The main shopping streets of Bern, Kramgasse, Spitalgasse and Marktgasse are lined with the best department stores, local markets, boutiques and art galleries you can find in the city. These retail promenades once formed a bustling trade route for merchants who sold their goods with all the fervour in the world and are now the most touristy areas of Bern. Stretching as far as six kilometres, these shopping streets surround the historic centre of the Swiss capital, which has rightfully been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While Spitalgasse and Marktgasse are known for international and Swiss clothing labels, Kramgasse is interestingly an entirely cobbled street that plays host to antiquated cellars that were built by architects of the Middle Ages in order to store goods. These cellars have now been converted into shops that have the latest fashions, paintings, food and wine. Think of Swiss chocolates and leather shoes, flashy watches and sturdy handbags, sweet wine and silver jewellery, pretty dresses and ornate carpets - there is a little bit of everything for every shopaholic in these ‘Laubens’. These shopping avenues are truly a perfect blend of the traditional and modern facets of Switzerland and a visit is therefore imperative. Do keep in mind that the Swiss aren’t the biggest fans of bargaining.