Basel is on the Rhine River at the intersection between Switzerland, France and Germany. This is one of the most underrated cities, as well as the third largest in Switzerland. But there is so much to see and do in cosmopolitan Basel, and it’s also a great place to start your journey north into Germany. If you would like some great Basel tips then check out this Quick Travel Guide to Basel.
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Things to Do in Basel
The Rhine River is the predominant feature, and is definitely the heart and soul of Basel. Here are our recommended things to do in Basel.
Tour the Basel Old Town Centre: This is a really well preserved Old Town Centre, which includes some of the best Basel attractions including the Münster.
Cruise the Rhine River: There are a couple of different cruise options along the Rhine River for some of the best Basel sightseeing that money can buy.
Walk to Germany: There is something novel about walking from one country to another, especially when there is no border control. You can do that in Basel along a 6km Art Trail called the “24 Stops to Rehberger Weg”.
Chocolate Tasting: Swiss Chocolate is famous all over the world, and there is a great Swiss Chocolate Tasting tour available in Basel. Take a 2.5 hour guided tour to some of the best Chocolate shops in town and learn all about this delicate art. After all, if it’s a Basel walking tour you’re after, why not throw in a few Swiss Chocolates to sweeten the deal!
Basel Marktplatz: A common medieval theme in this part of Europe is a town square with the town hall on the perimeter, and a daily market in the town square. This particular market place ticks all the boxes, and it’s a great place to sample some local produce, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Basel.
Day Trips from Basel
Fancy a trip to Germany, or France or Switzerland? You can do any of these easily from Basel. Here are our recommendations.
Geneva: Less than 3 hours away by train, Geneva is easily accessible for a day trip from Basel. Actually this is a great way to see Geneva, which is infamous for it’s expensive accommodation. The Swiss train system is freakishly reliable and a good way to go, and I highly recommend travelling from Basel to Geneva by train.
Strasbourg France: A little closer than Geneva, the fairytale medieval town of Strasbourg is just 1.5 hours by car. You can also find loads of public transport options to get there.
Best Accommodation in Basel
Cheap Accommodation
Basel Backpack is just 2 blocks away from the SBB Basel Train station, on the other side of the track from the city centre. That makes it a reasonably central location for a great price.
Mid Range Accommodation in Basel
Hotel City Inn is a basic 3 star hotel right across from the SBB Basel Train Station. That’s convenience in a no frills kind of way.
Affordable Luxury
Just 100m from the SBB Basel Train station is this remarkably convenient 4 star Hotel, the Gaia Hotel. Lots of great shopping and dining nearby, and close to all the main Basel Attractions.
Find a Great Deal
Let’s get one thing straight. Switzerland is expensive. That’s why you need to work hard to shop around for the best deal. This Booking.com deals finder is a great start.
Booking.comQuick Travel Guide to Basel
Plan Your Trip to Basel
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