Where to Stay in Interlaken
United States
|Pop. 7K
|4 neighborhoods covered
Interlaken at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Interlaken
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Take advantage of the SEPTA Key Card for seamless travel on subways, buses, and trolleys; you can load daily or weekly passes.
Getting Around
The Market-Frankford Line (MFL) and Broad Street Line (BSL) are the two main subway lines that cover most tourist areas. Familiarize yourself with their routes.
Watch Out For
The 'three-card monte' or shell game is sometimes seen in tourist areas.
Solo Female Travel
Interlaken is generally safe for solo female travelers, especially in well-trafficked tourist areas and during the day. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night or in quieter side streets.
Hidden Gems in Interlaken
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Chillon Castle
This medieval fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva offers stunning architecture and a rich history. Explore its ramparts and dungeons for a journey back in time.
Harder Kulm
Take a funicular up to Interlaken's 'house mountain' for breathtaking panoramic views of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger peaks. The Two Lakes Bridge viewing platform is particularly spectacular.
St. Beatus Caves
Discover a magical underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground waterfalls. The illuminated paths make it an accessible and fascinating adventure.
Aare River Boat Tour
Cruise along the turquoise waters of the Aare River, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. It's a relaxing way to see the landscape from a different perspective.
Grindelwald First Cliff Walk by Tissot
Experience an adrenaline rush on this thrilling walkway clinging to the side of a mountain, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It's an unforgettable experience for adventurers.
Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe
Ascend to the highest railway station in Europe for an unforgettable alpine experience. Witness glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and a truly breathtaking icy wonderland.
What It Costs in Interlaken
Daily budget per person in USD
💡55% cheaper than New York
USD 90/day
USD 220/day
USD 500/day
Where to Stay in Interlaken
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Old City10 min
- Museum District15 min
- Riverfront Park5 min
Pros
- +Excellent public transport access
- +Wide variety of dining and entertainment
- +Central location for sightseeing
Cons
- -Can be crowded and noisy
- -Parking can be challenging
Top stays in Downtown
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton
$$$Offers sophisticated rooms and a rooftop lounge with city views.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia
$$$Known for its stylish decor, complimentary wine hours, and friendly service.
Windsor Suites Philadelphia
$$Provides spacious suites with kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays.
Club Quarters Hotel, Rittenhouse Square
$$Conveniently located near Rittenhouse Square, offering comfortable rooms.
Best for
Walk to
- Independence Hall5 min
- Elfreth's Alley3 min
- Penn's Landing15 min
Pros
- +Rich in historical sites
- +Charming atmosphere
- +Excellent independent restaurants and boutiques
Cons
- -Can be very touristy
- -Limited nightlife options beyond restaurants
Top stays in Old City
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia
$$$Located in the heart of Old City, offering stylish rooms and a popular rooftop bar.
Penn's View Hotel Philadelphia
$$A charming boutique hotel with individually decorated rooms and river views.
Morris House Hotel
$$Set in a historic building with a beautiful garden courtyard.
Best for
Walk to
- Rittenhouse Square Park1 min
- Broad Street (Avenue of the Arts)15 min
- Walnut Street Shopping5 min
Pros
- +Elegant atmosphere
- +World-class dining and shopping
- +Beautiful central park
Cons
- -Very expensive
- -Can feel exclusive
Top stays in Rittenhouse Square
The Rittenhouse Hotel
$$$A luxurious hotel offering elegant suites, a spa, and fine dining overlooking the park.
The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square
$$$Historic hotel with classic charm and a prime location on Rittenhouse Square.
AKA Rittenhouse Square
$$$Offers sophisticated, residential-style suites with full kitchens.
Best for
Walk to
- Frankford Ave shops5 min
- Johnny Brenda's10 min
- Fillmore Philadelphia20 min
Pros
- +Creative and energetic atmosphere
- +Great live music venues
- +Affordable dining and drinking options
Cons
- -Further from major historical sites
- -Can be gritty in parts
Top stays in Fishtown
SCENIC APARTMENT FISHTOWN
$$Modern apartment rental with good amenities.
The Windsor Suites Philadelphia
$$Although not directly in Fishtown, it's a well-regarded option accessible via public transport.
Local Boutique Hotels
$$Fishtown has a growing number of smaller, independent boutique accommodations.
Areas to be cautious
- Certain blocks in Kensington north of Fishtown: This area has a reputation for drug activity and can feel unsafe, especially at night. Stick to the more gentrified parts of Fishtown.
- Industrial areas on the outskirts: These areas are not tourist-oriented and offer little of interest, with limited services and potentially feeling isolated.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the SEPTA Key Card for seamless travel on subways, buses, and trolleys; you can load daily or weekly passes.
Safety in Interlaken
SafeSolo Female Travel
Interlaken is generally safe for solo female travelers, especially in well-trafficked tourist areas and during the day. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night or in quieter side streets.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, busy streets. Public transport is generally safe, but be mindful of who is around you. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated neighborhoods.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1The 'three-card monte' or shell game is sometimes seen in tourist areas.
- 2Overpriced souvenirs or services from street vendors.
- 3Pickpocketing in crowded areas like subway stations or markets.
Getting Around Interlaken
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line (approx. 30-40 mins, 8-10 USD) or Taxi/Rideshare (approx. 30-45 mins, 30-50 USD).
🎫
Day Pass
SEPTA TrailPass/CityPASS (unlimited rides on subways, buses, trolleys) approx. 9-14 USD.
Single: Cash fare on bus/subway is 2.50 USD. With SEPTA Key Card, it's 2.00 USD.
🚶
Walkability
Very WalkableUber, Lyft
📶
WiFi
Good30-60 Mbps
Public Transport
SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) includes subway (Broad Street Line, Market-Frankford Line), buses, trolleys, and regional rail.
Ride-share
Uber and Lyft operate widely. Typical cost for short rides is 10-20 USD, longer rides 25-40 USD.
Transport Tip
The Market-Frankford Line (MFL) and Broad Street Line (BSL) are the two main subway lines that cover most tourist areas. Familiarize yourself with their routes.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes (Starbucks, local coffee shops), public libraries, and some parks offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
WeWork (approx. 25-40 USD/day), The Farm (approx. 20-35 USD/day).
Hotels & Accommodation in Interlaken
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Who Is Interlaken Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-Time Visitors
Offers central access to major attractions, dining, and excellent public transport connections.
History Buffs
Immersed in historical sites like Independence Hall and colonial streets.
Luxury Travelers
Provides upscale shopping, fine dining, and elegant accommodations around a beautiful park.
Budget Backpackers
Offers more affordable dining, drinking, and a vibrant, alternative cultural scene.
Foodies
Boasts a diverse culinary landscape from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.
Couples Seeking Romance
The charming historic streets and intimate restaurants create a romantic atmosphere.
About Interlaken
Interlaken (Swiss Standard German: [ˈɪntərlaːkn̩]; lit.: between lakes) is a Swiss town and municipality in the Interlaken-Oberhasli administrative district in the canton of Bern. It is an important and well-known tourist destination in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps, and the main transport gateway to the mountains and lakes of that region. The town is located on flat alluvial land called Bödeli between two lakes, Brienz to the east and Thun to the west, and alongside the river Aare, which flows between them.
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Interlaken Guides by Traveller Type
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