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Sightseeing in Bern - what to see. Complete travel guide

1. Many restaurants and shopping centers accept payments by credit cards of international standard, so you don’t have to take a lot of cash to the trip. If you need the local currency, it is better to exchange money in banks – as a rule, they offer the most favorable rate. Exchange offices usually charge a commission, which amount can be up to 5% of the total sum.
2. The majority of shops and trading centers work from 9:00 to 18:00 - 19:00 on weekdays. Saturday is usually a short working day, and Sunday is a day off. In large shopping centers you can usually find sellers that speak English, so finding common ground will be rather simple and you can expect to get help.
3. Swiss watches remains one of the most popular souvenirs that tourists usually prefer to purchase as souvenirs from the trip. The best way to purchase them is in specialized shops only. If you buy a watch on markets, there’s a risk that you will get a cheap fake at quite a high price.
4. Tourists are recommended to take special Global Refund Cheque receipts when they make purchases. While leaving the city, you will be able to use this receipt to receive a refund of the commission of 7.5% from the total sum of your purchases.
5. In order to rent a car you will need a driver's license of the international standard. The second thing needed is a credit card with the required amount of collateral in the account. Persons under 21 years old, as well as the travellers who received the driving license less than a year ago may be refused to rent a car. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
6. Motorists should not forget that the maximum speed in the territory of the city is 50 km/h. The speed limit on suburban highways can range from 80 to 120 km/h. In order to be able to drive on toll highways, you need to purchase a special Vignette ticket, which is always available when you rent a car.
7. The local people are very punctual, so even a small delay can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Do not forget to be in time for all meetings and events, whether it is a meeting with business partners or a dinner with close friends.
Shopping in Bern - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques
In Bern, you'll find an original Westside shopping center, where you can not only get quality new things but also have a great rest with all your family. The complex houses popular clothing … Open
8. Bern is distinguished by an excellent public transport system. Travellers can easily reach any area of the city by bus. Public transport tickets can be bought in special vending machines that are located close to all bus stops. These automats accept only coins and do not give the change.
9. As a rule, tips in local cafes and restaurants do not exceed 10 - 15% of total order sum. Taxi drivers should also get a small extra fee for their service. In this case the amount of the tip is approximately 10% of the cost of the ride.
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What to visit being in Bern - unique sights

Apartment-museum of Albert Einstein

From the series “Apartment-museums of great celebrities”
Check on the map:   Distance from Bern center - 0.6 km.
The building that houses the museum was completely renovated in 2005. An interesting gift shop with themed accessories is open in it today. It will be interesting to visit this museum for absolutely everyone, even tourists with small children. Special exciting excursions are held for them here. Guides talk about Einstein's scientific activities in an accessible language. If the exhibits presented in the former apartment of the scientist do not seem enough, you can visit the Bern Historical Museum. One of his large-scale exhibitions is also dedicated to the life and scientific work of Albert Einstein. … Read further

Neuchatel

From the series “Amazing Ancient Fortresses Preserved to This Day”
Check on the map:   Distance from Bern center - 38.3 km.
In the tower is presented the incredibly interesting exposition - the tiny models of Neuchâtel city. The museum visitors can see what the city looked like in the early Middle Ages, and how it was expanded until the 19th century. Despite the impressive age, the castle has preserved a lot of original elements, including the ancient frescos whose age is over 500 years. It is better to inquire about the time of the excursions. In the high season, they are often led more often. … Read further

Skeleton Bar

From the series “The Most Extraordinary Bars and Café on the Planet”
Check on the map:   Distance from Bern center - 49.1 km.
Visitors can seat near a huge wooden window or choose one of the small tables near the unusual round window. A lot of special banquets and ceremonies held in this bar every year. There you can try not only popular cocktails and elite sorts of alcohol but also a lot of house speciality. "Skeleton Bar" was opened in 1993 and since that time it is one of the most famous bars in the world. … Read further

Tips for the cities around Bern

Neuchatel
3. The city provides top-notch hotels that will please budget travelers with affordable prices. Even upscale and historic hotels have some standard rooms with attractive prices. 4. A common accommodation option in the city is apartments. They are especially in ... Open »
Interlaken
3. Coop is a famous store that is popular not only with shoppers, but also with gourmets. In the morning hours the restaurant, which is located on the second floor, serves buffet type breakfasts. A delicious breakfast will cost approximately 11 francs. 4. Swiss ... Open »
Luzern
3. Tourists wishing to use the public transport for cruising the city and visiting the tours, should better buy a pass ticket Swiss Pass. It gives the right of free rides in public transport and discounts for tours visiting. The pass is available for purchase in ... Open »
Basel
3. When you visit various excursions together with other tourists in a group, you are eligible for a discount, so the best place to explore the sights of the city is in a company of other travelers. Students and pensioners are also eligible for a discount. 4. If ... Open »
Montreux
3. City restaurants, especially those located on the embankment are distinguished by high prices. It will be more pleasant for thrifty tourists to visit bars, some of which offer quite a rich menu. 4. The main type of public transport is buses. Active tourists ... Open »
Crans-Montana
3. Holiday-makers should remember that sporting equipment should be stored in accordance with hotels rules. Almost all hotels have a special room where you can leave skis and other sports equipment. Carrying skis and other sports equipment to the room is prohibited. ... Open »
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