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19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Basel

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

With more than 40 museums to choose from and an atmospheric old town to explore, you won't have any trouble finding things to do in Basel. Few cities in Europe can match Switzerland's second-largest city for its concentration of cultural attractions and things to do.

Moreover, many of these are housed in buildings that are themselves works of art, designed by great architects that include Renzo Piano, Frank O. Gehry, and Mario Botta. Basel's university became a center for humanism in the 16th century and continued to be a magnet for distinguished scholars and teachers, which may account for its remarkable cultural heritage today.

The two sides of Basel are joined by six bridges over the Rhine, as it makes a sharp turn before flowing north to become the German-French border.

It's the higher left bank where you'll find the old town and cultural attractions. The river itself is a good vantage point for sightseeing, and you can take short cruises or cross the river on the quirky little cable-operated ferry.

Whether you enjoy sightseeing or immersing yourself in art, you can be sure of finding the best places to visit using this list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Basel.

See also: Where to Stay in Basel

1. Admire Art in the Kunstmuseum Basel (Museum of Art)

2. stroll through the old town, 3. take the kids to the zoologischer garten (zoo), 4. visit basler münster (basel minster), 5. museum tinguely, 6. learn about printing at papiermühle (paper mill museum), 7. rathaus (town hall) and marktplatz, 8. smile at the tinguely fountain, 9. take a break at tierpark lange erlen, 10. historisches museum (historical museum), 11. be a kid again at the spielzeug welten museum (toy museum), 12. tour the museum für gegenwartskunst (museum of contemporary art), 13. antikenmuseum and the sammlung ludwig (museum of antiquities and the ludwig collection), 14. jüdische museum (jewish museum), 15. visit the haus zum kirschgarten, 16. spalentor, 17. fondation beyeler, 18. cross the border to vitra design museum, 19. take a day trip to solothurn, where to stay in basel for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in basel, basel - climate chart.

The Kunstmuseum , enhanced by the added exhibition space of a 2015 wing, is considered the finest collection of paintings in Switzerland, representing both old masters and modern art. On the first floor are the old masters and a collection of French and Dutch paintings.

Outstanding among these are the 15th-century Heilsspiegelaltar (Mirror of Salvation Altar) by Konrad Witz, 16th-century portraits by Holbein the Younger, Crucifixion by Mathias Grünewald, and Rembrandt's David with Goliath's Head from 1627. The second floor houses an outstanding collection of 19th- and 20th-century Impressionists, Expressionists, and Surrealists.

You'll find major works by Gauguin, Van Gogh, Corot, Cézanne, Braque, Picasso, Kandinsky, Léger, Chagall, Klee, Dali, Max Ernst, and others, along with later works and special exhibitions.

Address: St. Alban-Graben 16, Basel

The part of Basel that lies roughly between the river and the old city gate at Spalentor is not large but quite atmospheric with its stone streets, medieval churches, beautifully maintained old homes, and brightly painted fountains. But leave it to Basel to introduce a thoroughly modern and whimsical fountain by Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely in the midst of the stately historic houses.

From Marktplatz , wander west along Spalenberg with detours into some of the narrow side streets, such as Leonhardsberg and Spalenberg, Heuberg. This was the old artisans' neighborhood. Or wander along Freiestrasse, which begins with the Renaissance Geltenzunfthaus , from 1578. At number 25 is the guild-house of the locksmiths dating from 1488 and decorated in Baroque style in 1733.

Look for more wall paintings at the guild-house of the Hausgenossen at 34. In the little Fischmarkt , you'll find a reproduction of a Gothic fountain whose original you can see in the historical museum.

The two-hour Stories of Basel's Old Town walking tour explores the oldest parts of the city with a knowledgeable guide who will explain local history and highlight points of interest, stopping at major sightseeing destinations like Basler Münster , Rathaus , and Tinguely Fountain . The tour focuses on the area's rich history and varied architecture.

Switzerland's oldest and largest zoo, Basel Zoo is affectionately known as the Zolli by locals, and it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Switzerland. It has been named one of the fifteen best zoos in the world.

Founded in 1874 with 510 European animals, today the zoo is known more for exotic species. With predators, primates, mammals, reptiles, birds, and aquatic life, the population ranges from seahorses to elephants, the latter now enjoying an elephant enclosure added in 2015 with wallowing pools, showers, and a savannah-like environment.

The lion enclosure and monkey house are highlights, along with the penguins in the vivarium, which also houses fish and reptiles. The aviary houses both indigenous and exotic birds, as well as birds of prey. The zoo has been particularly successful in breeding rhinoceros and cheetahs. The realistic habitats and variety of exotic animals make this one of the favorite places to visit with children in Basel.

Address: Binningerstrasse 40, Basel

Set atop the highest point on Münsterhügel (Minster Hill), Basel's Minster is easily spotted by its prominent spires and brightly patterned roof tiles. The spacious Münsterplatz , formerly the site of a Roman fort, is an elegant 18th-century square. Built of red sandstone from the Vosges mountains of France between the ninth and 13th centuries, the minster was rebuilt in Gothic style after an earthquake in 1356.

But some of the original church remains. The high altar and much of the furnishings were destroyed by Protestants in 1529, but the greatest treasures were hidden in the sacristy vaulting and survived; you can see some in the historical museum.

Be sure to see the St. Gallus doorway in the north transept, with its many 12th-century Romanesque stone carvings - one of the oldest figured doorways in German-speaking Europe. The tympanum above the doorway shows the Wise and Foolish Virgins, with Christ enthroned above flanked by Peter and Paul.

A large rose window lies above the doorway. Inside, the lower part of the choir is Romanesque; be sure to notice the capitals carved with rich foliage and animals and the Romanesque capitals in the nave and ambulatory. In front of the pulpit, under glass, is a piece of the Late Romanesque pavement from the 12th century.

From inside the church, you can access the stairs to the top of the south tower. The crypt, which can be entered from beside the choir, contains the tombs of 10th- to 13th-century bishops and an excellent Romanesque frieze on the piers; ceiling frescoes depict scenes from the life of the Virgin and other New Testament themes. The beautiful 15th-century double cloister, entered from Rittergasse, contains monuments ranging over five centuries.

Address: Münsterplatz, Basel

The Museum Tinguely contains the largest collection of this influential Swiss artist's work thanks to a generous donation by his widow Niki de Saint Phalle, as well as contributions by other collectors. The collection includes Tinguely's sculptures and drawings, as well as an extensive library of documents and photographs.

The museum also hosts visiting installations that change every three months, focusing on artists who inspired Tinguely, as well as the work of contemporary artists. The building housing the collection was designed by famed architect Mario Botta.

Address: Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, 4002 Basel

Set on a medieval canal with an operating waterwheel, an old paper mill has been turned into a museum of writing, printing, and paper, showing the printing and papermaking processes with actual working machinery.

As you tour the museum, you can watch the laborious production of handmade paper, explore the evolution of printing from before Gutenberg's press through the demise of lead type in the 1980s, and see how books are bound. Displays follow the development of writing from primitive pictographs through modern typography.

Address: St. Alban-Tal 37, Basel

The focal point of the Old Town is Marktplatz, where you'll still find the colorful daily market selling local produce, flowers, and food specialties. Dominating the square is the bright red Basel Rathaus , with its colorful painted facade. The arcaded main building is in Late Burgundian Gothic style dating from 1504 to 1521; the new wing to the left and the tall tower on the right are 19th-century additions.

The clock dates from the building's origins, the work of Master Wilhelms from the early 1500s. Be sure to step into the beautiful courtyard to see the wall paintings, restored from 1608-11 originals. The statue, from 1574, on the outer staircase represents the legendary founder of the town, Munatius Plancus. You can also see the two council chambers, the Regierungsratssaal , with its impressive wood paneling, and the Grossratssaal , decorated by 15 coats-of-arms of the Swiss cantons.

Address: Marktpl. 9, 4001 Basel, Switzerland

Completed in 1977, the playful fountain designed by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely quickly became a Basel landmark. Placed inside a large shallow pool, 10 large figures made of scrap metal seem to be playing with each other in the water as they move and spray jets of water into the air.

Powered by low-voltage current, these playful and ingenious water-spouting mechanical figures are built from pieces of metal equipment from the old theater that once stood on this spot. In the winter, the fountain becomes a series of fantastic ice sculptures as the water freezes around the figures. You can see more of his unusual and imaginative sculpture in Basel at the Jean Tinguely Museum.

Address: Theaterstrasse, Basel

When you need a break from Basel's abundance of museums and historic attractions, or if you are looking for things to do with children, take a tram or bike to the Tierpark, an expanse of green parkland alongside the river. Here, you'll meet a variety of local wildlife — deer, lynx, wild boar and others — roaming free in their natural habitat, discreetly fenced from the public.

Swans and ducks swim as herons fish in the ponds, and colorful peacocks roam about the grounds. More birds inhabit the spacious aviary, and an assortment of farm animals are in stables and paddocks. It is a peaceful green space for walking and relaxing, and a good place for children to meet animals in a non-zoo environment. They can also let off energy in the large playground.

Address: Erlenparkweg 110, Basel

The 14th-century Barfüsserkirche (Church of the Barefoot Friars) was renovated in the 1970s to house the Historical Museum with important collections on local history and culture. It spotlights particularly the city's unique position at the crossroads between Swiss, German, and French cultures.

In the nave of the church are the Late Gothic tapestries and the curious Lällenkönig (Babbling King), a crowned head with a movable tongue and eyes that was the emblem of Gross-Basel in the 17th century. In the aisles are weapons and furnished period rooms, in the choir religious art, and in the crypt is the minster treasury, recovered after being saved from destruction during the Reformation.

Interesting exhibits deal with the importance of silk ribbon manufacture in Basel from the late 18th through the 19th century.

Address: Barfüsserplatz 7, Basel

The Spielzeug Welten Museum collection of more than 6,000 toys, including dolls, stuffed animals, dollhouses, shop models, and carousels is not just for children. The dollhouses are exceptional, not only the historical examples but the newly commissioned works of artists who create rooms and shops in miniature.

One section is devoted to the Neapolitan folk art of nativity scenes set in the context of everyday life in early Naples , with figures dressed in infinitely detailed costumes. The museum's collection of 2,500 teddy bears is thought to be the world's largest.

Even if you don't tour the museum, don't miss walking around to look in the windows. Six display-sized windows facing the street are dedicated to changing displays from the collections, based on seasonal and other themes and representing current special exhibitions.

Address: Steinenvorstadt 1, Basel

Housed in an old paper mill with modern extensions, Basel's Museum of Contemporary Art highlights art from 1960 to the present. You'll find paintings and sculptures by artists that include Chagall, de Chirico, Dali, Braque, Mondrian, Klee, Giacometti, Moore, and the Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely.

It was the first public museum in Europe dedicated exclusively to artworks created in the late 20th century. Guided tours in English are available with advance notice and are included in the admission price.

Address: St. Alban-Rheinweg 60, Basel

Basel's Museum of Antiquities and the Ludwig collection feature Egyptian, Greek, Italian, Etruscan, and Roman works of art, covering antiquity from about 4000 BC to the 6th century AD. The strongest areas are sculptures and Greek vases, although there are outstanding exhibits of gold jewelry, bronze sculptures, and clay figures.

The museum also operates Skulpturhalle Basel , located near Basel University, which features more than 2,200 plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculptures including a complete set of casts of the Parthenon, part of the Acropolis in Athens , as well as scale-size architectural sculptures.

Address: St. Alban Graben 5, Basel

One of central Europe's best collections of Judaica, the Jüdische Museum depicts religious and everyday life as it explores the Jewish history of Basel and its surrounds. In addition to documenting the local history, it introduces visitors to Jewish ceremonies and customs from the broader diaspora through exhibits focused on Jewish Law, the Jewish Year, everyday life, and history.

In the courtyard, medieval gravestones and documents go back as far as the medieval Jewish communities with documents printed in Hebrew by the city's book printers from the 16th through 19th centuries. Significant documents focus on the two World Wars.

Address: Kornhausgasse 8, Basel

One of the finest of Basel's patrician houses, the Haus zum Kirschgarten was built between 1775 and 1780 in the early Classical style. It was the home and office of a prosperous Basel manufacturer of silk ribbons and is among Switzerland's best museums of domestic life.

Throughout the 25 furnished rooms are displays of the furniture of a wealthy 18th-century commercial family, as well as internationally important collections of decorative arts. The Pauls-Eisenbeiss Foundation's collection of porcelain, a significant watch and clock collection, and major groups of Basel silver and scientific instruments are displayed.

Address: Elisabethenstrasse 27/29, Basel

Dating from 1370, the Spalentor is a fortified gate marking the end of the old town. The town gate, once part of the old town walls, has stood alone since their destruction in 1866. Look to the left of the gate to find an early 19th-century letterbox with the emblem of the Basel pigeon.

The adjacent Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church) was rebuilt in the 15th century, but the vaulting in the choir is from an earlier 14th-century building. There are frescoes in the Eberler chapel and the nave. Adjacent is the university, with a botanical garden that was founded in the 16th century, one of the oldest in the world.

Collectors Ernst and Hildy Beyeler opened the Fondation Beyeler in 1997 to allow the public to enjoy their extensive personal collection of Classic Modernist art. A staggering number of works by both Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse are on display, including drawings, paintings, and sculpture.

Also displayed are multiple sculptures by Alberto Giacometti and Max Ernst, and a variety of works by celebrated artists, including Georges Seurat, Marc Chagall, Marlene Dumas, Paul Klee, and Vincent Van Gogh. The collection also includes pieces from the Beyelers' world travels to Africa, Oceania, and Alaska.

The museum is set in a lovely park, housed in a building designed by architect Renzo Piano.

Address: Baselstrasse 101, Basel

Because Basel lies right on the international border, some of its suburbs spread over into Germany and France. So it is with the Vitra Design Museum , which although considered a Basel institution, is a five-minute train ride just across the German border from central Basel.

By any measure, it is one of the world's most important museums of design. The building itself is a landmark, designed by Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry. Inside are changing exhibitions - two or three each year - examining current and historical design trends and themes. The displays are stunning and provocative, often inviting interaction.

Add some outdoor exercise to your gallery hopping by hiring an electric bicycle at the central train station to follow the Rehberger-Weg bike path across the border to the Vita campus.

Address: Charles-Eames-Str. 2, Weil am Rhein, Germany

Lying astride the river Aare, about 67 kilometers from Basel, Solothurn is an elegant town of Renaissance and Baroque buildings that indicate its splendor in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries as the residence of the French ambassadors to the Swiss Confederation. Earlier, the town of Salodurum ranked with Trier in Germany as one of the oldest Roman settlements north of the Alps.

Marktplatz is a beautiful square with a 12th-century clock tower, the Zeitglockenturm , that has mechanical figures from 1545. The Mauritius fountain is decorated with a figure by the master Hans Gieng of Fribourg. You'll see several more fountains with colorfully painted figures as you stroll down picturesque old Hauptgasse .

Stop there at the Jesuit church to see its interior, decorated with stucco work by 17th-century artists from the Swiss Ticino region. In the cloister is a collection of stones with Roman inscriptions. Just inside the 1508 Baseltor gate stands the Italian Baroque Cathedral of St. Ursen , built from 1763 to 1773.

Its treasury is especially rich in goldsmiths' work and textiles from the 15th to 19th centuries. In the hills outside of Solothurn, be sure to visit Schloss Waldegg - Waldegg Castle. The palace is set among lovely Baroque gardens and its beautiful interior gives you an idea of the splendor in which the French ambassadors lived.

The Old Town, which lies between the river and the Spalentor gate, is relatively small, but many of Basel's several dozen museums are here, along with medieval churches, the old artisans' neighborhood, and Marktplatz, with the magnificent Rathaus (city hall). These highly-rated hotels in Basel are in or close to the Old Town. Most Basel hotels include a free city bus pass.

Luxury Hotels :

• With old-world elegance enhanced by modern luxuries, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois , which often hosts royalty, overlooks the Rhine River in the center of the Old Town.
• Close to the Munster and several museums, Der Teufelhof Basel rooms are designed by artists, so guests live in a work of art instead of just looking at it.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel has a pool and is in the center of a cluster of museums; the tram from the central station stops right in front of the hotel.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Near the Spalentor and botanic gardens and a short walk from the heart of the Old Town, Hotel Spalentor Basel has spacious modern rooms.
• On the hill above the Old Town, on a bus line, and a 15-minute walk from the train station, Steinenschanze Stadthotel is literally steps away from the shopping and restaurant area.
• Near the Spalentor and a tram stop with regular trams into the town center, the family-friendly Hotel Odelya is in a heritage building set in a park.

Budget Hotels:

• Beside the university, a few blocks from the Rathaus, and an easy walk to the Munster and art museums, Hotel Rochat has plain rooms but includes breakfast.
• Adjacent to the train station and airport bus stop, Ibis Basel Bahnhof is on a bus line to the historic center.
• A five-minute walk away, Ibis Budget Basel City is only two minutes from two tram lines into the Old Town.

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Basel City Map

Places to visit in basel.

First, look on the Basel city map for the SBB.

The SBB is the main train station in Basel and where you will most likely enter Basel.

In front of the SBB, you'll find almost every tram and bus that circulates in Basel.

But before you leave the train station, go to the tourist office first and get some maps, books, and other information.

The tourist office is down the hallway where all the little sandwich and pizza stands are.

Just keep going until you see the sign for the tourist office. I believe it's next to a wine and liquor shop.

After the tourist office, you can go outside to the tram and bus station area.

Hi, I'm Suzele and I'm here to help you create a more interesting, one of a kind trip to Alsace France. There is a lot of useful information that you can use to plan your trip yourself... or... I can do ALL the work for you on a private tour made just for you !

If you want to go directly to the Marktplatz or City Hall square, there are quite a few trams that will take you there.

Probably the easiest to spot is the number 11 tram going to St Louis Grenze (French border).

Because it's yellow.

Most of the trams are green...like the number 8 tram going to Kleinhüningen.

How to Buy Tram Tickets in Basel

You'll see these little green machines next to all the tram stations.

Nowadays you can choose which language you want when buying tram tickets.

First of all, if you just want to go somewhere in Basel, push "1 Zone".

It will tell you how many Swiss francs you need for 1 person.

After you pay, it will give you a little ticket.

The ticket is good for as many transfers as you want going away from the tram stop where you bought the ticket as long as you are don't leave the city of Basel.

I might also add that there is a time limit...I think it's about one hour. That's plenty of time.

There's no one that will check your ticket on the tram but...

There are tram police that board trams and check everyone's tickets occasionally.

And the fine is about 80 to 100 Swiss francs...

If you're in Basel just for the day, you can buy a tram ticket for the whole day or...

You can buy a multi ticket for multiple separate trips too or...

Tickets for going into France or Germany...just about anything that involves the trams, you could buy on these machines.

You can explore your options on the machine....

If you will be staying at a hotel or hostel in Basel, you will get a "mobility pass" once you check in...

This pass allows you to travel on Basel's public transportation for free.

If you don't want to buy multi tickets with the machine, you can go to any "Kiosk" and ask for the tram tickets. Tram is the same word in German so they'll figure out what you want and give you a  card that allows you to ride the tram 6 times.

It's great if you have a group of people and you are only planning to take one trip on the trams.

It will save you having to find enough coins to pay for everyone if you have a big group...

And you get 6 one way trips for the price of 5.

But if you're planning on making more than 1 trip on the tram, I suggest you consider the day ticket because 2 or 3 rides on the tram will normally be the same price as a day ticket.

And with a day ticket, you can jump on any tram and ride it from one end to the other as many times as you want.

You can see a lot of interesting things in Basel that way...

Places to Visit in Basel on the Basel City Map

There are so many places to visit in Basel.

This is a list of my favorites organized in a way so you can make your own little tour of Basel.

So it's not just a Basel city map, it's also a Basel city tour map.

Everything on this Basel city map are all within walking distance, but I'd put on my really comfortable walking shoes first...

First stop on the Basel city map, there's the SBB (also known as the main train station in Basel) which is probably your starting point. From here you can take the number 11 or number 8 tram to Marktplatz.

Once you are at Marktplatz, you won't need to take the tram unless you just want to...

Basel City Hall or Rathaus

When you get off the tram, next stop on the Basel city map is the City Hall...

It's the big red building with golden spires...

The courtyard is open during the day and you're free to walk around and explore it. Look for a door in the back that leads up some stairs...

If this door isn't locked, you will discover the tiny medieval lanes of Basel leading up to the Munsterkirche.

The Market at Marktplatz

Most every week day, there will be a food market at Marktplatz.

You can buy cheeses, flowers, sausages, meats, breads, and a little something to munch on here.

It starts closing up in the early afternoon...

Mittlere Bruck

If you walk from Marktplatz towards the Globus department store, you'll see a bridge.

This is the Mittlere Bruck.

It was the first bridge built in Basel and one of the first bridges built over the Rhine. The original bridge was built in 1225.

It had to be rebuilt in 1905, but it is identical to the original medieval bridge.

The Way to the Munsterkirche and Medieval Winding Lanes

If the door in the back of the Basel city hall is locked, you can still get to those winding little medieval streets...

When you come out of the city hall, go to your right. You'll see a little stairway leading up a narrow street.

This will take you to Munsterkirche, but you'll still need a copy of this Basel city map because it's not a direct route.

But generally speaking, once you get to the top of the stairs, continue to your right...

And enjoy the wonderful medieval homes and buildings along the way!

The Munster Kirche

The Munsterkirche is the oldest church in Basel. It was built between 1000 AD and 1500 AD.

The original Munster kirche was damaged around 1356 by an earthquake and had to be repaired.

In the crypt, there are graves dating back to 1000 AD.

Sometimes the crypt is open and sometimes it isn't, but the rest of the Munster kirche is open during the day.

And you can climb to the top of its roof for a few Swiss francs...

Behind the Munster kirche you'll see a set of stairs leading down to the Rhine...

It's one of four Faehri crossings in Basel.

The Faehri are boats that cross the Rhine river without an engine only using the current of the river to get from one side to the other.

In the past, the Mitterle bruck was the only way to cross the Rhine in Basel for a long time.

Nowadays, no one really needs these ferries, but the people of Basel still support them and allow them to continue operating.

And after you ride the ferry, you can walk back up the Rhine to Mittlere Bruck...

As you can see on the Basel city map, it's not a long walk...

Barfüsserplatz

Barfüsserplatz is a short walk from Marktplatz as you can see on the Basel city map...

There are a number of interesting places to visit here.

First off is the Barfüsser Kirche which has been turned into the Basel Historical Museum.

Next, sometimes there is a market selling clothing, jewelry and food which can be fun and interesting.

Then there is the "Fastnachts Brunnen" which you can see when you go around the corner of the "Casino". It is a moving sculpture built by Jean Tinguely one of Basel's most famous sculptors.

Words can't clearly describe this piece of art or any of Tinguely's work...

You'll just have to go see if for yourself!

And if you're interested, there is Papa Joe's. It's an American themed restaurant. Have you ever wondered how other cultures define American culture?

If you're from the US, it's a very interesting experience...

And if you missed the tourist office at the SBB, there is another one in the Casino.

To get to the Spalentor, you may want to take the tram...

As you can see on the Basel city map, it's not a long walk, but just in case, you can take the number 3 tram going to Burgfelden Grenze at Barfüsserplatz.

This is the biggest medieval city gate I have ever seen. We're not talking about a village city gate. At the time, Basel had 20,000 residents. For the 1400s, that's a lot of people.

The Spalentor was built after the earthquake in 1356 practically destroyed the the former city gates and walls.

The medieval city walls were destroyed in the late 1800s...

But there are still 3 city gates (and some parts of the city walls) still standing...

And Spalentor is by far the largest and most impressive of them all.

Need More Alsace Vacation Ideas?

23 Adorable Alsace Villages to Discover (with Local Advice)

9 Alsace Towns and Cities You Should Know About

Planning Your Alsace Vacation: Get Started Right (with Local Advice)

The Alsace Travel Guide (Written by Locals Who Love it)

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Map of Basel — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

What’s on this map.

We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Basel, Switzerland for travelers! Check out Basel’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Basel? See our Basel Trip Planner.

How to use the map

Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Basel. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Basel map:

• Explore the best restaurants, shopping, and things to do in Basel by categories
• Get directions in Google Maps to each place
• Export all places to save to your Google Maps
• Plan your travels by turning on metro and bus lines
• Create a Wanderlog trip plan (link to create a trip plan for the city) that keep all the places on the map in your phone
• Print a physical map to bring it on your trip

Top 17 attractions in Basel

Fine arts museum basel, museum tinguely.

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Basel Paper Mill

Basel minster, tinguely fountain.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Toy Worlds Museum Basel

Fondation beyeler.

Tierpark Lange Erlen

Merian gärten, university of basel botanical garden.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

St. Jakob-Park

Vitra campus, top 10 restaurants in basel, volkshaus basel.

Schlüsselzunft

Cheval blanc by peter knogl, l'atelier, blindekuh basel, restaurant stucki - tanja grandits, transportation in basel, nearby airports, euroairport basel-mulhouse-freiburg, highways and major roads.

• A2 - Basel-Lucerne highway
• A3 - Basel-Zurich highway
• A35 - Mulhouse-Basel highway
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Historically, Basel's position astride the mighty Rhine has contributed to its growth as a key trade and transport hub. Today, it's a global centre for the pharmaceutical industry – titans Roche and Novartis are both headquartered here. But that's of little interest to the many thousands of art and architecture lovers who visit each year for the world-famous ART Basel festival and the city's wealth of galleries, museums and iconic buildings.

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Vitra Campus

Showcasing the works of the adjoining, eponymous high-end furniture manufacturer, Vitra Campus comprises the dazzling Vitra Design Museum (of Guggenheim…

Augusta Raurica

About 17km east of Basel, on the Rhine's south bank, Switzerland’s largest Roman ruins are the last remnants of a colony founded in 43 BC, the population…

Fondation Beyeler

This astounding private-turned-public collection, assembled by former art dealers Hildy and Ernst Beyeler, is housed in a long, low, light-filled, open…

Kunstmuseum Basel

Housing the most comprehensive collection of public art in Switzerland, this superb fine arts museum reopened in mid-2016 after updates to the existing…

Museum Jean Tinguely

Designed by leading Ticino architect Mario Botta, this museum showcases the playful, mischievous and downright wacky artistic concoctions of sculptor…

Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel

Adults and kids alike love this fascinating and lovingly curated fantasy land claiming the world’s biggest collection of teddy bears and a slew of…

Begin exploring Basel's delightful medieval Old Town in the Marktplatz, dominated by the astonishingly vivid red facade of the 16th-century Rathaus. From…

One of Basel's most entrancing landmarks, the 16th-century Rathaus takes pride of place on Marktplatz. Its ornate red sandstone facade is smothered in…

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Basel Region

Describing Basel in one word is far from simple. Labels such as Cultural Capital of Switzerland or University City can only be seen as an attempt to give the city, with its wealth of cultural, historical, leisure and enjoyment experiences, a single overarching name.

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Mindfulness garden, Hotel Eden im Park

Wine footpath, architecture from all perspectives, hek (house of electronic arts), altes kraftwerk, sammlung historischer biscuitdosen, walk of art: the "rehberger-weg", summer of festivals in basel, zweiradstiftung schellhammer, birsfelden, basel region boutique hotel waldhaus beider basel 3 stars.

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Without overnight stay valid: 13.04.2024 - 31.12.2024

Hotel Gasthof zum Ochsen, Arlesheim Bike & Sleep

Price per person in double room valid: 13.04.2024 - 31.05.2024

Bar Rouge, Basel Love in the sky wedding magic at a height of 105 m

valid: 13.04.2024 - 26.08.2025

Basel Mountainbike Holidays Jura Bike Basel - Nyon

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Hotel Euler, Basel “Meet Ten, Pay Nine”

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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

• Best Time to Visit Basel
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City Map of Basel, Switzerland

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Basel Tourist Map

Visiting Basel and clueless where to start. Here's something that can help you out. This is an extensive map of attractions in Basel.

To begin with, this is a detailed interactive tourist map of the Basel which can be zoomed in for you convenience.

Easing the task of planning a trip to Basel, this map highlights everything that you need to cover while exploring the city.

This map gives a detailed information of the streets, lanes and neighborhoods of Basel. You can get information about various public transit systems available in Basel using special icons.

The binocular icon that you see in the Basel map are the various attractions and must-visit places to visit Basel.

You can click on the icon to obtain a detailed address of the tourist attraction you want to visit.

Use Basel map of attractions as you plan your journey to Basel and rest assured, you'll have a great trip!

Basel Old Town: Visit Switzerland’s Capital of Culture

Not sure what’s worth your time in Basel’s old town? Then you’ve come to the right place because this detailed guide covers all the most important landmarks in Switzerland’s capital of culture. 

Basel’s old town is exceptionally charming with its cobbled alleys and unique landmarks. Iconic buildings, famous museums, and the best town squares are all included in this guide, so keep reading to see how to make the most of your time in Basel’s old town!

Table of Contents

Top Attractions in Basel Old Town

Basel minster.

The city cathedral is usually one of the most impressive buildings in town, and the Basel cathedral is no exception. It was constructed as a Roman Catholic cathedral but today it functions as a Reformed Protestant church.

The initial cathedral was built in Gothic and Romanesque styles between the 11th and 16th centuries. The construction took so long because the initial building was damaged in the 14th-century earthquake, and certain parts were rebuilt by Johannes Gmünd.

Basel Minster is best known for its red sandstone construction, which makes it very easy to spot. The red sandstone is not only clearly visible around Basel, it is also extremely rare amongst European churches.

Guided tours of the church take place every Saturday, and they last for only about 30 minutes. There’s a fee of 7 CHF for adults, while kids can join the tour for free. There’s a limit of just 15 people per tour, so I’d highly recommend you reserve a spot in advance if you don’t want to miss out. 

You can skip the tour entirely if you want and just climb the cathedral tower – this will cost you 6 CHF and reward you with magical panoramic views of Basel’s rooftops.  

Barfuesserkirche (Basel Historical Museum)

Basel Historical Museum is an iconic city landmark you absolutely shouldn’t miss. It’s been inside a former church since 1894, so not only can you learn about the history of the city, but you also get to tour a Franciscan church!

The main part of the museum is inside the church, but there are additional exhibits at two other locations in the city. The Barfuesserkirche part of the museum houses a huge collection of items that detail the cultural history of this city. This includes objects that document the everyday lives of locals from centuries ago, but also some unique items like the Amerbach cabinet of curiosities.

Entrance to this museum is 15 CHF, but that doesn’t include entrance to any special exhibits. Also, this covers only entrance to Barfuesserkirche – if you want a combo ticket that also grants entrance to Haus zum Kirschgarten and Musikmuseum, you’ll have to pay 20 CHF. 

• Opening Times : Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: 15 CHF

Related Reading

Best museums in basel (famous & intriguing).

Marktplatz is a central square in Basel’s historic city. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings that are representative of the dominant architectural style in Basel, plus it’s home to many shops and locales, from McDonald’s to a tea room. This is also an important public transportation stop – both trams and buses stop here, allowing for easy exploration of the old town. 

The town hall building dominates the market square with its beautiful paintings and unique elements. Both the square and the town hall will likely be important landmarks during your trip, helping you instantly recognize where you are in Basel. 

Also, it’s important to note that the square isn’t called Market Square for no reason. The daily market stalls are set up in the center of the square on weekdays, where you can shop for fresh produce, local delicacies, and flowers. 

• Market Opening times : Tuesday – Thursday, 7 am – 2 pm, Friday & Saturday, 7 am to 6 pm (See Basel Stadt website )

Shopping in Basel: A Guide to The Best Stores & Markets

Andreasplatz.

Andreasplatz is tucked away in a building courtyard and it’s not the easiest attraction to find in Basel. The entrance to the square is from Schneidergasse, right next to a local antique store. The first thing you will probably notice is the Monkey Fountain at the center of the square, so if you see it you’ll know you’re in the right place!

This square is home to several bars and restaurants that you can visit whenever. Try to get one of the outdoor tables, so you can enjoy the local delicacies while taking in all the details of this place. 

On top of that, Andreasplatz occasionally hosts the Wild Plant Market, which manages to transform the entire space. Suddenly there are many carts with countless wild plants, and the city square turns into a small jungle. 

Basel Town Hall (Basel Rathaus)

Basel’s city hall is over 500 years old and was built to commemorate Basel joining the Swiss Confederation in 1501. It is a rather underrated attraction for one simple reason. Yes, it’s the most impressive building on Marktplatz and a great representation of the architectural diversity in this city. However, most people will just notice the stand-out red sandstone facade and the paintings that adorn it, and think they’ve explored this attraction in detail. 

What many people don’t know is that the building is open to visitors. You can go inside the courtyard and see even more beautiful paintings, which is definitely something you should do. There’s no entrance fee for this and it only takes a few minutes, but it offers an entirely different perspective on this lovely building. 

Guided tours of the town hall are available on Saturdays. There are options for tours in English and German, and whichever one you choose the fee is 5 CHF for adults. Kids can join you for free, but you must reserve them a spot on the tour. Guided tours last only around 30 minutes, and they’re definitely worth your time. 

This is also a functioning town hall and is home to the Basel City Cantonal Parliament

Museum der Kulturen Basel

Visit the Museum of Cultures if you want to know why the city is known as Switzerland’s capital of culture. This ethnographic museum is located just a short walk from the Basel Cathedral, so you can access it easily while you’re exploring the old town. 

The museum has a collection of global artifacts and it often hosts special exhibits that focus on a certain culture. The special exhibits change frequently and the Basel Carnival collection is the only permanent exhibit in the museum. It’s truly a unique museum, and one of the most inspiring places you can visit in this town. 

Basel’s Museum der Kulturen can be toured for a fee of 16 CHF, which gives you access to all the exhibits inside the museum. The entrance fee for the museum’s permanent collection is just 7 CHF, and it’s worth noting that you can get discounted or free entrance with the many travel and tourist passes that are available in Switzerland. 

Tinguely Fountain

Tinguely Fountain is located in the same place where the Basel theater company stage once stood, and it’s an homage to the place’s previous function. The fountain, created by Tinguely in 1977, is shallow and decorated with machine sculptures that pay homage to the performing arts. 

This is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s even better that it’s dedicated to theater. Basel is known as the capital of culture in Switzerland with its many museums and performance art venues, and the Tinguely fountain is just one of the landmarks that reinforces that fact. 

The sculptures in the fountain are designed to appear as if they’re interacting with one another, which makes the entire landmark even more impressive. What’s even better is that the fountain stays on in the winter, and it’s not uncommon for some of the sculptures to freeze, which entirely changes the appearance of the Tinguely Fountain!

If you like what you see here, you should also visit the Tinguely Musem when you are in Basel, it takes these moving sculptures to the next level.

Visiting The Tinguely Museum in Basel (Is It Worth It?)

Frequently asked questions, what is the old town in basel called.

Basel Old Town is called “Basel Altstadt” in German or “Altstadt Grossbasel” is the name of the part of Basel it is located in.

Where is Basel’s old town located?

Most of Basel’s old town is on the left bank of the Rhine River. A small part of the old town is on the right bank, but that area encompasses mostly theaters and boutiques. The majority of the tourist attractions and landmarks are on the left bank, including all the tourist attractions mentioned above.

Is it worth it to cross the bridge to the other bank? Yes, because Mittlere Brücke is also a famous attraction in the old town! Also, the right bank offers sweeping panoramic views of the old town buildings.

Is Basel a walking city?

Yes, the old town of Basel is very walkable as you can explore the majority of it easily in one day. However, if you get tired, you can always jump on a tram or bus to get back to your hotel or the center of town.

What is the main street in Basel?

The main street of downtown Basel is “Freie Strasse” or Freie Street in English. It runs through the center of the old town area and is the main shopping area there.

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The Best 1 to 3 Days in Basel Itinerary

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Cool, compact, and colorful – that’s the City of Culture on the Rhine for you – BASEL!  Located in northwest Switzerland, and close to Germany and France, there is no shortage of things to do in Basel, making it the perfect city break destination in Europe. We had an incredible time, and here are the perfect 1 to 3 days in Basel itinerary to make the most of your visit! 

Perfect 1 to 3 days in Basel Itinerary: Travel Tips (+ Map)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We are grateful to Basel Tourismus for inviting us to visit the City of Culture on the Rhine. All opinions are our own .

Basel is rightly known as the Cultural Capital of Switzerland . It is home to one of the world’s oldest art museums – the Kunstmuseum, and many other cultural centres and museums such as the Fondation Beyeler, Jean Tinguely Museum, and the Vitra Design Museum & Vitra Schaudepot.

Truly the list doesn’t stop here. Basel is steeped in everything ‘old town charm’ from cobblestoned lanes, an iconic Cathedral, picturesque Rhine river views, and a buzzing food scene!

At a glance, your 3 days in Basel will look like this

Top things to do in Basel in one to three days: Basel Itinerary

• Day 1 of Basel itinerary : Basel Old Town Walking Tour , Basel Minster and Cloisters, Rhine Promenade, Kunstmuseum, St Alban Tal
• Day 2 of Basel itinerary : Marktplatz, Self-guided food tour, Shopping in Spalenberg district, or Natural History Museum or Basel Historical Museum 
• Day 3 of Basel itinerary : Fondation Beyeler, Vitra Design Campus, Three Countries Bridge 

Depending on your time in the city, you can pick each day as a separate itinerary and get out there and explore!

Planning your trip to Basel Switzerland

Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland , right after Zurich and Geneva. And as compared to most Swiss destinations, Basel still remains untouched, and in a good way.

The city is perfect for a visit all year round. We visited during fall, and the weather was amazing for strolls along the Rhine embankments and the old town. 

In the winter, Basel lights up with various Christmas markets, and in the summer months, the river becomes like a cool hang-out of sorts with colorful floaties and swimmers!

Swiss Travel Resources: Using public transportation

To save money in Switzerland, remember to get your Swiss Travel Pass, and get unlimited rides on public transport and free access to over 500 museums. 

Getting to Basel: 

The best way to get to Basel is by train. Once you arrive in Zurich, you can hop on a train and arrive at Basel Main Station (Basel SBB) in about an hour (to an hour and a half, max). 

You can surely use the Swiss Travel Pass for that. The station is located super close to the Old Town, where all the city’s prime attractions lie. 

If you wish to fly to Basel directly, you can get to the EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg , which is an international airport in the French Alsace region. This airport is shared by both Switzerland and France. (We will share some awesome day trip options below, which makes Basel a perfect base to call home in this region).

Read : Switzerland itinerary 10 days with Basel

Getting around Basel:

When in Basel, you can take the tram, bike, or walk to get to various sightseeing spots.

Basel Tourism has a cool initiative where you can access a BaselCard when you stay overnight in the city. This Card allows you unlimited usage of public transport, wifi, and up to 50% discount in various museums and centres!

You can even rent an e-bike for 20 Swiss Francs (CHF) a day, with this card!

And the best part is it’s free! 

Where to stay in Basel Switzerland?

If this is your first time in the city, you must consider staying in the most central neighborhood which is the Old Town of Basel. This area is divided into two sections separated by the River Rhine. 

There is the Altstadt Grossbasel (typical old town vibes) and Altstadt Kleinbasel (across the river, known for its nightlife and urban nuances). 

For a short visit of 3 days in Basel, Grossbasel is perfect as you will have all the prime attractions within walking distance, along with the main train station and a plethora of restaurants at your fingertips. 

During our visit, we stayed at Motel One Basel. This is a 3 star property located at the heart of everything that Basel is known for. A short walk and the Basel Minster (Cathedral and cloisters) will greet you. 

Lots of restaurants in and around the hotel (including a Coop for groceries) and tram lines right at your doorstep! 

You can’t go wrong with its location at the Barfüsserplatz, one of the popular squares in Basel. 

Motel One offers free breakfast and wifi, and some of the rooms have a balcony where you can soak in the old town views whilst enjoying your morning coffee!

We stayed in a spacious room with a balcony. The room was clean, and the bathroom amenities were plentiful. The lobby at Motel One has its own vibe – you can order drinks, hang out with your travel partner, or just sit down to get some work done – it is just perfect!

The staff at Motel One was very friendly and we would love to stay there again. You can book your stay here

Day 1 of 3 day Basel Itinerary: Explore the old town Basel highlights and the Rhine River views

This 3 day Basel itinerary can be done at any time of year. You can also choose any of the day’s activities and explore/customize them based on your personal liking. 

Assuming that you are in the city the night before (or at least by morning), let’s kick-start this itinerary! 

We arrived in Basel from Zurich by train and started our sightseeing with a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Organized by Basel Tourismus, this tour gave us the perfect introduction and orientation to the city. 

Basel Old Town Walking Tour (morning)

This is a two-hour walking tour where you can visit the iconic Basel Minster, Tinguely Fountain, Cathedral Hill, and more whilst walking down the winding streets of the well-preserved old town.

You will hear stories of the city’s origins and its present day. There are tons of stops and visual aids presented throughout the tour to keep it engaging and fun! Book your 2 hour tour here

• Hours : Varied
• Address : Tinguely Fountain near Theater Basel
• Tickets : Book here

Basel Minster and Cloisters (morning)

After the walking tour, pop over to the Basel Minster, one of the city landmarks. The original building was a Catholic cathedral, built between 1019 and 1500. It was designed in Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles.

Today, it is a Reformed Protestant church and is in active service. You can visit the church interiors for free. The church is magnificently designed with stained glass windows, 3 naves, and a transept. 

The crypt contains graves dating back to 1000 AD, and the tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam can be found on the left side on the main floor. 

Other than the interiors you can also visit the Church Towers for a fee. From up there you can admire its red sandstone walls, colorful roof tiles, and views of the cloisters and the surrounding piazza all the way to the waters of the River Rhine. 

The Gallus gate and the two cloisters located at the Church complex shouldn’t be missed. The cloisters in particular are very beautiful, and they depict the work of several centuries. 

The piazza itself is a crowd puller, and there are cafes nearby as well as fountains in the vicinity! 

• Hours : Weekdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sundays from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Address : Münsterpl. 9, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
• Tickets : Free to enter the church. Access the church towers for a 6 CHF entry fee per person

The Pfalz – viewpoint

The Pfalz is located by the Church. This is a terrace that offers panoramic city views of the Rhine. It is one of the popular viewpoints in Basel, and is free to access! 

Truly from this viewpoint, you can embrace the BEST of BASEL – the old town where you are standing, the view of River Rhine, and the urban cityscape across the waters – showcasing the marriage of the old and the new in the City of Culture!

Rhine Promenade (afternoon)

From the Old Town head over to the Central Bridge to view the banks of the River Rhine up close and personal! 

Lovingly called the Mittlere Brucke or the Middle Bridge, it is one of the iconic symbols of Basel, and so is the Rhine. 

Take the time to soak in the ambiance of the city, and relax or walk the promenade!

Pro tip: If you wish to get from Kleinbasel to Grossbasel, you can also get on the ferry (Münster ferry). These operate all year round. 

And you get the best views of the Basel Cathedral (Münster) from here. There are four Rhine river ferries “Wild Maa”, “Leu”, “Vogel Gryff” and “Ueli” that link Grossbasel to Kleinbasel. 

Lunch at Restaurant Krafft

You must be hungry after the walk. Now head to Restaurant Krafft , located in the vicinity, and enjoy local delicacies.

Restaurant Krafft is known for its hand-picked ingredients and meals on the table. We dined at their restaurant with river views, but when the weather is nice – you can also hang out on their terrace! 

We ordered bread dumplings and pork and it was amazing! 

• Hours: Every day from 12:00 am to 02:00 pm, and 06:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Address : Rheingassee 12, 4058 Basel Switzerland

Kunstmuseum (afternoon, after 2:30 pm)

Kunstmuseum is one of the premier fine arts museums in the world. It is also one of the oldest institutions, dating back to the year 1661. 

The museum is spread across three buildings and it showcases paintings, drawings, and artworks from the 1400s to the 21st century.

Most of the permanent work is set up at the Hauptbau, and Neubau, and temporary collections including contemporary art are showcased at the Gegenwart. 

The main building of the Kunstmuseum Basel was designed by Rudolf Christ and Paul Bonatz in the 1930s. This is where you can enter the museum complex (get tickets, etc.). 

Here you will find over 4,000 paintings, sculptures, and installations, along with over 300,000 drawings and prints – with many dating back to the Middle Ages. 

Medieval artworks are represented by masterpieces of Lucas Cranach the Elder, Matthias Grünewald, Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Brueghel the Elder, and Caspar Wolff.

There is also an impressive collection of works by Symbolist, Impressionist, and post-Impressionist artists. Admire the creations of Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, and Vincent van Gogh.

You have to set aside at least 2-3 hours at the main complex to take it all in. Our afternoon was busy as we navigated from one exhibition room to the next – and it was well worth it! 

• Hours : Mondays closed. Other days are open from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Wednesdays and Fridays are open till 08:00 pm)
• Address : St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
• Tickets : 16 CHF for adults. With the BaselCard it is 8 CHF
• The collection can be visited for free on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 05:00 to 06:00 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays from 05:00 to 08:00 p.m., and the first Sunday of each month.

St Albans Tal (evening)

From the arcades of Kunstmusem, make your way to the leafy and quaint quarters of St. Alban. This neighborhood is known as the ‘Venice of Basel’ with its canals and charming alleys. 

It is also home to one of the three historic gates of Basel  – the Sankt-Alban-Tor (or the Gate of Saint Alban)

There are 3 main (city gates) in Basel, one of them being the Sankt-Alban-Tor, and the other two are – Spalentor (or Gate of Spalen, most recognized and beautiful) and the Sankt-Johanns-Tor. 

In St. Alban, enjoy a lovely stroll in the quiet neighborhood, admire the old church at the gate, and check out the medieval paper mill and the Museum of Contemporary Arts, if you have time. 

When done, you can also hop on a ferry and cruise on the Rhine (St. Alban ferry “Wild Maa”, between the bridges Schwarzwaldbrücke and Wettsteinbrücke).

You can also walk back to the Old Town/Minster square or take the tram to Barfüsserplatz (near Motel One ).

Dinner at Gifthüttli Basel

Located in Old Town, Gifthüttli Basel oozes all the Swiss ambiance and meals that you can imagine. You will find traditional Swiss meals, particularly their popular Cordon Bleu in different variations. 

And you guessed it! We ordered Cordon Bleu and beer to go with it! (And I had to have some coffee afterward – it was so good).

The restaurant was super warm and cozy inside with its wooden finish and rustic-style interiors.

• Hours : Every day from 09:30 am to 11:00 pm
• Address : Schneidergasse 11, 4051 Basel Switzerland

Day 2 of 3 day Basel Itinerary: Hang out at the Marktplatz, go on a self-guided food tour, shop at Spalenberg, seasonal fair/Local’s Know It Best Game

Kickstart your second day in Basel at the Marktplatz (in Old Town). You can visit by walking down from your accommodation – Motel One, or even take a short tram ride. 

Marktplatz – Town Hall/Rathaus and Weekday Market (morning)

Marktplatz is unmissable. The grand and colorful Town Hall or Rathaus towers the square and the fiery red color is all inviting! 

The Town Hall played a key role in shaping the history of Basel. The building is over 500 years old, and this is where the meetings of the Cantonal Parliament, as well as the Cantonal Government of the canton of Basel-Stadt, take place. 

Along with the red facade, you will also find the coats of arms of Basel adorning the crenellations. Many of the additions came into existence after Basel joined the Swiss Confederation. 

Basel joined the Swiss Confederation as its eleventh canton on 9th June 1501. 

Later the city hall was extended, and the artist Hans Bock decorated the facade with painted trompe l’oeil. 

Further extensions were made in the 1900s to include the left-hand wing and the tower on the right. You can visit the interiors of the Hall and admire its architectural work. 

Right in front of the Town Hall, you will find a market where locals sell fresh produce and other delicacies. The market is only open during the weekdays in the daytime and closes by evening, so make sure you are there when the stalls open!  

• Hours : Weekdays from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm. Closed on weekends
• Address : Marktpl. 9, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
• Tickets : Free

Self Guided Food Tour

Basel Tourismus has this cool food tour that you can take at your own pace. You get to discover a different side of Basel, away from the Old Town, but still close. 

This tour takes you to 4 spots where you can try baked goodies, and speak to local food experts. We did this food tour from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, but feel free to customize it to your schedule (and within the store/cafe operating hours). 

Kick off the food tour with coffee and Basel Gold (baked item) at Elsässerstrasse’s Bäckerei KULT . This is one of the oldest bakeries in the city!

From here, make your way to Basel Unverpackt. This store is all about waste-free food items. 

Everything that you see in the store showcases zero waste, recycling, and sustainable preservation of food items – perfect for anyone looking to take a more conscious approach to life!

On this tour, you will be provided with a container to try out and sample organic goodies. Plus have all your questions answered by the local shop owner.

Afterward, head over to your third stop – KLARA. You will be crossing the River Rhine and arriving at Claraplatz to enjoy your meal. They open at around noon and lunchtime meals are served till 2:00 pm, so make sure you are here around this time!

You get to try 3 delicacies from around the world with a drink of your choice. Remember to redeem the tour at the drinks/bar counter and collect your vouchers!

The last stop of the tour brings you back to the Old Town at a traditional bakery – Jakob’s Leckerly at Spalenberg. You will be provided with one bag of sample goodies including the famous Basler Läckerli. 

At the bake store, you can also buy souvenirs to take back home!

• Hours : Flexible, within operating hours 
• Address : Starts at Bäckerei KULT in  Elsässerstrasse 43, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
• Tickets : Book your tickets here

Shopping at Spalenberg (late afternoon)

Speaking of souvenirs and shopping, the Spalenberg district should not be missed. This area in the Old Town is filled with cute alleyways and historic shops that look all inviting and lovely!

There are cafes, souvenir shops, boutiques, and attractive galleries. Shops sell locally-made decor and food items that you can take back home. 

Our fall visit was great for early Christmas presents. But don’t be disheartened, these shops are open all year round, and you will surely find Swiss souvenirs to buy!

Here are some of the top places to go shopping in the Spalenberg District,

• Edel Shirt (locally made)
• Erfolg (Swiss-made)

(If you are not into shopping, you can visit the Natural History Museum or Basel Historical Museum instead – both located in Old Town).

Basel Historical Museum – Barfüsserkirche

We were able to squeeze in a short visit to the Basel Historical Museum as it was located close to the hotel we were staying in. So this museum dates back to 1892, and you can learn a lot about the history of Basel here. 

The museum itself has three complexes – the Barfüsserkirche (which we visited), Haus zum Kirschgarten, and Musikmuseum.

Barfüsserkirche means Barefeet Church. And the square where the church and museum stands is the Barfüsserplatz. The church was established for Franciscan monks, who were also called Barfüßer (or “the Barefoot”).

The museum has an entry fee of 15 CHF (or 50% off with the BaselCard, and free with the Swiss Museum Pass). 

• Hours : Mondays closed. Rest of the days open from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
• Address : Barfüsserpl. 7, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
• Tickets : 15 CHF (with 50% off with the BaselCard, and free with the Swiss Museum Pass)

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum Basel is a natural history museum and it houses over 7 million items ranging from various fields such as zoology, mineralogy, anthropology, and paleontology. 

The museum dates back to 1821 when it was established as such, and at their main entrance, it just says ‘Museum’ denoting its earliest existence in the city as a museum/exhibition of sorts. 

• Address : Augustinergasse 2, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
• Tickets: 7 CHF for adults (50% off with BaselCard. Free with Swiss Museum Pass). Free entry on the first Sunday of the month

Locals Know It Best (evening)

Depending on how much time you have left on day 2 of the Basel itinerary, you can either plan to visit a seasonal fair ( Christmas market tour, Autumn fair, etc.) or play this cool game in and around Basel. 

Locals Know It Best, as the card game is called, can be bought at the Tourist Information Centre in the Stadtcasino on Barfüsserplatz (for CHF 5). Using this game, you can navigate and check out some of the favorite spots of the locals. 

The word clues are in English, and it includes a variety of topics from photo spots and viewpoints to food and more. Pick a few cards or all of them, and have FUN!

Tip: Use the card and ask a local what their favorite bar/restaurant is to hang out for the night!

Day 3 of 3 days in Basel Itinerary: Visit Fondation Beyeler, Vitra Design Museum (Weil am Rhein, Germany), discover Three Countries Bridges – Dreiländerbrücke (Huningue, France)  

On day 3 of your Basel itinerary head outside the Old Town quarters and explore unique museums and bike all the way to Germany and France (or take the tram!)

Grab breakfast at your hotel, and if the weather is nice rent an e-bike from Basel SBB. 

With your BaselCard, you pay 20 CHF for the day to bike in the city and around (return at the same pickup location by 07:00 pm). 

Fondation Beyeler (morning)

The first stop is the Fondation Beyeler . This is the most visited museum in all of Switzerland. It is located in Riehen, a little outside of Basel. You can also reach there by tram (no 6 from Barfüsserplatz or outside Motel One ).

The museum features both traditional and modern art exhibits. It also showcases temporary and seasonal collections. 

Plan to spend at least an hour or so at the Fondation Beyeler, and admire over 200 works of modern classics, including 23 Picassos on display. 

You will also find works of Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent van Gogh. There is cool tribal art from Africa, Oceania, and Alaska as well. 

The complex is lovely with lots of green spaces and cafes. 

• Hours : Every day from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Wednesdays open till 08:00 pm, and Fridays open till 10:00 pm)
• Address : Baselstrasse 101, 4125 Basel, Switzerland
• Tickets : 25 CHF for adults. With the Basel Card, it is 12.50 CHF

Vitra Design Campus (Germany) (afternoon)

From the Foundation Beyeler make your way to Weil am Rhein in Germany to visit the fabulous Vitra Design Campus. 

You can take your e-bike there, or use the tram (stop at Weil am Rhein, Bahnhof/Zentrum and walk 15 minutes to the campus). Buses are also available to take you there – take bus number 55 from Badischer Bahnhof to Vitra (stop) in about 20 minutes. 

There are 2 campuses at Vitra (south and north), with multiple exhibition rooms and centres for you to check out. 

You will also find unique structures such as the Dome, Vitra Slide Tower, Piet Oudolf Garden, and Vitra Haus Cafe (with a wide variety of Swiss and international meals to choose from). 

Vitra Design Museum is a privately owned museum that opened its doors in 1989. It was established as an independent foundation dedicated to the research and popularization of design and architecture. This building was designed by Frank Gehry. 

Today, it is known for deconstructivism, towers, ramps, and cubes – all super unique and different from the usual art and cultural exhibits that you see. 

The museum has a showroom on the evolution of technology and robots which is kinda cool!

The Vitra Schaudepot was designed by Herzog & de Meuron and there are over 400 exhibits that showcase one of the largest permanent collections and research sites on modern furniture design (including chairs) globally! 

The 30.7-metre-high Vitra Slide Tower was designed by the German artist Carsten Höller. It is very popular with kids. It is not only a viewing tower but also an active slide. The viewing platform offers views of the Vitra Campus and the surrounding landscape. 

The entire site with its structures is spread over an expansive area, so set aside 3-4 hours as you navigate the museums and various exhibitions at ease. 

• Hours : Every day from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm 
• Address : Charles-Eames-Straße 2, 79576 Weil am Rhein, Germany
• Tickets : Vitra Design Museum + Schaudepot starts at 19,00 € / 17,00 €. There is also a 2 hours Architecture tour for 16,00 € / 12,00 €. Or an hour’s guided tour for 9,00 € / 7,00 € (note the prices are in Euros, and the BaselCard discounts do not apply)

Dreiländerbrücke/ Three Countries Bridge (evening, on your way back to Basel)

After sightseeing at the Vitra Campus, make your way back to Switzerland with a stop at the Three Countries Bridge. 

This bridge is located in the 3 countries of France, Germany, and Switzerland and you can get there by biking or taking the tram. 

How cool is visiting 3 countries in a matter of 10 minutes! 

Dreiländerbrücke is the tram and the attraction stop. So from Weil am Rhein (Germany) you have to arrive at the bridge site and then walk over to Huningue in France. 

This is an arch bridge and it crosses over the Rhine River, within the Basel metropolitan area. And it is exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists (yay). 

Once in France, you can enjoy a walk down the Rhine promenade, and if you have additional time you can check out the Military museum (just a short walk away). 

Note that there are no border checks at the bridge. If you are in Switzerland on a Schengen visa, the same applies to entering the European Union member nations – Germany and France, and you can travel/cross over and return to Switzerland. 

• Hours : Open 24 hours
• Address : Dreiländerbrücke Weil am Rhein, 68330 Huningue, France
• Tickets: Free

Dinner at Papa Joe’s

Back in Basel, go for casual dining at the oldest Tex-Mex restaurant in town – Papa Joe’s! They have a lovely balcony for dinners with views of Barfüsserplatz and nearby areas.

Try their signature fajitas and mojito to ring on the last night in Basel, and celebrate your amazing weekend in the city!

Additional things to do in Basel for the weekend

Although we covered a ton on our trip to Basel, the city has more attractions to fill up your calendar. Here are a few of the additional things that you can do or swap with any of the suggested spots above,

Explore the Museum Tinguely  

The Museum Tinguely in Basel is dedicated to the work of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. The museum houses a large collection of his works, as well as those of other artists. 

The museum is located in Solitudepark by the Rhine and features a number of interactive exhibits. Visitors to the museum can learn about Tinguely’s life and work, and see how he created his unique sculptures. 

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs for both children and adults. There is an entry fee of 12 CHF for adults. 

Visit the Basel Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world

Officially known as the Zoologischer Garten Basel or Basel Zoological Garden, this is the oldest zoo in all of Switzerland. There are over 600 species of animals at the Basel Zoo, and their Aquarium has been breeding successfully over the years. 

There is an entry fee of 21 CHF per adult to visit. (10 CHF with the BaselCard)

Basel Itinerary One Day to Three Days Sightseeing Map

Day Trips from Basel Switzerland

Basel’s location is ideal for visiting a variety of Swiss, French, and German destinations. As mentioned, Zurich is only an hour’s train away – and you can explore it on a day trip if you like.

Here are some more options for day trips from Basel,

Lucerne and Mt. Pilatus (1 hour by car or train. 7 hour tour)

The charming city of Lucerne is located just an hour away from Basel. Known for its picturesque old town, the iconic Chapel bridge, and stunning mountain scenery, Lucerne has a long history and is a popular tourist destination! 

When you book a day tour, you will also check off Mount Titlis, and visit an illuminated glacier cave in the Swiss Alps! Here is the day tour from Basel to book

Zermatt and Matterhorn (12 hour guided tour)

It is possible to visit Zermatt from Basel by embarking on a scenic train ride . You can do this on your own or join a guided tour. 

Tours include sightseeing in the alpine village of Zermatt and the Gornergrat mountain. 

More information about the day tour from Basel to Zermatt here

Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (45 minutes to an hour by car or train)

Freiburg im Breisgau, also known as Freiburg, is a city in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is on the edge of the Black Forest and is surrounded by vineyards. The city has a medieval old town, with Gothic architecture.

Freiburg is also a university town, with a lively student population. There are many bars and clubs in the city, as well as cultural attractions such as museums and theaters. It is a great place to visit for its food, wine, and scenery. 

Colmar, France (45 minutes by car or train – one way)

Colmar is a charming town in northeastern France, located in the Alsace region. The town is known for its well-preserved old town, full of half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

Colmar is also home to several museums, including the Unterlinden Museum which houses the Isenheim Altarpiece. 

On a day trip from Basel, you can enjoy a lovely stroll through the picturesque town, admire its architecture and soak up the atmosphere. 

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy, as well as a lively market that sells local produce. 

For those interested in exploring further afield, the nearby wine region of Alsace is well worth a visit.

Switzerland Basel Travel Tips

Here are some additional travel tips for Basel. 

Visa Requirements

Visitors with US and Canadian passports do not require a visa to enter the country and stay for 90 days; however, from 2025, an online authorization – ETIAS – is required prior to travel. 

If you require a Schengen visa to visit EU countries the same applies to Switzerland (although Switzerland is not a European Union member, it follows the Schengen agreement). 

Using this visa, you can visit the Vitra Design Campus in Germany and also take day trips to France!

Don’t forget to add travel insurance to your list as well. You can get free quotes from World Nomads here

Budget and currency

The official currency of Switzerland is CHF or Swiss Francs. We used credit cards for all of our purchases in Basel. 

For a mid-budget hotel stay, plan to spend about 150 CHF per night. Luxury hotels will be 500+ CHF. 

Properties like the 5-star Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois , which is one of the oldest city hotels, start at 430 CHF for a single room, and 615 CHF for a double, per night.

There are hostels as well in Basel such as the Youth Hostel or Hyve Hostel Basel , where rates are around 100 CHF or less.

For food, a typical Swiss meal will cost 30 CHF (plus any drinks ranging from 5 to 20 CHF – latte macchiato, beer, or wines). 

Transportation in Basel won’t account for much, as long as you stay overnight and grab the BaselCard. Or just enjoy walking in this charming city! 

Don’t forget to get the Swiss Travel Pass for traveling across the country within a budget. 

Safety in Basel

Throughout our trip, we felt very safe in Basel. We stayed in Old Town and used trams at night and walked a lot. 

Salil and I traveled together, but I am sure if I were traveling solo I would have felt safe and comfortable as well. The locals we met along the way were nice and welcoming. 

Basel is mostly crowd-free, which makes visiting the city very intimate and lovely for first-timers and solo travelers without the overwhelm! 

What is the main language spoken in Basel Switzerland?

The most common language in Basel is Swiss German. However, English and French are widely spoken. 

What foods are a must on any visit to Basel? 

Basler Läckerli is a must-try on your trip to Basel. You can buy them in most grocery stores or in places like Jakob’s Basler Leckerly, and Confiserie Bachmann. 

Is Basel in France or Switzerland?

Basel is located in Switzerland. It is the third-largest Swiss city. Geographically, it is very close to the German and French borders. 

Basel is Known as Basle in German and Bâle in French. 

How many days in Basel is enough? Was 3 days in Basel enough to visit?

With so many things to do in the city, you will definitely need 3 full days in Basel. This way you will not only enjoy the charming Old Town but also relax and soak in the cultural gems/museums and life on the Rhine River. 

And not to forget, with the German and the French border at the doorstep, you have plenty of natural and cultural delights to add to your fun-filled Basel weekend itinerary! 

Is Basel worth visiting?

Absolutely yes! In Basel, you will find the perfect European city break destination – there is the Old Town with quintessential cobblestone lanes, cathedrals, and charming buildings and fountains. 

Then there is an eclectic art and cultural scene with world-class museums. 

Culinary and shopping is a delight for every urban globe trotter. And to top it off the Rhine River views never disappoint! 

So that’s a wrap! We hope you found our post on visiting Basel helpful and are ready to book that trip!

Read more posts from our Switzerland Travel Blog

• Swiss Itineraries : 2 days in Switzerland | 5 days in Switzerland | 7 days in Switzerland
• Zurich : 2 days in Zurich itinerary | Where to stay in Zurich | Things to do in Zurich in winter
• Winter guides : Switzerland in winter | Switzerland for nonskiers

Pin: Things to do in Basel: Basel Itinerary 3 days

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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