Bern

Bern, the federal capital of Switzerland, is one of Europe's most underrated cities — a perfectly preserved medieval city centre that is a Unesco World Heritage Site, built almost entirely from golden sandstone with 6 kilometres of arcaded footpaths (Lauben) that allow shopping and strolling in any weather. The city sits on a peninsula in a dramatic bend of the Aare River, which creates a naturally fortified site. The Zytglogge (clock tower), dating from the 12th century, is the city's most iconic monument — its astronomical clock and mechanical figures perform at the top of each hour. The rose garden above the old town gives the best panoramic view of the peninsula and the Alps beyond. The Bern Historical Museum is the second-largest historical museum in Switzerland and houses the original sculptures from the Bern Cathedral. The Kunstmuseum Bern holds excellent art from the 14th century to the present, including one of the world's finest Paul Klee collections (the separate Zentrum Paul Klee is outstanding). The Aare River is a beloved local swimming spot in summer — locals float downstream from above the city and emerge at various points below, a uniquely Bernese summer tradition. The Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), the seat of Swiss democracy, offers free guided tours. The Bern Bear Park (the city's symbol is a bear) is free and pleasant. Bern is an excellent base for the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken and Grindelwald.