I visited Berne in July 2013. The old town is very easy to visit. There are plenty of shops and restaurants - the most unique and peculiar ones are below street level and accessed directly from the pavements! I really enjoyed walking past all the colourful folkloristic fountains in the old town. The astronomical clock is obviously a must-see but Berne has much more to offer. The view of the Aar River from the bridges on both sides of the old town is really great too.