First Friday in Biel/Bienne

Overview

Hint

Biel / Bienne

Jura & Three-Lakes

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Contact

Tourismus Biel Seeland
Bahnhofplatz 12
Postfach 1261
2501 Biel / Bienne
Phone +41 (0)32 329 84 84
biel-seeland.ch

Intro

On the first Friday of every month, Biel’s old town shows its most beautiful side. A vibrant street festival gives the town a unique atmosphere.

Biel is famous for its watch industry. But it is also known for being the largest town in Switzerland where both French and German are spoken equally. Bilingualism and the coexistence of diverse cultures inspire a multifaceted cultural scene. The town was awarded the Wakker Prize for its preservation of Switzerland’s heritage in 2004 and also boasts great variety in its architecture. The modern part of the town with its high-rise buildings lies at lake level, which then gives way, on a slight incline, to the intact old town with its gothic church that dates back to the 15th century. The medieval old town delights visitors with its idyllic alleyways and colourful buildings as well as authentic cafés, galleries and small boutiques.

First Friday
The unique charm of the old town and the multiculturalism of Biel are brought to life in a special way on the first Friday of every month, known simply as First Friday. Until late in the evening, you can wander around the picturesque historic alleyways, enjoy local specialties and marvel at the performances of local artists – a buzzing street festival in the heart of Biel. While boutiques and shops keep their doors open until 10 p.m., the town’s theatres, galleries, restaurants, bars and clubs provide entertainment until late into the night, with concerts, DJs and special programmes. A celebration of local art and culture, of people and of life.

Getting there
Biel’s old town can be easily reached by public transport (bus no. 5, 6 or 8 to the Leubringenbahn bus stop or bus no. 70 or 71 to the Mühlebrücke/Pont-du-Moulin bus stop). For those travelling by car, the APCOA car park in the old town is recommended.

Stay overnight
On the “First Friday” of every month, four of Biel’s hotels offer a 20% discount, which applies exclusively to online bookings.

Find out more
A special public tour of Biel’s old town is offered on the first Friday of every month.

The overnight offer and booking of the tour can be found here: Book now