Feb 28, 2025

Reitschule Bern

A walk on the wild side

""Reitschule" Bern is a controversial place with 1000 names that means a million different things to people. Prepare to taste the city's wild side here..."

Reitschule is a place with a thousand names and a million faces. For some it is the single most important hotspot for alternative culture in the city, probably the county, maybe even the continent -- a rare space without an urge for consumption and with the much needed proof that young people still care for politics and a refuge for people in need.

For others it is an eyesore, a legal vacuum, a marketplace for illegal drugs, a theme park for bullies and the environment where their sons and daughters learn to smoke pot and break windows. Both views might be exaggerated; still the old Tim-Burtonesque riding school is without doubt the most interesting spot in the city. I frequently visit the club in the attic, a fine place to see all kinds of music that never made it to the charts and – beside the restaurant – probably the only place even my parents would dare to go to.

In younger years I made the full tour though – got drunk at the smoky Rössli, watched films at the cinema in the old stables and joined the occasional political demonstration that shakes the local establishment and from time to time would end up in clouds of teargas. Slightly hidden there is also a LGBTI-Club, a printing facility, a bookstore, a theatre etc. etc. So if you plan to go there – which I warmly recommend – breathe in, stay cool, be prepared for anything, kindly refuse everything offered to you and enjoy Bern's wild side!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

Neubrückstrasse 8

CHF

free

313066969

Find your way with 70 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Bern guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Bern

La Chouette Bern

La Chouette

Crèpe-a-porter

"La Chouette" Bern is a small, cozy, woody restaurant that makes the best crepes around! Make sure to try both sweet & salty! Open until late on weekends.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Sebastian

Meier

Mar 18, 2025
Ô Capitaine Bern

Ô Capitaine

Best brunch spot in town

Who doesn't love brunch? At Ô Capitaine in Bern you'll find everything your heart desires and more! I really like the variety of the food here...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Sarah

Dennler

Mar 8, 2025
Trallala Bern

Trallala

Where The Wild Wines Are

I especially like that they have about a dozen bottles by the glass and that they offer you to try several wines before you settle for a good drop.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Sebastian

Meier

Mar 5, 2025
Kreissaal Bern

Kreissaal

Late Night Cocktails

Their house specialties "Black Cuban" (a rum coffee cocktail) and "Fado" (port wine and whiskey) are worth spoiling yourself for.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Sebastian

Meier

Mar 5, 2025

Wasserspeier

Spoiler alert!

"Wasserspeier" in Bern is a trick spot! Just go there and be surprised... it's an installation by local artist Luciano Andreani

002-building
Art & culture

By

Sebastian

Meier

Mar 5, 2025
Jusq‘a Bern

Jusq‘a

Enjoy the best coffee in town

"Jusq‘a" in Bern makes hands-down the best coffee in town. The personal and simple atmosphere just makes it for me...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Sarah

Dennler

Mar 4, 2025

Landhaus

An experience from cellar to attic

"Landhaus" is a beautifully renovated, rustic restaurant in Bern! From the attic to the cellar to the beautiful garden, it's all an experience...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Sarah

Dennler

Mar 4, 2025
Palette Bern

Palette

Zero-waste shopping

"Palette" in Bern is a zero-waste shop for unpackaged, organic food as well as hygiene products. Shopping here makes cooking twice as fun!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Sarah

Dennler

Mar 4, 2025
Süder Bern

Süder

Delicious food in a great atmosphere

"Süder" is a nice restaurant in Bern where the food is excellent from the starter through to dessert. I especially like the friendy staff & atmosphere...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Sarah

Dennler

Mar 4, 2025
Lieblings Café Bar Bern

Lieblings Café Bar

A secret spot

"Lieblings Café Bar" is for you if you fancy a glass of wine in a cute, little bar in Bern's old town. I like it for the cultural events & concerts, too!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Sarah

Dennler

Mar 4, 2025
Soriya Restaurant Bern

Soriya Restaurant

Tasty Asian food

"Soriya Restaurant" serves Asian food in Bern in a simple and relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend the massaman curry with tofu or vegetables...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Sarah

Dennler

Mar 4, 2025
Welle7 Bern

Welle7

Pastime at the train station

Welle7 is a warm and cozy place next to Bern's train station where you can kill time. It has a pharmacy, a supermarket, a food court & free, clean toilets!

017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Sarah

Dennler

Mar 2, 2025

Heading to Bern?

70 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Bern this weekend?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

70 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Bern

Get to know our other Spotters from Bern

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
cached_response not present
7315
Filters