Bern

Tourist Attractions in Bern

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Bern. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

21 Attractions

★4.5 Average rating

8 Categories

About Bern

Bern enchants visitors with a timeless medieval heart set along the looping Aare River, where rose-red rooftops and arcaded streets invite slow wanderings. The UNESCO-listed Old Town preserves marvels like the astronomical Zytglogge clock tower and the soaring Bern Cathedral, while intimate courtyards, fountains, and shops reveal Swiss charm at every corner. Museums range from the celebrated Einstein House to modern art hubs, and lunch or sunset on the riverbank offers cheerful al fresco moments. Beyond the city, lush hills, Bear Park, and easy access to the Bernese Alps make day trips tempting, rounding out a distinctly alpine yet cosmopolitan Swiss experience.

Swiss Museum of Transport — Museum, rated 4.6/5

1

Museum

Swiss Museum of Transport

4.6 ★★★★★ 14,404 reviews

Nestled in Bern, the Swiss Museum of Transport is a sprawling, interactive exploration of how people move, from trains and planes to automobiles and ships. A must for curious travelers, it combines preserved vehicles with immersive simulations, rare documents, and hands-on displays that unravel the technology and history behind everyday journeys. Visitors can board vintage carriages, explore a dedicated aviation hall, ride simulators, and enjoy films in the planetarium and cinema. Smoothly organized and family-friendly, the museum offers inspiring insights into Switzerland’s engineering prowess and a memorable day out.

Haldenstrasse 44, 6006 Luzern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

Monday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids

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Rosengarten Bern — Garden, rated 4.7/5

2

Garden Park

Rosengarten Bern

4.7 ★★★★★ 5,933 reviews

Rosengarten Bern is a scenic, terraced rose garden perched above Bern’s historic old town. With hundreds of rose varieties, it rewards visitors with colors, perfumes, and expertly shaped beds framed by stone walls and sweeping views of the Aare River and the medieval skyline. Paths wind through cascading terraces, shaded benches invite lingering strolls, and a charming café at the summit offers coffee and pastries. It’s a favorite for morning strolls, sunset watchers, and picnics, delivering a relaxed, photogenic escape just steps from Bern’s bustle.

Alter Aargauerstalden 31B, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed Parking Cards accepted

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Dählhölzli — Zoo, rated 4.6/5

3

Zoo ParkSports Activity Location

Dählhölzli

4.6 ★★★★★ 6,892 reviews

Dählhölzli, Bern’s riverbank zoo, sits beside the Aare in a leafy, easy-to-walk area just downstream from the iconic bear park. It’s a compact yet well‑curated sanctuary that highlights naturalistic habitats for a diverse range of species, from playful otters and inquisitive penguins to wolves and monkeys. Visitors can enjoy scenic strolls, informative talks, and family-friendly exhibits that emphasize conservation and education. Expect well-maintained enclosures, shaded paths, and close encounters with staff who bring wildlife stories to life, making this a relaxed, rewarding stop for a day of Bernese exploration.

Tierparkweg 3, 3005 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Open now

Monday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Bernina Express, rated 4.7/5

4

Tourist attraction

Bernina Express

4.7 ★★★★★ 4,570 reviews

The Bernina Express is a dramatic panoramic train journey that threads alpine scenery between Chur (or Davos/St. Moritz) in Switzerland and Tirano in Italy. It’s not a single station but a route celebrated for soaring viaducts, steep climbs, and UNESCO-listed landscapes across the Bernina Massif. Travelers ride in glass-domed cars for uninterrupted views of glacier-fed rivers, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped peaks at the pass above 2,000 meters. The ride lasts several hours, with seasonal panoramas, making it a highlight for rail enthusiasts and anyone craving dramatic Alps scenery.

Bahnhofpl. 1, 7000 Chur, Switzerland

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Cathedral of Bern — Religious site, rated 4.6/5

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Religious site ChurchPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Cathedral of Bern

4.6 ★★★★★ 6,367 reviews

The Cathedral of Bern, or Bern Minster, is the city’s grand Gothic landmark and the tallest cathedral in Switzerland. Begun in the 15th century, its soaring spire and intricate exterior announce Bern’s medieval ambitions, while the richly carved portals and serene interior reward careful observation. Visitors can tour the nave, inspect the striking stained glass, and climb the narrow stair to a balcony that crowns the tower with sweeping views over the Bear City’s medieval rooftops and the Aare river. It’s a highlight for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.

Münsterpl. 1, 3000 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM Open now

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

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BearPark — Zoo, rated 4.4/5

6

Zoo Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

BearPark

4.4 ★★★★★ 17,613 reviews

BearPark Bern is a modern haven for brown bears located beside the Aare and just a short stroll from Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town. Visitors can watch sturdy bears wander through wooded enclosures, cross streams, and snooze in sunlit clearings, offering dramatic photo opportunities and a chance to learn about bear biology and conservation. The park blends natural terrain with accessible viewing platforms, making it easy for families to spot cubs at play and adults at rest. Plan extra time for nearby riverside strolls after your visit.

Grosser Muristalden 4, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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Zytglogge — Historic site, rated 4.6/5

7

Historic site Historical LandmarkCultural LandmarkHistorical Place

Zytglogge

4.6 ★★★★★ 5,415 reviews

Zytglogge is Bern’s iconic medieval clock tower, a UNESCO-listed landmark that has stood at the heart of the Old City since the 13th century. The tower houses an intricate astronomical clock, mechanical figures, and a centuries-old timekeeping tradition that draws crowds every hour for the animated procession of the rooster, bears, and other characters. Visitors can explore the medieval interiors on guided tours and climb winding staircases for panoramic views of cobbled lanes and arcades. It’s a must-see for history buffs and photography lovers alike.

Bim Zytglogge 1, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

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Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum — Museum, rated 4.6/5

8

Museum History Museum

Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,584 reviews

The Bernisches Historisches Museum, one of Switzerland’s premier history museums, houses an extensive collection spanning ancient artifacts to modern Swiss life, offering visitors a sweeping chronicle of the nation and its regions. Adjacent the Einstein Museum shines a focused tribute to Albert Einstein, detailing his time in Bern, his groundbreaking papers from 1905, and the scientific context that shaped his work. Expect immersive galleries, archival documents, multimedia displays, and compelling stories that connect local Bernese history to global science. It’s ideal for curious travelers seeking culture, heritage, and a brush with genius.

Helvetiapl. 5, 3005 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Bundesplatz, rated 4.6/5

9

Tourist attraction

Bundesplatz

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,534 reviews

Bundesplatz in Bern is the city’s grand square in front of the Federal Palace (Bundeshaus), the seat of Switzerland’s federal government. Framed by the parliament’s neoclassical façade, the plaza is a ceremonial hub where national holidays, demonstrations and street performances spill onto the pavement. Visitors pose with the Swiss flag and the gilded entrance, then stroll to nearby arcades, cafés and the medieval lanes of Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Expect open space, seasonal markets, easy access to sights, and a strong sense of Swiss civic life.

Bundesplatz, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Cards accepted

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Restaurant Rosengarten — Market, rated 4.4/5

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Market RestaurantObservation DeckSwiss RestaurantEuropean Restaurant

Restaurant Rosengarten

4.4 ★★★★★ 6,138 reviews $$

Perched in Bern’s Rosengarten, the Restaurant Rosengarten combines a scenic hillside setting with a welcoming, food-forward menu. Visitors come for panoramic views of the medieval old town, the Aare river, and the surrounding Alps on clear days, as well as for quality Swiss and seasonal dishes served in a cozy, sunlit dining room and on a spacious terrace. Expect light lunches, hearty regional specialties, good coffee, and pastries, plus vegetarian options and kids’ choices. It’s easy to reach from the city center and a refreshing stop after a stroll through Bern's parks.

Alter Aargauerstalden 31b, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Open now

Monday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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Münsterplattform Bern — Park, rated 4.7/5

11

Park

Münsterplattform Bern

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,157 reviews

Münsterplattform Bern is an elevated terrace beside Bern’s iconic Münster (the cathedral), offering sweeping views over the Aare meanders and Bern’s UNESCO-listed old town. This atmospheric lookout blends history with scenery: you’ll stroll past the cathedral walls, step onto a sunny lawn, and linger on stone ledges as you frame the city’s red roofs and bridges. It’s a quiet, photogenic spot for a breather after exploring the arcades, with great sunset glow and photo opportunities, making it a relaxing, quintessential Bern experience.

Münsterplattform 9, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids Dogs allowed Cards accepted

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22- Museum of Communication — Museum, rated 4.6/5

12

Museum Cultural Center

22- Museum of Communication

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,298 reviews

The Museum of Communication in Bern invites visitors to trace how humans send and share information, from mail and telegraphs to radio, television and the digital age. Housed in a modern, engaging building, the museum combines historic artifacts with interactive displays that bring communication to life for all ages. Expect hands-on stations, evocative archives, and immersive installations that illuminate the social impact of communication technologies, alongside changing exhibitions and family-friendly workshops. A visit offers both a compelling timeline of media evolution and practical insights into how we connect today, making it a must for curious travelers.

Helvetiastrasse 16, 3000 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Parliament Building — Landmark, rated 4.6/5

13

Landmark Government Office

Parliament Building

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,249 reviews

The Parliament Building in Bern, or Bundeshaus, is the grand seat of Switzerland’s Federal Assembly and Federal Council, perched along the Aare river in the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Its neoclassical facade and stately dome reflect centuries of Swiss governance, making it a must-see for history buffs and architecture lovers. Visitors can join guided tours or watch sessions from public galleries when Parliament is in session, and, for sweeping city views, ascend to the dome when open. Its blend of political life, design, and panoramic terraces makes Bern feel truly alive.

Bundesplatz 3, 3003 Bern, Switzerland

Dogs allowed

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Botanical Garden of University of Bern — Garden, rated 4.7/5

14

Garden Botanical GardenMuseum

Botanical Garden of University of Bern

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,442 reviews

The Botanical Garden of the University of Bern is a serene urban oasis offering a living panorama of global flora. Set on well-kept grounds with glasshouses for tropical, subtropical, and alpine plants, plus a herb garden and seasonal displays, it invites botany lovers and casual strollers alike. Visitors explore winding paths, informative labels, and shaded benches beneath centuries-old trees, learning about plant diversity, conservation, and research linked to the university. It’s a peaceful, educational escape close to the city center, ideal for family outings, photography, and reflective nature walks.

Altenbergrain 21, 3013 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now

Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids Dogs allowed

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Zentrum Paul Klee — Museum, rated 4.4/5

15

Museum Art Museum

Zentrum Paul Klee

4.4 ★★★★★ 2,735 reviews

Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern is a devoted museum that houses the world's largest collection of works by Paul Klee, alongside other modernist pieces. Set on a grassy hill by the city’s botanical gardens, the striking Renzo Piano building blends light-filled galleries with innovative circulation and breathtaking views of the Alps and Aare river. Visitors can explore more than 4,000 works, including drawings, paintings, and sketches, with permanent displays, rotating exhibitions, and multimedia installations that illuminate Klee's playful imagination. It’s a comprehensive, family-friendly cultural day out.

Monument im Fruchtland 3, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Naturhistorisches Museum Bern — Museum, rated 4.5/5

16

Museum

Naturhistorisches Museum Bern

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,124 reviews

The Naturhistorisches Museum Bern is Switzerland’s premier natural history museum, housed in a grand historic building in the heart of Bern. It stunningly presents the diversity of life on earth through extensive fossil collections, biodiversity displays, minerals, and interactive galleries. Visitors can marvel at dinosaur skeletons, ancient mammal specimens, and vibrant dioramas that bring ecosystems to life, while learning how science classifies and protects our natural heritage. It’s a perfect stop for families and curious travelers alike, offering kid-friendly stations, short films, and a calm, informative pace after wandering the medieval streets surrounding the city.

Bernastrasse 15, 3005 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now

Monday2:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Kunstmuseum Bern — Museum, rated 4.4/5

17

Museum Art Museum

Kunstmuseum Bern

4.4 ★★★★★ 1,465 reviews

Kunstmuseum Bern is one of Switzerland’s premier art museums, housed in a grand historic building that anchors the city's cultural core. Inside you'll encounter a distinguished collection spanning the 15th century to contemporary times, with highlights from European masters and significant Swiss artists, plus dynamic temporary exhibitions that rotate throughout the year. Visitors can expect well-curated galleries, a thoughtful approach to chronology, and art that invites reflection, alongside a sculpture garden, a cafe, and shop. It’s a rewarding stop for design-minded travelers and serious art lovers alike.

Hodlerstrasse 8, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Good for kids

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Käfigturm — Historic site, rated 4.5/5

18

Historic site Historical LandmarkEvent VenueHistorical Place

Käfigturm

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,036 reviews

Käfigturm is a diminutive fortress tower and former city gate in Bern’s medieval Old Town, standing just north of the Market Square. Built to defend the streets and weigh the city’s gates, it earned its name from its use as a jail in centuries past. Today the tower anchors a lively cultural site: its sturdy stone facade houses exhibitions, events, and offices, while the surrounding square buzzes with markets and street life. Visitors admire the tower’s architecture, stroll nearby arcades, and soak up Bern’s historic atmosphere.

Marktgasse 67, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Closed Closed now

Monday2:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
SundayClosed

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Einstein House — Museum, rated 4/5

19

Museum

Einstein House

4 ★★★★★ 3,075 reviews

Nestled in Bern’s medieval old town, the Einstein House is the preserved apartment where Albert Einstein lived from 1903 to 1905, and where he drafted papers that would reshape physics. The compact, lovingly restored rooms offer a glimpse of everyday life for the young patent officer-turned-scientist, with period furniture, personal letters, and a short film about his miracle year. Visitors walk through the tiny kitchen, study, and bedroom, then step onto a balcony that looks over the city rooftops. A concise, moving stop for science history.

Kramgasse 49, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open now

Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Kindlifresserbrunnen — Historic site, rated 4.5/5

20

Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Kindlifresserbrunnen

4.5 ★★★★★ 849 reviews

The Kindlifresserbrunnen, or Child-Eater Fountain, is a 16th‑century stone sculpture in Bern’s Old Town that towers above the square with a hooded ogre gripping a child. Dating from around 1546, its creator remains unknown, but the carving’s stark, unsettling visage makes it one of the city’s most talked‑about landmarks. Visitors can marvel at the bold, allegorical imagery that sparks legends about elves, monks, or mercantile power, while appreciating Bernese baroque artistry. A short stop here rewards curious travelers with a mythic photo opportunity and a sense of medieval mystery.

Kornhauspl. 18, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids

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Waisenhausplatz, rated 4.3/5

21

Tourist attraction

Waisenhausplatz

4.3 ★★★★★ 817 reviews

Waisenhausplatz is a historic square in Bern’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, named for the once-standing orphanage that gave the site its character. Framed by pastel facades and arcaded walkways, it offers a charming snapshot of medieval Bern with modern energy: cafes, boutique stores, and street life spill onto the cobbles. Visitors come to soak up the atmosphere, snap photos of the well-preserved buildings, and use it as a convenient hub to explore nearby sights and stroll through Bern’s compact, walkable center. A welcoming window into Bern’s timeless charm.

Waisenhauspl. 26, 3011 Bern, Switzerland

Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours Open now

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Good for kids

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