tour basel switzerland

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Tour Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)

Basel’s Historical Old Town Tour

Known as the cultural capital of Switzerland, our Basel Heritage tour will take you on a journey through the jewel of Northern Switzerland. With your guide, you will discover the historic city centre, and have the chance to stroll through some of the oldest and best-loved buildings in Europe. Climb to the top of the iconic Basel Münster cathedral, where you will enjoy stunning views over the city skyline. Visit the site of the original Opera House, and take in the fantastic art on display throughout the city. Sample authentic Swiss sweets and hear about how the small city rose from rags to riches to become one of Europe’s favorite historic destinations.

Private Tours departing from different locations:

What’s Included in your Basel Historical Old Town Tour:

• Private local guide
• Meet and Greet at your Hotel or Residence

Key points of your Basel Historical Old Town Tour Info:

• Discover Basel’s old town architecture
• Walk through the secrets and heritage of Basel Münster, Roothus (Town Hall), and old town.
• Explore the religious battles that formed Basel

Local Tour Guide:

Needing more information:

Email: [email protected] Phone (Toll-Free): +1 888 719 5557

Basel’s Historical Old Town Tour Info

Our discovery will take us to the heart of Swiss heritage, as we explore the historic city of Basel. Internationally acknowledged as the cultural capital of Switzerland, our tour will take in the art, architecture, and rich array of historic sights that pepper the city. Your guide will reveal the multi-cultural stories behind some of the city’s best-loved buildings, including the 500-year-old Roothus (Town Hall), where you will have the chance to see some of Europe’s most distinguished artworks. Wander the cobbled streets of the stunning Old town Grossbasel, where you will discover the birthplace of pharmaceuticals and 360-degree views from the iconic Basel Minster cathedral. Journey back in time as you explore the lofty Romanesque passageways, and hear how the building grew alongside the city into modern times. Immerse yourself in rich Swiss culture with a visit to the original Basel opera house sight, where you will discover the whimsical Tinguely fountain.

Places To See On Our Basel Historical Old Town Tour

What do travellers say about our Basel Historical Old Town Tour

Booking & Cancellation Policy

RATES AND PRICES

All rates and prices quoted are subject to availability. Prices  will not  change even if the full payment is not received and voucher(s) are not issued. Prices that are quoted include all local taxes unless we advise otherwise.

Private Day Trips or Small Group Day Trips

• At the time of booking, a deposit amount will be processed
• 30 days before the departure, 50% of the total amount is to be settled
• 7 days before the departure, the remaining amount is to be settled
• Cancellation & Refunds are based on the Cancellation Policy below
• If you wish to settle the total price differently, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

  Packaged Multi-Day Trips

• At the time of booking, a deposit of 10% will be processed
• 180 days before the departure, 30% of the total amount is to be settled
• 120 days before the departure, 30% of the total amount is to be settled
• 60 days before the departure the remaining 30% of the total amount is to be settled
• Cancellation and refunds are based on the Cancellation Policy below

YOUR VOUCHER AND DEPARTURE POINT

Please present your voucher 10 minutes before departure to the driver or guide at the departure point of your tour. The location of the departure point can be found in the tour description and is stated on your booking confirmation. We can not be held responsible for clients being late for their tours.

Packaged Multi-Day Trips

Your Trip Manager will always have your details; please present your Passport when identifying yourself at the hotel. The location of the departure point can be found in the tour description and is stated on your booking confirmation. We can not be held responsible for clients being late for their tours.

Transportation Services

Please present your voucher 10 minutes before departure to the driver at the departure point. The location of the departure point has to be advised at the time of booking. We can not be held responsible for clients late for their transfer.

Availability

The travel products and services sold through this site are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without notice.

Confirmation

Private Day Trip, Small Group Day Trip, or Packed Multi-Day Trip is confirmed and reserved once both parties agree in writing or over the telephone and is subject to the booking and cancellation policy. When full payment is received the final confirmation document will be sent.

We request that you carefully check your voucher’s dates and contact information and contact us immediately if these are incorrect.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Cancellation, more than 2 days in advance, is fully refundable
• Cancellation up to 1 day before departure date: 50% of the total amount plus administration fees that might be imposed  (Except if unforeseen circumstances arise)
• Cancellation up to and less than 1 day before the departure date and time or no-show: 100% of the total amount  (Except if unforeseen circumstances arise)
• Cancellation, up to 30 days in advance, is fully refundable
• Cancellation up to 14 days before departure date: 50% of the total amount plus administration fees that might be imposed  (Except if unforeseen circumstances arise)
• Cancellation up to and less than 7 days before the departure date and time or no-show: 100% of the total amount  (Except if unforeseen circumstances arise)

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Best Walking Tours In Basel (Culture, Art & Cobblestones)

Planning a trip to Basel? Switzerland’s third-largest city is nestled on the Rhine River in close proximity to France and Germany. This gives the city a unique identity and makes it a good place to brush up on both your French and German. It’s a lively city with residents who love art, colorful festivals, and food markets.

You’ll see the story of Basel etched into its architecture with buildings like Basel Cathedral, the bright red Rathaus (town hall), and St. Johann’s-Tor, one of three surviving gates to the old walled city built in 1356 shortly after the Great Earthquake.

One of the best ways to experience Basel is on a tour led by a local guide. Find one tailored to you from this list of the best walking tours in Basel.

Table of Contents

Basel Old Town Walking Tour

Get acquainted with Basel on this walking tour of the Old Town. This traditional 2-hour tour is perfect for first-time visitors or for returning ones who want to delve deeper into the history and culture of this city situated in the border triangle of three countries. The tour will take you on a journey through Basel’s past as you stroll the winding streets of the Old Town .

Admire the beauty and meaning of precious landmarks like the Tinguely Fountain, Cathedral Hill, and the Basel town hall. Stories from the past will give you a deeper understanding of Basel — Switzerland’s cultural capital and university city.

Meet your group at Tinguely Fountain near Theater Basel.

Private Walking Tour in Basel with a Local

You’ll almost feel like a resident after this private walking tour with a local guide. Learn the best places to go, where to eat, where to shop, how to get around, and more from a friendly local passionate about their city. The tour will make your stay much more enjoyable as Basel becomes more of a friend and less of a stranger.

Your private tour guide will meet you in the lobby of your accommodation and acquaint you with the neighborhood. Or you can opt to meet at a certain landmark or intersection and go from there. Either way, you’ll feel more comfortable navigating the city on your own as you get insider tips on how best to enjoy your stay.

Express Walk of Basel with a Local

This 1-hour express walking tour is designed to provide visitors with an intense experience in a short amount of time. It’s excellent as an introductory tour or for rediscovering the city. It pulls double duty with an interesting and amusing history and culture narration while discovering the main sights and secret spots in Basel.

You’ll meet your group at St. Albans Tor (St. Alban’s Gate) to begin a sightseeing tour that includes monuments, parks, and historic buildings. You’ll hear the story behind them all and get insider tips for all the best places to eat, drink, and shop while you’re in town.

Basel: Most Photogenic Spots Tour with a Local

See Basel through your camera lens on this 1.5-hour excursion that showcases the city’s most photogenic spots. An informed local will share tips about lighting, angles, and more so you’ll have great photos to share about your trip across all social media sites. At the same time, you’ll hear stories about Basel’s rich history and culture.

Stroll along admiring the city from the Art Museum to the Tinguely Brunner in a small group of 6 or fewer. Keep your eyes open for hidden gems to capture with your camera. Your guide will also share local tips on the best places to eat, drink, and visit in Basel.

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Basel: 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour

If you’re a history buff, this is definitely the tour for you. The walk begins at the Marktplatz and takes you on a journey through time past archaeological styles from different time periods. After learning about the city’s most important buildings, you’ll get off the beaten path and discover churches, the historic city hall, and other places with stories to tell.

The highlight of this tour is a walk across the city’s oldest bridge while listening to fascinating stories from your guide.

By keeping groups small, this tour can be customized to your interests. Have your questions ready.

Basel’s Most Insta-Worthy Spots with a Local

This popular Basel walking tour focuses on the picturesque side of the city. Your guide will be a local who will take you to the most impressive places in town to capture Instagram-worthy photos. You’ll get tips on how to get the best shots using your phone or camera while at the same time learning a little history behind the places you will visit.

You’ll take your Instagram account to another level with stunning photos of Basel’s monuments, architecture, the oldest bridge, and the famous Rhine River.

Basel’s Art and Culture revealed by a Local

This 90-minute walking tour led by a local will impress the staunchest art aficionados and culture vultures. The secret is that the city has become an art and culture hot spot known around the world. Returning tourists as well as first-time visitors will discover the city from a unique perspective.

You’ll soak up the culture of the city through its artsy side as you wander the streets admiring street art and stopping by galleries and museums.

The group meets in front of the Tinguely Fountain .

Basel History Tour for Groups

This comprehensive guided history tour takes you from ancient to modern times as you explore the historical buildings and contemporary architecture of this unique city. The 1.5-hour stroll begins at the Tinguely Fountain and follows the winding streets and alleyways of Basel’s Old Town.

You’ll listen to interesting anecdotes from your guide as you stop to admire the Minster, the Red Town Hall, and a former church that now houses the Basel Historical Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is basel walkable.

Yes, Basel is a pedestrian-friendly city and easily walkable.

What is Basel’s main street called?

Basel’s main street is called Freie Strasse (Free Street.) It’s the street where merchants transported goods duty-free during the Middle Ages.

Are there many things to do in Basel Old Town?

Basel has lots of interesting museums and landmarks to explore, a variety of themed tours to take, and water activities along the Rhine.

Is a walking tour in Basel worth it?

Yes, a walking tour is an inexpensive way to experience all Basel has to offer.

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Home » Travel Guides » Switzerland » 15 Best Things to Do in Basel (Switzerland)

15 Best Things to Do in Basel (Switzerland)

Cosy, walkable and straddling the Rhine, Basel is at the tripoint where the Swiss, German and French borders meet. Basel’s art and culture put it on an equal footing with almost any city in the world. The Kunstmuseum is the shining light, replete with Renaissance, Baroque and modern art.

And the Altstadt is a confusion of alleys and streets with monumental wayfinders like the Basel Minster (Cathedral) and the 15th-century City Hall. In the Altstadt you can make your own paper at a water-powered mill from the 15th century, or step into a house where Erasmus would meet up with his friends 500 years ago.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Basel :

1. Kunstmuseum Basel

Switzerland’s largest and richest assortment of art is yours to enjoy at this superlative museum.

The roll-call of names says it all: Beginning in the Renaissance there’s Konrad Witz, Lucas Cranach the Elder and Hans Holbein (the museum grew from an early collection of his works). There are Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Brueghel the Elder and Rubens.

From the 19th century you can admire pieces by van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Manet and Gauguin.

The Kunstmuseum has an entire room just for pieces by Picasso.

And elsewhere Giacometti, Klee, Franz Marc, Braque and Chagall are just a taste of the 20th-century art collection.

2. Altstadt

Basel’s old town has an uncommon array of Swiss national heritage sites.

If you check in at the tourist office they’ll suggest a few themed walks around Grossbasel on the left bank and Kleinbasel on the right bank of the Rhine.

As the many plaques make clear, the Altstadt’s oldest buildings are from the 14th century.

These streets were once walked by historic figures like Erasmus, the 16th-century theologian and humanist.

We cover many places in the Altstadt later, but some spots to keep in mind are the sweeping Münsterplatz, the irregular townhouses on Petersgasse and the jovial monkey fountain on Andreasplatz.

At Spalenvorstadt is the Holbein Fountain, a Renaissance masterpiece by Hans Holbein the Younger from the 16th century.

Suggested tour : Walking Tour through Basel Old Town

3. Basel Minster

There’s no missing Basel’s medieval minster church and its two 60-metre towers, Georgsturm and Martinsturm.

It’s a mesmerising edifice with pinkish red sandstone walls and a glazed patterned roof.

A lot of the architecture is from the 14th and 15th centuries after an earthquake in 1356 toppled the high medieval Romanesque church.

One of the earlier elements is the main portal, which was partly dismantled by iconoclasts in the Reformation.

But they left the Gothic archivolts, which boast angels, prophets, roses, kings and an image of Abraham.

To the right of this see the “Seducer” courting a young virgin, with snakes and toads behind his back to symbolise evil.

For €5 you can struggle up a narrow spiral stairway to survey Basel and the Rhine.

4. Museum Tinguely

In the Solitudepark on the Rhine’s right bank is a museum for the 20th-century kinetic sculptor Jean Tinguely.

His wacky, needlessly complicated machines are anchored in the Dada spirit and satirise mass production and materialism.

But on any level they’re also fun, fanciful and interactive, so it’s an art museum where kids will never be bored.

You can push buttons and pull levers to start these machines whirring.

The exhibition chronicles Tinguely’s career, from the 1950s to 1980s.

One of his final pieces was Grosse Méta Maxi-Maxi Utopia from 1987, a tangle of pulleys, wooden wheels and electric motors with steps allowing that you can climb.

5. Basel Paper Mill

As early as 1453 this mill on the Gewerbekanal was in the business of producing paper.

Since 1980 the mill has been a working museum where you can get in touch with historic methods for dipping paper, printing and bookbinding.

Machines powered by a waterwheel turn rags and pulp into leafs ofpaper: You’ll be able to make a page of your own on the first floor.

Upstairs are the early printing presses, and quills invite you to perfect your calligraphy, while the crafts of bookbinding and paper marbling are demonstrated on the top floor live before your eyes.

6. Basel City Hall

The City Hall feels at the centre of Basel in every sense.

Martkplatz in front is a nexus for Basel’s tram network, while citizens and tourists flock to the square for the daily market.

The red sandstone behemoth that confronts you on Marktplatz is from the start of the 16th century and no expense was spared in its construction.

There are many symbols to decipher on the facade, like the 12 coats of arms of the Old Swiss Confederacy, including Basel’s, adorning the merlons at the top.

Go through the arch to enter the enthralling courtyard where there’s a 17th-century fresco by Hans Bock and a statue of Basel’s Roman founder Lucius Munatius Plancus sculpted in 1580.

7. Basel Historical Museum

HMB for short, the Basel Historical Museum has four locations.

Three of these are inside the city, and one, the Coach and Carriage Museum, is in Münchenstein to the southeast.

The main attraction is in the converted Barfüsserkirche and concerns itself with the late medieval period and early modern age.

Inside you can examine works from the Cathedral treasury, collections of coins and stained glass, tapestries, altars and possessions belonging to Erasmus.

There are also historic cabinets of curiosity, put together by wealthy collectors in the 1600s and 1700s.

But maybe the most haunting piece of all is Basel’s Danse Macabre fresco attributed to the 15th-century painter Konrad Witz.

8. Spalentor

Basel was once defended by two layers of city walls.

The Inner Wall was built around 1230, and following the earthquake in 1356 a new Outer Wall with 40 towers was raised to accommodate the growing city.

Practically all of these walls were torn down to allow Basel to grow and provide a healthier living environment in the 19th century.

Three gates remain, the most impressive of which is Spalentor.

This controlled the western approach to the city from France and was part of that outer wall begin in the 1350s.

As well as a pair of towers and patterned there’s a lot of ornamentation to look for on the facade, like Basel’s coat of arms framed by two lions.

9. Basel Zoo

With more than 640 species, few zoos on the planet can claim to have as much diversity as Basel Zoo.

This is the largest and oldest zoo in the country, dating back to 1874 but with a completely modern approach to enclosure design.

Expansions and renovations happen by the year, and in 2016 a new elephant house was opened, providing 5,000 square metres for them to roam in.

The aquarium (vivarium) is a perennial favourite and has almost of 500 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians, as well as king and gentoo penguins.

Maybe the zoo’s most famous inhabitant is Goma, the first western lowland gorilla born in Europe and turning 58 in 2017.

Under the minster towers the Pfalz is possibly the best spot on street level to contemplate the Rhine and the rows of houses on the right bank in Kleinbasel.

This terrace is above the Münsterfähre jetty, and is roughly on the site of Basel’s former episcopal palace.

Here and there you’ll notice ornately designed ledgerstones for Basel’s noble families dating back as far as the 1500s.

There’s a telescope on the wall, while the benches in this little square are shaded by trees and just right for a packed lunch.

11. Antikenmuseum Basel

Basel has the only museum in the country dedicated solely to ancient civilisations.

This deals with Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Middle Eastern and Roman objects across more than 3,000 years up to the 1st century AD. The collections were first put together in the 17th century and the museum opened in its current form in 1986 after a major donation by the industrialist Peter Ludwig.

One spellbinding item from Ancient Greece is an intact Laconian volute-krater (a vessel for watering down wine) from the 6th century, while the Egyptian galleries are rich with jewellery, sculptures and sarcophagi.

12. Pharmazie-Historisches Museum

Historic medicine is the subject of this world-class museum in a listed building in the Altstadt.

In the early 16th-century there was a printing press here, part-owned by Johann Froben, a close friend of Erasmus, who would often call in.

The amount of artefacts inside is almost overwhelming and has ceramic vessels from floor to ceiling.

There are mortars, first-aid kids, laboratory instruments, entire pharmacy interiors including cabinets, strange contraptions for practising alchemy and the preserved remnants of historic medications.

But maybe most exciting are the 15th and 16th-century books by physicians Johann de Cuba and Leonhart Fuchs.

13. Spielzeug Welten Museum

On Barfüsserplatz is as a museum to catch the imagination of both grownups and children.

A five-storey building has been made fully accessible, and holds more than 6,000 dolls, miniatures and dollhouses.

But it’s the record-breaking army of over 2,500 teddy bears that makes the headlines.

Many of the exhibits are interactive, including miniature scenes that light up, play music and have moving parts.

It might be hard to believe but this cornucopia of toys was assembled by just one person, the German-Swiss billionaire Gisela Oeri.

14. Fondation Beyeler

Six kilometres outside town, on the German border, the Fondation Beyeler is worth every second of the journey.

Awaiting you is the fabulous modern art collection of the 20th-century dealers Ernst Beyeler and Hilda Kunz.

In the 1990s this trove of 200 works was given a swish permanent home designed by Renzo Piano.

You’ll savour 23 Picassos, and paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Francis Bacon, Lichtenstein, Pollock, Warhol, Monet and Cézanne.

On top of this there’s an ethnological exhibition of 25 works from North America, Oceania and Africa.

15. The Rhine River

The Rhine flows so quickly through Basel that ferries don’t need any form of propulsion other than the river’s currents.

These vessels are tethered to steel lines and zip across the water.

You can catch a “Fähri” at four points along the river in the centre of the city, the most popular being Münsterfähre below the Pflalz.

There are also “Badhysli”, bathing areas where stronger swimmers pit themselves against the currents and others rest in the shallows.

These spots have a resort atmosphere in summer when people lounge in the sun and chat at cafe terraces.

Outside the city the Rhine takes the place of a sea or lake, and has beaches for sunbathing, watersports and barbecues in summer.

15 Best Things to Do in Basel (Switzerland):

• Kunstmuseum Basel
• Basel Minster
• Museum Tinguely
• Basel Paper Mill
• Basel City Hall
• Basel Historical Museum
• Antikenmuseum Basel
• Pharmazie-Historisches Museum
• Spielzeug Welten Museum
• Fondation Beyeler
• The Rhine River

24 Fantastic Things to do in Basel, Switzerland

Written By: The Planet D

Switzerland

Updated On: July 9, 2024

Basel, Switzerland will surprise you. While plenty of people are aware of Geneva and Zurich , Switzerland’s third-largest city should not be overlooked. There are so many things to do in Basel, it requires at least three days to explore. From the Old Town and life on the Rhine River to the countryside of the German and France border there is plenty to marvel at.

If you find yourself in Switzerland make sure to add the cultural capital of the country to your itinerary. You’ll enjoy the perfect mix of historic and contemporary architecture, outdoor fun, and sophisticated museums. Many attractions, shops, and dining establishments are located in the city center. In a nutshell, Basel has it all!

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Things to do in Basel, Switzerland

Note: “Things to do in Basel” was originally written by Ben Kepka of Cultured Kiwi in 2018 who spent two years living in Basel. We have since updated it with our experiences from our summer trip to Switzerland in 2021. He included some things that Dave and I missed in Basel, so we have left them (with credit) at the end of this post.

1. Take A Walking Tour of Old Town

Like many places in Europe, the Old Town is always the main tourist attraction of a city, and when in Basel, that also rings true. The best way to get acquainted with the Old Town of Basel is to take a walking tour.

Our walking tour started at Basel Town Hall (Rathaus) by the Market Square (Marktplatz), a 500-year-old beauty built in a Neo-Gothic/Neo-Renaissance style with distinctive red sandstone and playful fresco paintings. We went inside to look at the lovely courtyard before moving on to find out-of-the-way places like the world’s smallest museum – The Hoosesagg Museum (Pocket Museum), and the hanging gardens of the Museum der Kulturen Basel (Museum of Cultures). Basel is one of our picks for the top places to visit in Switzerland .

2. Or Walk the Altstadt (Old City) On Your Own

To really enjoy what Basel has to offer, you must explore the old town on foot. There are many fantastic sites close to each other that are easy to miss when you’re in a car or when cycling. A good example of this is The Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of the city through its twin towers and red sandstone walls.

You’ll see the same architectural style when you visit the town hall, an iconic landmark in the Old Town. The beautiful drawings, its red façade, and the tower reflect the historical richness of Basel.

Next to the City Hall, you’ll find Marktplatz, where locals sell fresh fruit and vegetables. The Old Town, built on two hills along the Rhine River, has many shops and boutiques. You can also check out the other amazing places that are worthwhile visiting in Basel.

3. Take a Weidling Tour

One of the most unique things to do in Basel is to get on the Rhine River and do some traditional paddling. Weidling is a traditional wooden boat that dates back to the Middle Ages in Basel. They were used to paddle upriver using a technique called spiking.

You can try your hand at paddling on the Rhine to see what it was like for traders moving between Venice and the North Sea. Through the Association Waidlig Basilea you can book city tours on the water, rowing lessons or you can enjoy a Weidling ride with an aperitif as you take in the gorgeous views of downtown Basel. Visit the Waidlig Basilea website for more details.

4. Float Down the Rhine

In the summer, you’ll be surprised to see how many locals enjoy the Rhine River to relax and have fun. You’ll notice a stream of bobbing heads among the many ferries. If you’re a *good* swimmer, you should definitely take a dip in the Rhine and join the legions of locals!

The Baselers use the current of the river to float downstream. When we were there, the water was really high due to heavy rains and it wasn’t recommended to swim, but some hearty locals were still facing the fast flow, and watching them was a hoot!

You’ll notice everyone has blue bags they are swimming with . They’re called Wickelfisch. Every person in Basel has one in their apartment . They’re waterproof and help store your valuables while you’re floating down the river or when you’re cycling in the rain. You can buy a Wickelfisch from the many small shops along the Rhine River. Don’t leave Basel without one!

5. Cross the Rhine

There are so many unique things to do in Basel, especially on the Rhine River. One would think that crossing the Rhine River would be like any other river crossing. Across a bridge or on a ferry. But in Basel, you can cross the Rhine river on a boat that doesn’t have a motor and doesn’t use a paddle.

It crosses by using a cable that it is attached to. There are four places to cross the Rhine on a reaction ferry in Basel. When you get on the boat, the captain sets his or her rudder, and the river does the rest, taking you across from one side of the city to the other.

6. Take an Urban Art Tour

Basel may have a rich history, but it has embraced contemporary art with vigor. A great way to find hidden art in Basel is to take an Urban Art Tour with Artstübli Basel.

On this tour, you’ll be shown much of the hidden art in the city, like the several Space Invader tiles that are scattered throughout the city, and the unique places to find one of the town’s monuments, the Lällekönig (“the Tongue King”) where the king sculpture sticks out his tongue from Grossbasel (Left Side of the River Bank) toward Klein Basel (Right Side of the River Bank). For more information visit Urban Art Tours in Basel at Artstübli

7. Relax by the Tinguely Fountain

Jean Tinguely is one of the most celebrated artists from Basel. He was part of the Avant Guard movement in Paris , France, and is known for his moving kinetic art. Basel is a city of fountains, but if there is one fountain that is not to be missed, it is the Tinguely Fountain. The Tinguely Fountain was created at the site of the old Basel Theater in front of the new Basel Theater beside Kunsthalle Basel. It is one of the coolest pieces of art we’ve ever seen.

8. Visit the Kunstmuseum Basel

The Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the most important art museums in Switzerland. This museum of fine arts houses permanent collections of paintings from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

The museum itself is beautiful, and if you are like us, enjoy the works of van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cézanne or the 20th-century artists Picasso and Léger, you will love this museum. Admission is free every Tuesday, Wed, Thursday, and Friday after 5 pm.

9. Step Foot in Three Countries at The Dreiländereck (Three Country Corner)

You’d think that visiting three countries in one day would be an unbelievably difficult undertaking. In Basel, it’s a daily occurrence for many residents.

In fact, many people who work in Basel live across the border between Germany and France. If you’re in Basel, you should take a trip to Dreiländereck. There, you’ll find a monument indicating the intersection of Germany’s, France’s, and Switzerland’s borders along the Rhine River.

10. Cycle the The Rehberger-Weg

Speaking of crossing into Germany or France, one of the best ways to do that is to cycle the Rehberger-Weg. We rode our e-bikes as part of the cycling route between two museums. The Rehberger Weg connects Foundation Beyeler with Vitra Campus with the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. Both of these museums are worth seeing. Rent your e-bike from Rent a Bike in Central Station.

11. Foundation Beyeler

Even if you don’t cycle the Rehberger-Weg, you should still visit Foundation Beyeler. One of our favorite museums in Basel was the Contemporary Art Museum of Foundation Beyeler. Foundation Beyeler is situated on a beautiful property that contains the private collection of Hildy and Ernst Beyeler.

There are 200 pieces of art from the likes of Monet, Cézanne, van Gogh and Picasso alongside tribal art from Africa, Oceania, and Alaska . Visit the Website for current hours and prices.

12. Vitra Design Museum

Cycling to the Vitra Design Museum was one of the coolest things we did in Basel. Even though it is easy to cross the border, it felt cool to suddenly be in Germany on our bikes. The path to the museum has 24 trail markers containing works of art along the way leading us to the funky museum campus that showcases architectural designs by the likes of Frank Gehry.

A cool fact is that the Vitra Design Museum is one of the world’s leading museums of industrial furniture design and architecture.

13. Explore the Cloisters of Basel Minster

Basel Minster is the largest cathedral in Basel and it is not to be missed. The cathedral was built between 1019 and 1500 and since it took so many years to complete, it combines two styles of Romanesque and Gothic.

Its two towers stand proudly over the city and are seen from both sides of the River Rhine. When exploring the cathedral, make sure to go next door to see the Cloisters. The beautiful hallways of vaulted arches are a peaceful escape from the busy square.

14. Visit the Neighborhood of St. Alban

Known as the Venice of Basel, this lovely neighborhood was once home to the aristocrats of Basel. The now residential neighborhood is a peaceful portion of the city with chestnut trees lining the Rhine and a portion of the old city wall still intact. The main attraction here is the Basel Paper Mill Museum. The medieval paper mill showcases the traditional ways that paper was created.

15. Explore the Old City Gates of Basel

Basel’s Old Town is an incredible place to explore and while you are perusing the old houses (you can often spot the year they were built above their doors) keep an eye out for the old city walls and gates. Three of Basel’s original gates are still standing, with the most beautiful gate being The Spalentor gate, dating back to the 1400s.

Another gate can be found in St. Alban near the Basel Paper Museum. This has one of the best-preserved parts of the city wall as well. And unfortunately, we didn’t make it to St. Johanns Tor, the Third City Gate of Basel but I am sure it is beautiful too!

16. Have a Cocktail at Les Trois Rois

Well, you may not have the budget to stay at the swanky Grand Hotel, Les Trois Rois, but when in Basel, it is worth cleaning yourself up and heading to the River Rhine for a sunset cocktail at Les Trois Rois. This historic hotel is one of the oldest city hotels in Europe, dating back to 1681.

The grand chandelier greets you as you enter the front lobby and you’ll be whisked away outside to the terrace to watch the boats and ferries navigate the river. It is recommended to make a reservation, especially in the busy season.

17. Botmingen Castle

There is a castle just on the outskirts of Basel. Riding our e-bikes took us on an 18-minute journey from downtown to this picturesque castle complete with a moat. Dating back to the 13th century, it has been completely restored and its picturesque setting is the perfect romantic escape from the city.

On the way out to the Castle, we passed the Basel Zoo. Did you know that Basel boasts Switzerland’s oldest and largest zoo? It was founded in 1874. We didn’t go in, but it is located very close to downtown Basel.

18. Stop at Käppelijoch chapel on Middle Bridge

It’s an unassuming chapel in the middle of a busy road and pedestrian bridge. People cross this bridge every day as it connects Grossbasel with Kleinbasel. While walking across, make sure to stop at the little chapel in its center. It was here that some very bad monks threw women into the Rhine with legs and hands bound.

They put them to their death for being suspected witches, unfaithful, or were considered criminals. Lucky for the many women who were sentenced to death, there were some rebel nuns who rescued the women as they floated downstream. Nice!

19. Drink the spring water – Fountains all through Basel (and Switzerland)

Basel has around 231 fountains with many illustrating figures such as the basilisk. The Basel Journal calls it the city of fountains, and for good reason. You shouldn’t worry about drinking the water in Basel (or anywhere in Switzerland), it’s clean and fresh. Fun Fact, people also use the fountains as swimming pools and a popular thing to do in Basel in the summer is to go Fountain Bathing.

You’ll notice two metal bars fitted across the diameter of the fountains, which will help support the buckets used by locals to collect water. That’s when no plumbing was available. Today, you can use the fountains whenever your water bottle is low, or you need a sip while jogging.

I was fascinated to see all the Basilisk fountains on the right side of the Rhine, which, interestingly enough, are all pointing toward the river. Why? It’s so that when you take pictures of the fountains, the mythological bird is looking straight at you, and you can capture the city in the background.

20. Shop on Spalenberg

If you can afford to do any shopping in Switzerland, Spalenberg is the best shopping street in Basel. Even if you aren’t up for shopping, this street is a beautiful street to explore. Located in Basel’s Old Town, boutiques and galleries are scattered within historic buildings lining cobblestone streets.

With buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, you are truly in the heart of the old town. Keep an eye out for the signs above the shop’s windows with the dates of when the house was built.

Where to Stay in Basel

We stayed at Art House 4051 Basel (Design Hotels ). This cosmopolitan hotel was a fantastic base for exploring Basel in the middle of the Steinenvorstadt. Its contemporary urban design made for an elegant stay with plenty of space and amenities. The breakfast was fantastic, the rooms were filled with modern amenities offering plenty of USB chargers, and yet it combined a funky mid-century style with old fashioned telephone and other artistic touches. There’s a rooftop bar and they offer a free welcome drink of beer or wine.

Additional Things to Do in Basel Ideas

21. cross into germany or france.

Although the Schengen agreement doesn’t require that you carry your passport to cross the borders, if you’re not from the EU, it’s a good idea to have it on you when walking across borders. Sometimes, police make random stops, but this is rare.

You can take a tram to Saint-Louise in Alsace for a wine tour and enjoy a relaxing afternoon walking through the Petite Camargue Alsacienne park. Or, you can hop on a tram to Weil am Rhein, where you can visit the Tri-Countries Bridge and the Vitra Design Museum.

22. Carnival Time

The Basler Fasnacht. It’s the place to be if you’re visiting during February or March. It kicks off in the historic center of Basel at exactly 4 AM on Monday morning. All city lights are turned off, and the festivities begin. You’ll see thousands of costumes and masks parading across the city for 3 days.

Musical groups play small flutes (piccolos) and drums while carrying themed lanterns to entertain the crowd. This Unesco heritage event is more of a Protestant manifestation than a Catholic tradition. You’ll have fun watching how the Fasnachtiers which follow two ring routes, one clockwise and the other counterclockwise. They throw confetti over the crowds while handing out candy and other delicious treats. It is the one time of the year you’ll see the traditionally organized Swiss go absolutely crazy!

23. Take A Trip To the Roman Ruins

If you don’t mind venturing out of Basel a bit, you should visit the Augusta Raurica open-air museum which is situated on the southern bank of the Rhine and only 20 km away from Basel. These magical Roman ruins include the Temple, the Gravestone from Cirencester, the amphitheater, and the Basilica. Excavations have shed light upon the Roman roots of Basel.

When I visited the Roman Museum I was overwhelmed by the reconstruction of a Roman house and the silver treasure of Kaiseraugst which is thought to have been owned by a Roman commander. Seeing ancient Roman aqueducts that are caked in calcium from years of use is a truly humbling experience.

24. The Christmas Markets

If you’re visiting Basel during November/ December you should take a walk around the magnificent Christmas Markets at Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz, and Claraplatz. Barfüsserplatz is the largest of the three and it’s where about 140 merchants in decorated small chalets sell Christmas goods and seasonal delights. Although it’s tightly packed, the market is sublime.

The Münsterplatz holds around 40 stalls set out in a larger area so it’s easier to navigate through. You can also enjoy the amazing sights of the Rhine River and the Gothic Basel Minster. The smallest Basel Christmas Market Is the Claraplatz in Kleinbasel. However, it’s worthwhile visiting.

Final Words on Basel Switzerland

So, why visit Basel? Well, for starters, you’ll enjoy the wonderful experiences offered by the Rhine River. You’ll get to visit marvelous sites throughout the city, including the Basel Cathedral, The City Hall, the fountains, the Christmas markets, and beautiful small boutiques in the Old City. Let’s not forget about the magical three-day Carnival.

Basel will always hold a special place in my heart. Every year, I return to swim in the Rhein, join in on Fasnacht, and drink some mulled wine at the Christmas markets. If you have any questions about Basel or need any advice on planning your journey, leave me a message in the comments below.

Basel’s history dates back thousands of years to Celtic and Roman times and during the middle ages when a university was built in 1460 it became the cultural hub of Switzerland. Basel remains the cultural hub today and should be put at the top of any Switzerland Itinerary.

• For more information on how to travel to Basel, visit the  Basel Tourism website.
• Visit the My Switzerland website  to start planning your trip today.

Bonus Tip – Accommodation for Basel

If you’re like me (Ben) and you’re on a budget. Due to its proximity to other countries, the best way to visit Basel is to book a hotel across the border in Germany. The accommodation rates are around half of what you’ll find in Switzerland. From here, you can simply hop onto the Number 8 tram, which will take you straight to the center of Basel. Read:

This article was originally written by Ben of Cultured Kiwi, and we left some of his recommendations and kept the same fun feel to the writing that he originally submitted. Thanks, Ben! Ben is a travel photographer and filmmaker, from New Zealand, now living the nomad lifestyle in Europe. He has partnered with outlets like Lonely Planet and Stuff.co.nz just to name a few. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand and have any questions, feel free to contact me at  Cultured Kiwi  /  Facebook  /  Instagram  /

Read more about Switzerland:

• The Ultimate One-Week Switzerland Itinerary
• 10 Simple Ways to Travel Switzerland on a Budget
• Amazing Zurich – Discover the Best of Switzerland’s Largest City
• 20 Reasons to Fall in Love with Basel, Switzerland
• 5 Lakes Hike Zermatt – Incredible Matterhorn Views

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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11 thoughts on “24 Fantastic Things to do in Basel, Switzerland”

We are disembarking a river cruise in Basel and spending the night there before our flight back to the US the next day. What are the MUST DOs for a 1 day visit. Staying at Hotel Basel. Thanks

Thanks for the post. I’m in Basel this weekend and looking forward to exploring the city! Although it may be a little cold for swimming in the Rhine at the moment!

What a great article about Basel, thanks! I live in Basel and think you mention everything thats important when you want to experience Basel. But there is a little mistake: the photo which should show our beautiful carnival (best carnival ever?) is not carnival in Basel but from another carnival tradition in the small city of Liestal. Liestal is close to Basel and if you are in Basel at carnival time don’t miss it: it’s a parade called “Chienbäse” and it takes place on Sunday before carnival in Basel starts.

Basel is the best city in Switzerland se everyone from travelling geek to normal person. It really refreshing experience and motivate your from the bottom of heart to go travel. Thanks a lot for sharing impressive article. Keep it up

Thanks for sharing

It was a great time living there but very difficult to stay working and living there unless you are Swiss or from the EU. As a New Zealand citizen, it was pretty hard to stay. Anyway, I think that you should head to Basel to get a Wickelfisch haha! Like any waterproof bag, they do let a little bit of water in over time, so it’s best to replace them often.

Basel is a city on the Rhine River in northwest Switzerland, close to the country’s borders with France and Germany. Its medieval old town centers around Marktplatz, dominated by the 16th-century, red-sandstone Town Hall.

Basel has much to offer. I’ve lived there a number of years and still haven’t explored all its nooks and crannies. The museums alone would take quite awhile.

I do feel constrained to point out that some of the photos in the article don’t match the subject. The one labeled the Basel Munster Cathedral is not the Munster Cathedral. The next picture down, the red building with the twin spires, is. Under that photo, the city hall (Rathaus) at Marktplatz is mentioned, but not shown, which is surprising because it’s a spectacular building.

The photo of Basel Fasnacht looks to have actually been taken at Liestal, a town some kilometers away. Those fire brooms are part of that town’s unique and rather harrowing celebration, but they have nothing to do with Basel’s own Fasnacht, which is renowned in its own right.

We toured the Roman ruins at Augusta Raurica not that long ago, and while it’s definitely worth a visit, I don’t recall a wall with arrow slits and a panoramic view. (Could be wrong about that one, though.)

Is the Augusta Aurica open-air museum free?

I love your photos! They make me want to just YOLO and go to Switzerland. Haha

You’re so lucky you got to spend almost 2 years living and working in Basel! Where can I buy those Wickelfisch online, though? I’ve had so many waterproof bags with me and some don’t last long.

Switzerland is one of those places that’s just never come to mind for us, but I think we need to add to our Europe adventure 🙂

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