautiful view of the city. The garden is very popular with both locals and tourists. It has a restaurant, a large playground for children, and a library with a reading garden.
Dinner in Bern's old town or the trendy Breitenrain district will round off a successful day of sightseeing.
Your day begins with art: at the Zentrum Paul Klee, you will discover modern art and Renzo Piano's fascinating architecture. Take your time, as the museum is large and the experience unique. We recommend allowing at least two hours.
Public transportation is free for hotel guests in Bern, so you can easily visit the Dählhölzli Zoo after your museum visit. Much of the park is located in the forest and on the banks of the Aare River and is accessible free of charge. We recommend picnicking there or having lunch at one of the restaurants in and around the park.
In Bern, the best place to watch the sunset is the Gurten, the local mountain. Here too, you can choose between a steep hike or a comfortable ride on the Gurtenbahn. The view is breathtaking and there are plenty of things to do, with hiking and biking trails, a restaurant, a cultural center, and a children's playground. The evening atmosphere, when the sun sets in the west and the city and the Alps are bathed in red light, will remain etched in your memory.
Bernese water
Bern's water is renowned for its freshness and cleanliness. So you can swim without fear in the crystal-clear waters of the Aare River. All of Bern's fountains provide drinking water. Try it—it's just as good as mineral water and it's free. Admission to the beautiful Marzili outdoor swimming pool is also free, and hotel guests can use trams and buses free of charge.
The Old Town of Bern
The old town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its magnificent sandstone buildings, arcades, and historic fountains. A stroll through the picturesque narrow streets is well worth the detour, and thanks to the arcades, the old town can be visited even in bad weather without getting your feet wet. Numerous restaurants, large stores, and small boutiques invite you to shop and linger. The Bern Welcome app gives you access to an audio guide and virtual guided tours of the city.
Einstein's house
Albert Einstein's former apartment during his stay in Bern, now converted into a small museum. Visit the place where Albert Einstein developed his ideas on the theory of relativity and discover for yourself how the former employee of the Bern Patent Office lived and worked.
The Historical Museum of Bern
The Bern Historical Museum is one of Switzerland's most important historical museums. Its collection is a veritable cultural treasure trove that traces the history of Bern and the world. Since the museum was founded in 1889, the collection, which covers the fields of history, archaeology, ethnography, and numismatics, has grown to include half a million objects. It includes exceptional pieces of international renown.
The Museum of Fine Arts in Bern
The Museum of Fine Arts in Bern is a world-renowned institution: works by Pablo Picasso, Ferdinand Hodler, and Meret Oppenheim, contemporary art, and works by renowned Swiss and Bernese artists, as well as a varied educational program for young and old, offer numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of art.
Gantrisch Nature Park
The Gantrisch Nature Park is located just outside Bern. The border between the Bernese and Fribourg Alps offers spectacular views. Numerous hiking and cycling trails invite you to stroll and marvel at the scenery. The Gantrisch is a dark sky reserve and the ideal place to admire the night sky. The Uecht Observatory, built by renowned architect Mario Botta, is particularly spectacular.
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.
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
To help you find a restaurant during your stay, we have compiled a list of establishments in the city's main neighborhoods. There is something for every budget, as each neighborhood offers restaurants of different categories and specialties.
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