Bern Nightlife
For such a quaint yet orderly city, Bern does a surprisingly good line in raucous nightlife. Although you won't come across huge numbers of thumping nightclubs, there are plenty of lively pubs, bars and live music venues to keep you entertained. It appears that the more German side of this bilingual city comes alive at night, and many of the places feel more Bavarian than Parisian.
One of the top watering holes for tourists is the Klotzlikeller on Gerechtigkeitsgasse in the Old Town. Situated conveniently close to the clock tower, this establishment, built in 1635 and said to be the city's oldest hostelry, offers a good line in wines as well as the usual beers and spirits.
Drei Eidgenossen on nearby Rathausgasse is a noisy venue, popular with young locals. Leave your pretensions at the door and slosh your beer on the floor and wooden benches with everyone else.
The more sophisticated visitor should try Schwarz & Trionfini?s Cocktail Club on Brunngasshalde. This moody cellar bar is populated by lounging types and is well worth trying for its extensive range of cocktails and tinkling jazz in the background.
One of the few top class nightclubs can be found at Babalu in the city centre. Techno and house play in to the early hours at this lively nightspot.
Down by the river on Marzilistrasse is Dampfzentrale, a converted factory that is now one of the city's main arts centres. Regular jazz gigs as well as theatrical and dance productions are put on here. Busy during the day as well.
Theatre lovers should also see what is going on at any one of the many small establishments in the Old Town. The Käfigturm theatre on Marktgasse is well known for its fringe productions and pantomimes but there are many to choose from. The best bet is to visit the city's major Stadttheater on Kornhausplatz to find out details of all, or to see what productions it's putting on itself.
The city, and Switzerland as a whole, is famed for its cheese fondue, and one of the best around can be enjoyed at Wäbere on Gerechtigkeitsgasse. This cheap eatery also does a good line in soup and vegetarian options although it is closed on Sundays.
Do not be put off by Pastamania's name. This small eatery on Kramgasse serves some top quality Italian-style dishes at wonderfully low prices.
Those who can afford a step up in price must try the Schmiedstube on Schmiedenplatz in the Old Town. This is an old favourite among locals and serves a fine range of local specialities, such as Rippli, pork served with bacon, beans and tomatoes, and the old favourite, Sauerkraut.
Della Casa on Schauplatzgasse is at the top end of things price-wise but the food is sensational. Traditional Swiss cooking has made this place justifiably famous, and the Bernerplatte, which is a plate of various meats combined with potatoes and sauerkraut, is sumptuous.
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Nightlife and food & drink
