One reason I like Bern as a city is its underground layer. There are literally hundreds of basement stores lined up along the old town boulevards, and you can spend days (and nights) just diving into these hidden worlds down there. You will find flower shops and theatres, nightclubs and record stores, hemp shops and bakeries, bars and barbershops. My favourite basement happens to be a cinema though. Kellerkino (basement cinema) is a tiny cave with a 1.6 meter high canvas and 36 red armchairs. Claustrophobics like me perhaps should take a look into that dungeon type of cinema before buying the ticket.
But once I sit in the comfy chair and the film lights up the hall, the basement cinema turns out to be a very cozy place with a kind of familial atmosphere. Founded in 1970, the Kellerkino was the first independent cinema in the country, and until today the programme consists of cinematic avant-garde gems that wouldn't be shown on the real big screens. So even film freaks like myself will find a raw diamond in this underground spot once in a while.
Find your way with 70 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Explore Bern's Länggasse art: Einstein's brain, clever birds, and more. Start at Grosse Schanze for a memorable journey.
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Hunt Bern's Space Invaders on foot or bike. Find 29 mosaic pictures by artist Invader throughout the city. Let the game begin!
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Uncover the convenience of Coop: fresh food, coffee, drinks, snacks, and a wine and beer shop. Cheers to easy shopping!
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Their programs range from concerts to poetry nights, guided tours, and art workshops. And the garden is beautiful and inspiring itself...
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It's a shame that I didn't know of "Spielplatz am Schützenweg" in Bern when I was a kid. But now I love this playground for its vitality & creative vibe...
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"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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70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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