In the winter, the greenhouses of Bern's botanical garden are an excellent spot to warm up and dream of warmer times. But actually, the garden offers activities all year round. Their varied programs range from concerts to poetry nights, guided tours, and art workshops. Of course, the garden is beautiful and inspiring itself, with its view of the emerald river (Aare) – I love to walk around and breathe in nature or to watch the small lizards relishing the sun sitting on the stone walls on a warm day in summer.
If I feel a little bit peckish, I stop by the Café Fleuri. They offer a small but hand-picked selection of breakfast dishes, snacks, cocktails and ice cream in the warmer months. On rainy days, you are served in the Orangerie among green leafy creatures. Please note that the café has a winter break from November to March.
You can easily combine a visit to the botanical garden with some sightseeing, bar hopping or browsing the numerous small shops in the nearby old town or the Lorraine quarter – for lovers of fair fashion, I strongly recommend RRREVOLVE.
Find your way with 72 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Alte Feuerwehr Viktoria" Bern used to be the city's firetruck garage; now it's a cultural centre complete w/ restaurant, library of things & bicycle shop!
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Fähre Bodenacker is a ferry upstream the river Aare just outside Bern, where there's also a nice family restaurant, right in some beautiful nature...
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It is like home beyond home: perfectly suitable for burying yourself in a book, a good cup of tea or a relaxing evening beyond your four walls.
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The Veielihubel is a great place to have a quick recharge on a busy day and relish the quiet, the sun or the view – whatever you need at the time.
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And unlike other vintage stores, everything is curated by the team of The New New Bern themselves. Their handpicked selection is hip, urban and always in style. There will definitely be no holes in the clothes.
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If you think the octagonal building – the first gas tank in the city – is already spectacular from the outside, wait till you see what is inside.
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This is not your casual flower shop. You could easily miss the stairs that lead to the cellar, where they create the most beautiful bouquets of Bern...
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They have finger-licking-good desserts and great coffee. I order an apple pie – oh, but let me tell you, it is no ordinary apple pie, it is apple heaven.
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"Kellerkino" Bern is a basement cinema with a familial atmosphere. Founded in 1970, it was first independent cinema in the country. Talk about underground!
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"Monbijoupark" is a green oasis in the middle of the city of Bern - you can come here very easily by public transport or on foot!
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In the Zweiblatt Concept Store, you will find many different things. From colorful socks and trendy clothing to jewelry, mugs and drinking bottles.
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72 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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