An Afternoon in Basel, Switzerland’s Most Underrated City!

Travel Guide to Basel Switzerland Things to Do and Points of Interest with one day from Viking River Cruise Rhine Getaway

 

Basel, Switzerland

 

We visited Basel with one day prior to the start of our Viking River Cruise. I have to admit, I didn’t know too much about Basel Switzerland before arriving – other than its claim to fame as the home of Art Basel. I came with little to no expectations but it turns out Basel has quite a cute medieval town center!

Read on for the best things to do in Basel!

 


 

 

We cruised on the Rhine Getaway itinerary which started in Basel and ended in Amsterdam. After arriving at the airport dusty and tired, we originally planned to just grab lunch on board and relax for the rest of the day, despite arriving into Switzerland at 9 am.

Luckily, our Viking cruise ship was docked right on the Rhine River, only about a 15 minute drive into the Old Town, and Viking offered an unexpected, complimentary walking tour to stretch our legs and see a bit of the city. That was certainly a nice start to the trip!

On our guided tour, we explored the pastel colored old town, snapped endless photos of the quaint medieval buildings, visited the church, saw the Rhine River views from above and learned a bit about Basel’s history. Our quick day trip gave us just the highlights of this charming city and so I’ve compiled this travel guide to the best of Basel in one day.

 

Getting In

Basel Airport is actually split in two. The Basel-Mulhouse airport technically lies in France but is connected to Switzerland via land corridor. Make sure if you’re scheduling a pick up that you specify which side of the airport (Swiss or French).

Check flight deals and set price alerts here.

 


 

 

Where to Stay

Switzerland’s high standard of living can make hotel accommodation quite expensive. The best located hotels will be near the Old Town, with a view of the river.

 

1 | Hotel Euler – this cheap hotel, well for Swiss standards, is located near the train station and dates from Basel’s history in the 1870’s. Rooms have been recently renovated.

Read TripAdvisor reviews | Check rates: Hotels.com | Booking.com

 

2 | Marriott Basel Switzerland – A modern and spacious hotel with a great on-site restaurant, perfect for business travelers. The Courtyard Marriott in Basel has a large on-site swimming pool and spa for travelers looking to fully relax. It’s located outside the city but offers a free public transportation pass.

Read TripAdvisor reviews | Check rates: Hotels.com | Booking.com

 

 Read more:  Where to Stay in Basel

 


 

 

The Best Things to Do in Basel

The Rhine splits Basel into two sections. Travelers will likely focus on Greater Basel on the southwestern section of the riverbank, home to the commercial, cultural and historic sections of town. You can see most of the city on foot or via tram.

 

1. Art

Art fanatics will love Basel. This city is home to over 30 museums and two major festivals in spring and summer. There’s Baselworld, a world fair for watches, and Art Basel, for art as the name suggests.

 

2. MarketPlatz

Head to the Marktplatz, a medieval historic center that dates back to the 1500s. On weekends it turns into an open air farmer’s market and on our particular visit the town was hosting a marathon race.

Spot the colorful, bright red Rathaus or Basel’s Town Hall. The colorful painted facade dominates the main square

 

3. See Basel Munster

The city’s Gothic Romanesque cathedral.

 

4. Museum Hop

There’s the Jean Tinguely Museum, an architectural masterpiece of glass and metal sculptures and Fondation Beyeler, a modern building housing varous art collections and special exhibitions. Most famous? The Kuntsmuseum, housing both old masters and modern art.

 

5. Sail down the Rhine River

Like we did on a European river cruise

 

 

 


 

 

1 Day in Basel Itinerary

Here’s a sample one day itinerary covering Basel’s top attractions and sights.

 

Morning

Check in to your hotel and freshen up.

Then head to the Old Town within Greater Basel for a walking tour. Start at the Markplatz with the red Town Hall, pick up fresh fruit at the farmer’s market or grab a pastry and coffee to start the day.

Walk under the grand Spalentor tower, one of Basel’s three remaining Medieval gates.

Continue on foot until you arrive at Basel’s Munster or famous cathedral. Step inside for a look, climb the tower for a great view of the city and then when you’re done, head on around to the left behind the church for a fantastic view of the Rhine River and Lesser Basel riverbank.

 

Afternoon

Basel sits at the intersection of three countries: Switzerland, Germany and France. You can actually see the point where these three countries converge right on the wharf!

You can’t leave Basel without exploring at least one of its art museums. Grab a ticket to the most famous, the Kuntsmuseum, which houses both old world masterpieces and art so modern the paint is still drying. Don’t leave without seeing Picasso’s paintings – the Kuntsmuseum has a whole room dedicated to him.

Relax and enjoy the sunshine at either Basel’s Botanical Garden or the Basel Zoo, which has a section dedicated to Namibia’s Etosha National Park.

 

Evening

Basel has a famous symphony orchestra, music theatre and playhouse. Why not settle in for a cultural evening? Afterwards, have dinner at Zum Goldenen Fass (the Golden Barrel), a popular restaurant known for excellent contemporary cooking.

 


 

 

Basel’s Christmas Markets

If you’re in Switzerland in late November or December, you absolutely must take advantage of the charming Christmas markets!

They’re open-air market stalls perfect for shopping, seeing small demonstrations and eating & drinking.

 

Basel Vacation Checklist

 

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9 Comments

  1. Joyce
    June 21, 2017 / 9:55 am

    All off this looks amazing! I’ve never heard of Basel but after seeing these photos I definitely need to go!

  2. Sandra Porter
    October 16, 2017 / 11:40 am

    We are taking this cruise after Thanksgiving 2018.
    Can not wait!!!

    • Sher
      Author
      October 19, 2017 / 9:49 am

      Have a great time Sandra!!

  3. Sherry Domerego
    January 8, 2018 / 4:25 am

    hi just looking for viking reviews and happily was connected with your site. We are taking this cruise (backwards) the beginning of April and you have given me so much info. thanks a bunch can’t wait.

  4. Wendy
    January 28, 2018 / 8:47 pm

    we are booked for this cruise , how do you get from aiport to the boat?

    • Sher
      Author
      January 28, 2018 / 11:37 pm

      Depends who you booked with! Viking covered our transfers

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