Overview
Basel combines a medieval old town with a strong art-museum scene. Its position beside France and Germany gives onward travel a cross-border character.
Museums · Architecture · River · Festivals
Did you know?
- The Museum Jean Tinguely is devoted to kinetic art.
- A ferry behind the Münster crosses the Rhine.
- Läckerli is the local gingerbread specialty.
Why go?
Basel has a beautiful medieval old town with the Romanesque Münster cathedral, Renaissance Rathaus, and many art museums. The city lies at the Dreiländereck (three countries' corner) bordering France and Germany. Its annual Fasnacht carnival is one of Europe's best.
Getting in
Basel is served by EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. The main Swiss railway station is Basel SBB, and the German station Basel Badischer Bahnhof handles trains from Germany. Frequent trains connect to Zürich, Bern, and other Swiss cities, as well as to Freiburg and Colmar across the borders.
Getting around
Basel has an extensive tram and bus network operated by BVB. Trams are the easiest way to get around. Walking is pleasant in the compact old town. For trips across the Rhine, use the iconic ferry behind the Münster.
When to go
Basel has a temperate climate. Summer (June-August) is warm and pleasant, ideal for outdoor cafes and Rhine swimming. Winter is cold but magical with Christmas markets. Major events: Fasnacht (February/March), BaselWorld (March/April), Art Basel (June), Herbstmesse (October). Accommodation books up during these events.
Where to stay
Budget hostels: Jugendherberge Basel (dorm Fr. 30), Basel Backpack (dorm Fr. 30), Hyve Hostel (dorm from Fr. 40) near the station. Mid-range hotels include Aparthotel Adagio and Au Violon (former jail). For a splurge, Les Trois Rois is a historic luxury hotel on the Rhine.
Food and drink
Basel offers many affordable eats: Mister Wong (Asian, Fr. 7-8 meals), SAM's Pizza Land (Turkish wraps around Fr. 8), and Migros supermarket for cheap sandwiches. Local specialties: Basler Läckerli (gingerbread) and bratwurst with rösti. Drink at the historic brewpub Fischerstube for Ueli beer, or at BarRouge for panoramic views.
Things to do
Visit the Basler Münster (free, climb towers Fr. 6), Kunstmuseum Basel (Fr. 16), and Museum Jean Tinguely (Fr. 18) for kinetic art. Take a Rhine ferry. Explore the old town and Spalenberg alleys. Attend Fasnacht if in season. Basel Zoo (Fr. 21) is also popular.
Safety
Basel is generally very safe. Watch for pickpockets on trams and buses. Be careful of trams when walking, especially at busy junctions. Avoid areas around football matches with hooligans. For emergencies, dial 117. When swimming in the Rhine, use designated entry points and wear a bright waterproof bag.
Connectivity
As of Sept 2021, Basel has 4G from Salt and 5G from Sunrise and Swisscom. WiFi is widely available in cafes, hotels, and public spaces. French and German carriers also provide coverage.
Budget
A daily backpacker budget can be around Fr. 80-100: dorm Fr. 30-40, meals Fr. 15-20, museum entry Fr. 10-20, local transport Fr. 10-15. Self-catering from supermarkets can reduce costs.
Day trips
Day trips by train: Zürich (1 hr), Lucerne (1 hr), Interlaken (2 hr), Freiburg (1 hr) and the Black Forest, Colmar in Alsace (30 min), and Lörrach for Rötteln Castle. Also Laufenburg, Schaffhausen with Rhine falls, and Saint-Louis just across the French border.
Etiquette
Tipping is not required but common to round up to the nearest 10 Fr. Greetings are important; say 'Grüezi' in Swiss German. Punctuality is valued. In restaurants, wait to be seated.
Go next
From Basel, continue to other Swiss cities like Zürich, Bern, and Lucerne. Cross into Germany for the Black Forest or France for Alsace wine route. The Jura mountains are also nearby.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Do
Art Basel
World's premier modern and contemporary art fair held annually in June.
Drink
BarRouge
Messeplatz, in the Messeturm, Basel's tallest building, take the express elevator to top (31st) floor: a cool modern-style bar with panoramic views of the city - even from the stalls in the bathroom. +25 Years Club
Do
Basel Herbstmesse
Two weeks beginning on the last Saturday of October every year. Rides, booths, shooting alleys and lots of food in several locations all over the city, including Messeplatz (biggest site with most attractions, including rollercoaster and the like), Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz (where you get nice views from the Ferris wheel). Recommended: the cosy market at Petersplatz, near the main University building, where you can take a leisurely stroll and buy almost anything you never needed - from china, spices and tea, hand-drawn candles, knitted sweaters, leather goods to the latest household cleaning tools - and of course tons of tasty fast food, from healthy corn on the cob to less healthy Wurst varieties.
Do
Basel ferry
The Basel Rhine ferry is an icon of the city and a visit to Basel without a ride on a ferry would be incomplete. It only takes two-three minutes but it offers a great view (during sunshine).
Do
BaselWorld
International Watch and Jewelry fair. Late March-Early April. The world's biggest watch and jewelry trade show. The city's population more than doubles during this convention. The watch displays are particularly elaborate, with the exhibition space set up like an indoor version of New York's 5th Avenue.
Do
Basler Weihnachtsmarkt
Last week in November until 23 December in Barfüsserplatz.
Buy
Bider & Tanner
Large bookstore with a well-stocked English book section and a wide selection of travel books and maps. The place to go to get local topo maps and Swiss bike maps.
Buy
Bucherer
High-end jewellery and watches, especially Rolex.
Before you go
Connectivity
4G/5G coverage from Salt, Sunrise, Swisscom. Free WiFi in many public places.
Language
Official language is Swiss German (Baseldytsch). German, English, and French widely spoken.
Money
Swiss Franc (CHF) is the currency. Credit cards accepted in most restaurants, but always have cash. Tipping by rounding up is common.
Safety
Generally very safe. Watch for pickpockets on public transport. Emergency number for police: 117.
Transport
Trams and buses are efficient. Walking is best in old town.