Living in a small capital city comes with a couple of advantages: the combination of urban density and short distances is just one example. Another is that Bern is slow enough to skip some of the short-lived global hypes that pop up quickly and disappear as fast as they came in other cities all over the world. Only the lasting trends that actually improve urban life will eventually make it to Bern.
One of them just appeared a couple of years ago: co-working spaces. While in some parts of town the trend is controversial because some see it as spearheading gentrification of cheap neighborhoods, Effinger has found a place very close to the city center where for some reason most shops along the street have been empty for years. In this wasteland, the cozy café bar has become a little oasis. Though I am not an "Effian" who comes here to work on one of the desks on the mezzanine floor or in one of the rentable rooms, I often come here to have meetings over lunchtime. I love the creative atmosphere that lays in the air. And with a cappuccino in hand and a quiche on the table, working seems not so bad after all.
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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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In addition to falafel, there is a flatbread with halloumi, makali (grilled vegetables) or shawarma (chicken), as well as tabbouleh and hummus.
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Heitere Fahne in Bern is a very old wooden house in a quiet neighborhood where literally everything is happening — it's real center of cultural life!
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Located in a posh residential area, kind of hidden behind trees and bushes, Egelsee is a calm piece of nature to unwind your mind and observe nature.
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The owner (from California) wanted to bring yummy, healthy Californian-Mexican soul food from back home to Switzerland. And let me tell you, he did!
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Nature is claiming back the city - a powerful image. The mural was painted by Paul Stämpfli in 1987, way before the world was discussing climate change.
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Hop on "Tram Nr. 8" at the main station for a 25min ride through the post-war urban planning history of Bern. It gets interesting around Europaplatz...
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"Kopflos" ('headless') at Casinoplatz in Bern is my favourite piece of art in the city's public space. I love its four fingers!
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72 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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