We visited Basel, Switzerland in the spring; the sun was shining, the air was warm and the flowers were in full bloom.
While the city boasts an astounding number of museums, our Basel sightseeing plans focused on spending time outdoors. So we sought out things to do in Basel where we could enjoy the atmosphere in the sunshine.
Our site utilizes Affiliate Links. If you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
Top Things To Do in Basel
If you have one day or one week in Switzerland, we believe these are the best things to do in Basel, so be sure to add them to your European Travel Itinerary!
Top Tip: We’ve included a helpful Basel Map of Sights at the end of the post.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Basel Travel Guide for your trip to Switzerland!
#1 Tour Historic Sights in Basel Old Town
Old Town Basel, Switzerland is where every visitor should start exploring the city. We devised a 2 mile (approx. 1 hour) self-guided walk to the best Basel sights.
Top Tip: Use this Google Map for step-by-step directions for our Self-Guided Basel Walking Tour.
Mittlere Brucke (Middle Bridge)
The historic Mittlere Brucke marks the oldest crossing of the Rhine River between Lake Constance and the North Sea. It is also considered the dividing point between the High Rhine and the Upper Rhine.
The original bridge opened in the year 1226, but the current structure dates to 1905, when it was built to accommodate trams. Crossing the Middle Bridge at least once is one of the required Basel things to do!
Petersplatz (St. Peter’s Square, Basel)
Petersplatz dates to 1277. It has been used as public park, sports field, marketplace and military grounds. It’s also part of the University of Basel campus.
Today, the park hosts the Saturday Flea Market, where vendors sell everything from antique clocks to used clothing to cell phone batteries.
Petersplatz is also the location of the popular Basel Autumn Fair from late October through mid-November.
Spalentor (Gate of Spalen)
The landmark Spalentor city gate is one of three remaining gates in Basel. The square tower, flanked by two rounded towers, was built in the 1400s at a time when the city was encircled by fortified walls.
Marktplatz (Market Square, Basel)
Dating to at least the 11th century, Marketplatz is the center of the Basel Old Town. The impressive Town Hall (also called Basel City Hall) sits on the square and is next on our tour.
The center of Marketplatz is still used as a daily market of fresh produce and flowers. Seven tram lines cross through Marketplatz, making it also an important transit center of Basel.
Rathaus (Basel Town Hall)
The red sandstone Basel Town Hall is an iconic sight in the city. Featuring ornate frescoes, billowing flags and a rising bell tower, the 500-year-old building is still used by the local government.
Basler Munster (Basel Cathedral)
As a strategic point along the Rhine River, Cathedral Hill has been inhabited since the 1st century BC.
Sections of the Basler Munster date to the 11th century, but the Gothic elements and towers were added in the 14th and 15th centuries. 
Visiting the riverside Cathedral, with its two bell towers and colorfully tiled rooftop, is one of the top Basel things to do.
The Cathedral is free to visit, but there is a fee to climb the bell tower. Visitors are also invited to Pfalz, the terrace behind the church offering fantastic views of the Rhine River.
Tinguely Fountain on Theaterplatz
On the site of the former city theater stage is the Tinguely Fountain. Designed in 1977 by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, the fountain consists of 9 mechanized parts that move and spray water in various ways.
The current Basel Theater (the fourth theater in the city since 1834) opened on the square in 1975.
Offene Kirche Elisabethen (Open Church of Elisabeth)
Built in 1857 in the Gothic Revival style, Offene Kirche Elisabethen has a 236-foot-tall spire (which can be climbed for a fee).
This is an urban ‘Open Church’ catering to the spiritual needs of people from all backgrounds.
Top Tip: Learn more about the city of Basel on a Guided Walking Tour. Beyond the historic Basel sights there are stories about events, people and culture that shaped them.
#2 Basel Sightseeing on The Rhine River
On sunny days, both residents and tourists flock to the river where they can socialize, exercise or just enjoy the picturesque scene.
On both riverbanks, a lovely promenade provides the perfect path for a leisurely stroll – and along the route are benches and buvettes (snack stands).
North of Mittlere Brucke, on the east side of the Rhine, is Holzpark Klybeck. This artistic creative space is filled with unique containers and makeshift structures that serve food and drinks.
For an opportunity to be on the river, there are ferries, water taxis and cruises. Four Basel ferries in the city center (found between the bridges) transport passengers from one side to the other.
The boats, which are attached to a cable, are pulled across the water using the swift flow of the river.
The short ride, which has been operating the same way for the past 150 years, is one of the fun things to do in Basel. (One ride is free with the BaselCard…more on the card at the end of the post.)
In the summertime, being on the water isn’t close enough – and a favorite Basel thing to do is beat the heat with a swim in the Rhine.
Although it wasn’t warm enough for us to take the plunge, we did see one brave soul floating down the river during our stay. Other river activities include kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.
Since the neighboring country boundaries meet in the middle of the river, standing in all three at once is impossible. So at the tip of a spit of land, is Dreilandereck (3 Countries Monument).
From here it’s possible to be in all three on a short walk. Start in Switzerland, walk north into Germany and then cross the bridge into France!
#3 Relax in Basel Parks
Looking for some green space near Basel? There are a few parks near the Old Town – and visiting them is one of the top things to do around Basel.
Our two favorite were the University Basel Botanical Gardens and the Erlen Verein Park and Zoo.
The Botanical Gardens are located just north of Spalentor Tower. The manicured gardens and greenhouses are a lovely city retreat that feels miles from the city center.
Erlen Verein Park and Zoo are located north of the Basel Badischer Bahnhof train station near the German border.
The zoo, which is free to enter, first opened in 1871 and features a variety of animals (lynx, bison, foxes, owls and deer).
We were, however, less interested in seeing the animals and more keen to wander along the Wiese River. Unlike the Rhine, the Wiese is lined by natural, grassy land and shaded by a forest of trees.
#4 Eat Delicious Basel Chocolate
The Swiss are known for many things, like army knives, cheese, watches…but, most importantly: chocolate!
There are numerous Basel chocolate shops in the Old Town – the sweet scent wafting from shop doors lured us in more than once.
Visitors can visit one (or many) of the top shops in town, like Xocolatl, Confiserie Bachmann or Confiserie Sprungli. However, the best chocolate in Basel that we tried was from Laderach.
With a location right on Marktplatz (next to McDonald’s), Laderach is easy to find…and difficult to leave without purchasing at least one sweet treat.
It’s impossible to miss the rounded case of delectable truffles, but we were more interested in the Fresh Chocolate. These slabs of carefully created creations are just waiting to be consumed!
If the choices are too overwhelming, we recommend trying the Chocolate of the Month…or a variety with the FrischSchoggi (FreshChocolate) pre-made bags.
Top Tip: Want a taste of Basel cuisine? Sample your way through the city on a Taste My Swiss City Tour.
#5 Enjoy a Drink al Fresco at the Best Bars in Basel
With the gorgeous spring weather, all of our activities were geared towards the outdoors – even sipping a few adult beverages.
After long days of Basel sightseeing, we were pleased to find ample drinking establishments offering outdoor seating.
In fact, many Basel Buvettes (Refreshment Stalls) only open when the weather is nice. The container shops can be found along the river and throughout the city.
One of our favorite city spots was Buvette Bollwerk, located atop stone walls in the Basel city center.
A popular spot for BYO refreshments is the north riverbank near Mittlere Brucke.
The steep embankment is lined with wide concrete bench seating where friends, families and couples start to gather in the late afternoon to watch the sunset behind the historic city.
Beer and wine can be purchased inexpensively at grocery stores. For those preferring craft beer, stop at Bierrevier in the Basel Markthalle for a large selection of to-go beers from around the world.
Note: Although craft beer is our preference, it is a fairly new concept in Basel. We did find two local producers of craft beer – Volta Brau Craft and BBB – but we, unfortunately, never made it to their tasting rooms.
Basel Tourist Map of Sights
Use this Google Map to find your way to all of the Best Things To Do in Basel!
Day Trips From Basel, Switzerland
The city’s location near the borders of France and Germany allows visitors to plan excursions from Basel to nearby destinations in all three countries! Here are a few of the most popular Basel day trips.
- Zurich
- Lucerne
- Colmar, France
- Freiburg, Germany
- Strasbourg, France
Mountains Close To Basel
- Engelberg with gondola ride to Mt. Titlis
- Lauterbrunnen Valley in Bernese Alps and cable car to Schilthorn
- Top of Europe Tour to 11,000 foot-tall peak, Jungfraujoch and two mountain towns
- Lucere to Vitznau Boat Trip and cogwheel railway to Mt. Pilatus
Nearby Basel Castles
- 11th-Century Rotteln Castle Half-Day Tour with Hotel Pickup
- Guided tour to High Koenigsbourg Castle in the Alsace Wine Region
Basel Train Tour
More Things To Do in Basel, Switzerland
We feel our above list pretty much covers what to do in Basel, but here are a few more ideas:
- Museums: Check out the Best Museums in Basel according to these TripAdvisor Reviews
- Spa Day: Relax in the hot springs at Cassiopeia Thermal Spa
- Amusement Park: Experience Germany’s largest theme park, Europa-Park
The Basel Card
Unlike most city cards that need to be purchased, the BaselCard is free when you stay overnight! It should be presented to you when you check in to your accommodations. The benefits are:
- Use of Basel public transportation
- Use of Basel Wi-Fi
- One free Rhine River ferry crossing
- One-Time 50% Discount on admission to museums, Basel Zoo, Theater Basel, sightseeing bus tour, Old Town walking tour and cruises on Basler Personenschifffahrt
- Discount on renting a Basel ebike from the main train station
- Free General Admission to the Volta Art Fair Basel!
Planning a Vacation to Europe
We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner in order to get and stay organized!
Where To Stay in Basel, Switzerland
We were in Basel pet and housesitting, but we spent a few days before and after in a hotel.
We chose to stay in the Ibis Budget Basel City, which we can highly recommend for being affordable and at the doorstep of multiple tram lines.
However, there are many hotels in Basel Old Town to choose from. – consider staying at one of the top-rated hotels (by guest reviews) in the city center.
These include the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, Hotel Rochat or Motel One Basel. Start your search for more Basel hotels on Booking.com, like we do!
Getting To Basel, Switzerland
Basel can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. We arrived by bus (from Strasbourg) and departed by plane to Gdansk, Poland.
The closest airport is EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg, which is just two miles from Basel. Start your search for the best deals on flights to Basel on SkyScanner.
Top Tip: Book your private transfer from the airport to your hotel in advance.
Before You Go to Basel
- Basel is a city of fountains (almost 250 of them), many of which are drinking fountains. Be sure to bring a reusable travel water bottle and refill with the clean Swiss mountain water!
- Basel is a walkable city…but only if you pack the right travel shoes! I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by New Balance and Reef. Kris prefers wearing shoes by Merrell and Sanuk.
- Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel, which takes beautiful pictures and is a excellent travel camera).
- Whether you prefer to travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will also want to have a super day bag to organize and secure all of your essential everyday travel items.
- For exploring more of the country, get a Switzerland Guidebook, too!
- If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Switzerland! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
