Last Updated on: 29th October 2024, 10:11 am
I spent ten days housesitting for a gorgeous cat in Basel. This lovely city is often overlooked in favour of Zurich or Geneva, but it’s definitely worth a visit. While ten days is probably too long for most people, I would highly recommend spending at least two to three nights there.
The city is located in the northwestern corner of Switzerland, right at the intersection of three countries: Switzerland, France, and Germany.
This strategic location on the banks of the Rhine River has made Basel an important cultural and economic hub. It’s the third-largest city in Switzerland and is known for its rich history and impressive medieval architecture.
While many come for its museums and art scene, I found that Basel has so much more to offer beyond the gallery walls. From peaceful walks along the Rhine to exploring hidden corners of the Old Town, enjoying local markets and parks, and chilling in the many coffee shops- this city really grew on me.
Here are some of the top things to do in Basel.
Explore The Old Town (Altstadt)
The old town of Basel is full of incredible hidden gems, with small squares, hidden courtyards, and fountains appearing around every corner, as well as some of the historic city’s most iconic buildings.
As you know, I love to start my visit to a new city with a walking tour. If you want to explore with a guide, there are a number of walking tours, such as this two-hour tour or this walking tour.
Or, if you prefer to wander by yourself but want some inspiration, pick up a map from the Basel Tourist office, which offers five different trails around the city.
Spalenberg Street
Don’t miss Spalenberg Street, with its quirky shops, boutiques, and old-world architecture, when exploring the old town.
The Hoosesagg Museum (Pants Pocket Museum)
Also, in the old town, look for the Hoosesagg Museum (Pants Pocket Museum) at Imbergässlein 31.
It’s Basel’s smallest museum and certainly the smallest I’ve ever seen. Its rotating collection of exhibitions is displayed in a window no bigger than 2 feet by 2 feet.
Street Art
Keep an eye out for some cool street art as you explore the city.
Basel Town Hall (Rathaus)
The Town Hall in Marktplatz is an impressive Renaissance building with wonderful colourful frescoes.
In front of the Town Hall, there’s a small market selling fruit, veg, and flowers. You’ll find a few street food stalls here, too. The fish and chips here are excellent.
Basel Minster (Basler Münster)
Visit this iconic red sandstone Gothic cathedral and enjoy the stunning views of the Rhine from the Pfalz terrace located behind the Basel Minster.
The church has some cool stained-glass windows, and it’s a peaceful place to hide when it starts raining, which it did quite often when I was in Basel.
You can also visit and wander around the cloisters next door to the Minster.
Münsterplatz
Sit and relax in this lovely square in front of Basel Minster, one of the city’s most historic and picturesque spots. I spent a lot of time here, just people-watching and drinking coffee.
Peterskirche
Take a look inside this 14th-century church, which has a lovely interior. On Saturday mornings, in front of the church in Petersplatz, there is the Flohmarkt Petersplatz, a flea market that is quite fun to wander around.
Spalentor
Just a short walk from Peterskirche is this beautifully preserved medieval city gate, a symbol of Basel’s history.
Mittlere Brücke (Middle Bridge)
This historic bridge connects Grossbasel and Kleinbasel and offers excellent views of the Rhine. As you cross the bridge, look for the Käppelijoch Chapel, a small, modest chapel on the Middle Bridge.
During the Middle Ages, this chapel served as a public site for punishment. Women accused of crimes such as theft, adultery, witchcraft, or infanticide were chained and cast into the floodwaters of the Rhine.
Men also faced the same fate if accused of bigamy or mistreating their parents. They were granted a reprieve if they survived and were pulled from the river near St. Johann—an area located further downstream.
Visit The Neighbourhood Of St. Alban
St Alban was my favourite area in Basel. This lovely neighbourhood was once home to the aristocrats of Basel.
It’s a charming, leafy neighbourhood where chestnut trees line the Rhine and part of the old city wall still stands.
The highlight here is the Basel Paper Mill Museum, a medieval mill demonstrating traditional papermaking techniques.
The St. Alban-Tor (St. Alban’s Gate), built around 1400, was once part of the old city’s fortifications and now serves as the entrance to a picturesque district.
Relax By The Tinguely Fountain
For something more modern, visit the Tinguely Fountain (Tinguely-Brunnen). Watch the fun and mechanical sculptures move in this quirky fountain by Jean Tinguely.
Jean Tinguely is one of the most celebrated artists from Basel. The Tinguely Fountain was created at the site of the old Basel Theater in front of the new Basel Theater beside Kunsthalle Basel.
If you like his work, there is a museum in Basel dedicated to his work.
Basel’s Fountains
While we are on the subject of fountains, Basel has around 231 fountains and is known as the city of fountains, for good reason.
You can top up your water bottle from any of the fountains, and there’s no need to worry about drinking the water in Basel (or anywhere in Switzerland); it’s clean and fresh.
Apparently, in summer, locals use the fountains as swimming spots and fountain bathing is a popular activity in Basel. It was a bit chilly when I was there to try this or witness this, though.
Rheinufer Basel (Rhine Promenade)
Stroll or bike along the Rhine promenade, which is incredibly picturesque when the sun is shining. It offers river views and plenty of benches to sit and watch the world go by.
Enjoy a pleasant walk along the opposite bank, with lovely views of the Munster. Cross over on the ferry for an added experience.
Fähri (Rhine Ferry)
Take a ride on one of Basel’s four unique, hand-operated ferries that cross the Rhine without engines, offering a peaceful, scenic journey across the river.
These ferries are attached to a long wire cable and move solely by the river’s current, providing an almost silent and serene way to travel—just carried along by the flow. Even better, it’s a budget-friendly activity in Basel, with ferry rides costing only CHF 2 per crossing (for adults). Payments are cash only, with Euros accepted, though change is given in Swiss francs. No USD accepted.
Dreiländereck (Tri-Border Point)
It’s not the most exciting part of Basel, and you’re not really missing out if you don’t go. But the Dreiländereck monument is the point where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet. It’s about a 30-minute walk along the river to get there.
Swimming in the Rhine
Yeah, you know I didn’t do this, but floating down the Rhine like a local during the summer is a Basel tradition. When I first arrived for my house sit, it felt like summer, and people were, but within a week, autumn had most definitely arrived.
People float along with bright blue bags called Wickelfisch. Nearly every resident in Basel owns one! In fact, the mum of the cat I was looking after offered me hers in case I had the urge to jump in the river.
These waterproof bags keep your valuables safe while you float down the river or bike in rainy weather. You can pick one up at many small shops along the Rhine. It makes a nice souvenir.
Rhine Boat Trips
On Fridays and Sundays from April through October, you can enjoy a 50-minute round-trip along the Rhine to the tri-border point, where you can see France on one side and Switzerland on the other.
Alternatively, head the opposite way to view the charming old town buildings lining the Rhine, along with Basel Cathedral and other riverside landmarks.
With your BaselCard, you’ll receive a 50% discount on these scenic trips offered by Basler Personenschifffahrt!
Basel Card – What’s That?
Upon check-in, guests staying at hotels in Basel will receive a personalized BaselCard. This card offers free public transportation and 50% discounts on entry to Basel’s museums, the Basel Zoo, the Basel Theatre, and more.
It is a great perk, though unfortunately, I didn’t qualify since I was housesitting. But if you’re interested in housesitting opportunities, check out Trusted Housesitters, which I use to arrange my stays.
My Favorite Coffee Shops and Breakfast Spots in Basel
1. Cafe Moment—This serene, zen-like cafe is perfect for those seeking a quiet atmosphere. I enjoyed their speciality, “Moment Tee”—though the ingredients remain a mystery, it was absolutely delicious. It is ideal for unwinding with a warm cup of tea in peaceful surroundings.
2. La Manufacture—This is an excellent breakfast choice with a welcoming, vegan-friendly menu. It offers many fresh options, making it a great spot to start your day.
3. 11 Coffee & Bar – Located near the theatre, this trendy coffee shop doubles as a bar and offers a laid-back vibe. It’s a cosy stop with great coffee and a stylish atmosphere, perfect for a light breakfast.
4. Cafe Bar Elizabethan—Tucked into the corner of a church near the theater, Cafe Bar Elizabethan serves outstanding coffee in a charming setting. It is a must-visit for a relaxed coffee experience.
5. Markthalle Basel—This lively indoor market is fun for food lovers. It features fresh produce, local foods, and diverse international cuisine.
I highly recommend authentic Thai food—it’s flavorful and true to tradition, and ordering food in Thai is a lot easier for me than in Swiss German.
Find Out What’s Happening In Basel
For events happening when you’re in Basel, check this site.
Easy Day Trips From Basel
Roman Ruins at Augusta Raurica
Okay, it’s definitely not Pompeii or Herculaneum, and if you’re expecting that, you will be really disappointed, but just 17 km east of Basel, there’s an ancient Roman site.
You can explore scattered ruins, including one of Central Europe’s best-preserved Roman theatres, all free to wander.
To reach Augusta Raurica, take the S-Bahn (S1) from Basel to Kaiseraugst (CHF 3.80, 11 minutes) and walk 10 minutes following the signs.
The Römermuseum at the entrance, featuring a restored Roman house and a unique 270-piece antique silver collection, is also worth a visit. While the site has limited structures, it’s still a pleasant spot for a walk through history.
The Beautiful Town Of Colmar, France
But if you only have time for a one-day trip, I highly recommend Colmar.
Colmar, just a short 45-minute train trip from Basel, is a charming French town renowned for its picturesque canals, colourful half-timbered houses, and rich Alsatian history.
Wandering its streets feels like stepping back in time. Check out my detailed blog post on making the most of a Colmar day trip from Basel!
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For More Posts On Switzerland, Check These Out
An Easy Day Trip By Train From Zurich To Rhine Falls And Stein am Rhein
A Visit To Montreux and Chillon Castle
Day Trip to Gruyeres From Lausanne
Easy Day Trip By Train From Basel To Colmar
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