Your guide to going out in Bern. Discover nightlife on the Aare – from legendary nights at Dachstock to cosy bars in the UNESCO old town.
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Bern offers dozens of events every week – from legendary club nights at Dachstock to world-class art at Zentrum Paul Klee. WasGoht shows you all parties, concerts and cultural events on the Aare.
The federal capital surprises with a vibrant scene you wouldn't expect behind its historic facades. Whether you're looking for techno beats, live jazz or a relaxed drink by the Aare river – Bern has something for every taste.
The club scene is diverse and features the Reitschule, a unique centre for Swiss alternative culture:
The Reitschule is the heart of the alternative scene – a self-managed cultural centre with concerts, cinema and the legendary Dachstock. In the old town you'll find cosy bars in historic vaulted cellars.
With its UNESCO old town and world-class museums, Bern is an underrated cultural city:
The Gurtenfestival makes Bern an open-air hotspot every summer with international acts. Add the street music festival Buskers Bern and the traditional Zibelemärit (onion market) in November.
Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage): Six kilometres of arcades invite you to stroll. In the cellar bars and pubs you'll meet locals and tourists. The atmosphere is cosy, the beer cold.
Matte: The former working-class district right on the Aare. Today the alternative heart of Bern with the Matte market, small shops and the 'Schwellenmätteli' right by the water.
Lorraine: The multicultural trendy district north of the old town. Cafés, bars and restaurants line up next to each other here. Young crowd, relaxed atmosphere.
Länggasse: The student quarter around the university. Affordable venues, lively atmosphere and always something going on during the week.
Breitenrain: 'Breitsch' is the local quarter with authentic charm. Fewer tourists, more locals – perfect for a relaxed evening.
Bern is slower, more relaxed and more authentic than Zurich – and that's exactly what makes it appealing. In summer, locals meet for swimming in the Aare and drift through the city. Distances are short: from the Federal Palace to the Reitschule is a ten-minute walk. This mix of federal capital dignity and alternative subculture, of UNESCO World Heritage and graffiti on the Aare makes Bern an underrated insider tip for night owls.