Basel, Switzerland

Basel

An art-loving city on the Rhine, where France, Germany and Switzerland meet.

  • All year
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
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Things to do

2 days in Basel

Day 1

  1. MorningVisit the Kunstmuseum, the world's oldest public art collection.
  2. AfternoonWalk the old town and cross the river on a cable ferry.
  3. EveningFloat down the Rhine in summer with a waterproof bag.

Day 2

Visit the Fondation Beyeler or the Vitra Design Museum.

What to eat

Basler Läckerli, spiced honey biscuits.

Local tips

Make the most of Basel

Beat the crowds

Basel is relaxed. Summer evenings along the Rhine are lively.

Best photo spot

The Rhine with the old town and the cathedral, from the Mittlere Brücke.

Getting there

Basel's station connects with Switzerland, France and Germany. Trams go everywhere.

Don't miss nearby

Augusta Raurica, a large Roman site just outside the city.

Good to know

In summer, people swim down the Rhine with waterproof bags; only do it if you're a confident swimmer. Basel has many great museums.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Basel

Our most hidden places around Basel: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Basel to take with you.

57 km away
69 km away
71 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Basel

Getting there

  • Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL)7 km away
  • Zürich Airport (ZRH)75 km away
  • Freiburg50 km away
  • Bern70 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forOld towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountrySwitzerland

Questions

Basel: good to know

Is Basel worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns. An art-loving city on the Rhine, where France, Germany and Switzerland meet.

How many days do you need in Basel?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Basel?

You can visit all year. Basel is relaxed. Summer evenings along the Rhine are lively.

How do you get to Basel?

The nearest airport is Basel-Mulhouse Airport (BSL), about 7 km away. Basel's station connects with Switzerland, France and Germany. Trams go everywhere.

What is there to see near Basel?

Nearby hidden places include Freiburg (52 km), Colmar (60 km) and Bern (69 km).

Day trips from Basel: 17 hidden places nearby
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