Bern
The Top 10 Bars in Bern: From Cocktail Cellars to Roof Gardens
After sunset, Bern's old town pulses with a varied nightlife that has something for every taste. The bars here offer an impressive range, from intimate cocktail cellars to modern rooftop venues with spectacular views of the Alps. Whether you are planning a romantic evening for two or want to turn night into day with friends, the Swiss capital surprises with its lively bar scene.
You will find the best choice of bars both in the historic lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage old town and in the trendy neighbourhoods around the station. Every venue tells its own story and offers a unique setting for memorable evenings.
Bars in the Old Town: Historic Flair Meets Modern Mixology
The old town is home to some of the most characterful bars in the city. These venues combine centuries-old architecture with innovative cocktail creations and so create an incomparable setting.
The Kornhauskeller: Monumental Vaulted Atmosphere
In the historic Kornhauskeller, one of the most impressive bar venues in Switzerland awaits you. The mighty 18th-century sandstone vaults form the ideal backdrop for exclusive cocktails and fine spirits.
- Over 200 different whiskies from around the world
- Handcrafted cocktails with regional ingredients
- Imposing vaulted architecture with unique acoustics
- Upmarket cuisine with Swiss specialities
- Regular whisky tastings and events
💡 Tip: Book a table in good time, as the venue is quickly booked out, especially at weekends.
Adrianos Bar & Café: Italian Lifestyle
This charming bar brings Mediterranean flair to the old town. With authentic Italian aperitifs and a relaxed atmosphere, Adrianos attracts locals and tourists alike.
- Classic Italian aperitifs such as Aperol Spritz and Negroni
- Homemade antipasti and Italian nibbles
- Cosy terrace with a view of the Kramgasse
- Friendly service with a personal touch
The Best Bars for Cocktail Lovers
For cocktail enthusiasts, Bern offers a choice of specialist bars that delight with creative drinks and professional mixology. These venues focus on quality, innovation and exceptional flavour experiences.
Altes Tramdepot: Brewery Setting with Craft Cocktails
The Altes Tramdepot combines brewing tradition with modern bar culture. In the historic rooms of the former tram workshop, house-brewed beers and innovative cocktails are made.
Du Théâtre: Elegance and Refinement
This stylish bar in the heart of the old town stands out for its elegant interior and exceptional cocktail menu. The Du Théâtre is known for its professional mixology and attentive service.
- Premium spirits from around the world
- Seasonal cocktail menu with creative house creations
- Stylish Art Deco setting
- A small but fine selection of gourmet nibbles
- Great for special occasions and dates
💡 Tip: The happy hour from 5pm to 7pm offers selected cocktails at reduced prices.
Bars with a View: Rooftop Venues and Terraces
Bern surprises with several bars that offer spectacular views of the Alps, the Aare or the historic old town. These elevated spots turn every drink into a special experience.
Bellevue Bar: Panoramic View over the Aare
The Bellevue Bar sits majestically above the Aare and offers one of the loveliest views in the city. In clear weather the view stretches to the snow-capped Alpine peaks.
- Spectacular 180-degree panoramic view
- Spacious outdoor terrace for the warm months
- Classic and modern cocktails
- Upmarket snack menu
- Great for sunsets
Rosengarten Restaurant: Romance with a View of the Old Town
Although primarily known as a restaurant, the Rosengarten has one of the most romantic bar terraces in Bern. The view of the UNESCO World Heritage old town is especially memorable at sunset.
- Unique view of the entire old town
- Romantic atmosphere, well suited to dates
- Selected wines and champagnes
- Seasonal cocktails with local ingredients
Going Out: The Trendiest Scene Bars
The city's scene bars attract a young, trend-conscious crowd. These venues score with innovative concepts, DJ sets and a lively atmosphere that lasts late into the night.
ISC Club: Electronic Beats and Craft Cocktails
The ISC Club combines club atmosphere with high-quality bar culture. Music lovers and cocktail enthusiasts meet here for memorable nights.
Café des Pyrénées: French Bistro Flair
This authentic French café turns into a lively bar in the evening with a relaxed atmosphere. The venue is particularly popular with students and young professionals.
- Authentic French bistro setting
- Large selection of French wines
- Regular live music and DJ sets
- Affordable prices for students
- Sociable atmosphere late into the night
💡 Tip: Thursday is student night, with special discounts for everyone under 26.
Bars for Every Occasion: From Business to Party
Depending on the occasion, different bars offer the right setting. From business meetings and romantic dates to boisterous party nights, there is a suitable venue for every purpose.
Business Drinks and After-Work
For business occasions, the elegant hotel bars and venues near the station are particularly suitable. They offer a professional atmosphere and are easy to reach by public transport.
Romantic Dates
For romantic evenings, we recommend the more intimate bars with dimmed lighting, comfortable seating and a quieter atmosphere. The venues with a view in particular create memorable moments.
Party Nights with Friends
For lively evenings with friends, the buzzing scene bars with DJ sets, dance floors and a young atmosphere are a good choice. These venues often stay open until the early hours.
Insider Tips: Hidden Bars off the Tourist Trail
Away from the well-known venues, a few insider tips hide in Bern that only locals know. These bars often offer a more authentic experience and are less crowded.
Underground Bars and Speakeasies
Bern is home to several hidden bars in a cellar-vault style that recall the Prohibition era. These venues often take a little searching, but reward you with a unique atmosphere.
Seasonal Pop-Up Bars
Especially in the summer months, temporary bar concepts spring up in unusual places. These pop-up bars often offer experimental cocktails and innovative concepts.
- Temporary venues in unusual places
- Experimental cocktail creations
- Often announced only on social media
- Limited opening hours create exclusivity
- Great for Instagram-worthy moments
💡 Tip: Follow the social media channels of the Bern bar scene to stay informed about pop-up events.
Price Ranges: From Budget to Luxury
Pricing in the city's bars varies considerably depending on the venue, concept and target group. An overview of the different price categories helps you choose the right bar for your budget.
Budget-Friendly Options
Student bars and traditional pubs often offer lower prices without compromising on quality. These venues are particularly popular with young people and locals.
Mid-Range Bars
Most bars in Bern fall into the mid-price segment. Here you get high-quality cocktails and service at fair prices.
Luxury Venues
Hotel bars and upmarket cocktail lounges charge premium prices, but also offer exceptional quality, service and setting.
- Beer: 5–8 CHF depending on the venue
- Cocktails: 12–18 CHF on average
- Premium cocktails: 18–25 CHF in luxury bars
- Wine: 8–15 CHF per glass
- Champagne: 15–30 CHF per glass
📍 Discover more: Explore more recommendations for Bern on our city page.
Conclusion: Discovering the Variety of Bars in Bern
The bars in Bern offer an impressive variety for every taste and occasion. From historic vaulted cellars to modern rooftop venues, from cosy bistros to pulsating clubs, the Swiss capital surprises with its lively nightlife scene.
The key takeaways for your perfect bar evening in Bern:
- Book in good time, especially for popular venues
- Use happy hours for cheaper cocktails
- Explore both tourist and hidden venues
- Bear the different price categories in mind
- Choose the right bar for the occasion
Discover the fascinating world of Bern's bars and be won over by the hospitality and creativity of the local bartenders. Every bar tells its own story and adds to the unique charm of the city's nightlife.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bars in Bern
Which are the best bars for cocktails? The Du Théâtre, the Kornhauskeller and the Altes Tramdepot are considered top addresses for exceptional cocktails in Bern. These venues win people over with professional mixology and high-quality ingredients.
How late are bars in Bern open? Most bars close at 1am during the week and often stay open until 2am or 3am at weekends. Some clubs and discos are open until 5am.
Are there bars with a view in Bern? Yes, the Bellevue Bar and the Rosengarten offer spectacular views of the Aare, the old town and, in clear weather, the Alps. These venues are well worth a visit at sunset.
Which bars are suitable for students? The Café des Pyrénées and various bars in the Länggass district offer student-friendly prices. Many venues have special student nights with discounts.
Do you need to book at bars in Bern? For popular venues such as the Kornhauskeller or the Du Théâtre, a reservation is well worth considering, especially at weekends. Spontaneous visits are possible in most bars, however.
Nicole Wolf
