Is Basel Worth Visiting? (The Pros & Cons)
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Few people get to say that they have travelled to over twenty two countries in Europe. I feel like I know the continent quite well from it’s bustling cities, pristine lakes and off the beaten path locations. And, I’m not done yet, I’m always in search of my next adventure!
I recently returned from one of my favourite countries in Europe, Switzerland. This time, however, my experience was quite different. I found myself in a city, which isn’t typical for me. I’m used to the dramatic landscapes of the Swiss alps, but this time I traded it in for some urban exploring. And honestly, it surprised me!
I must admit, I didn’t know much about Basel before my trip. I was very much going in blind, in hopes that I would fall in love just like I did with previous places in Switzerland.
So, I thought I’d write this blog post, to hopefully help those who also question ‘Is Basel Worth Visiting?’
Today, we are going to dive into the pros and cons of this underrated Swiss city!
Disclaimer: I want to thank Basel Tourism & Swiss Tourism for making my trip to Basel possible. I worked with them on a paid partnership basis. I had the most amazing time, which I can’t wait to share with you. As always all opinions are my own.
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Pros of Visiting Basel
Let’s take a look at a few reason why Basel is one of the best places to visit in Europe for those looking to go on a underrated city break!
✅ There is plenty to do in Basel
There is so much to see and do in Basel. I was only there for 48 hours, but wish I had longer to explore the city. I found as I walked around the streets I was adding more and more to my to do list.
I noticed things like quirky street art, fun urban style eat yards like Markthalle and picturesque buildings that looked like something straight out of a fairytale book.
What I really like about Basel is that there is something to do for all walks of life. No matter your travel style you will find something you love!
✅ It’s Walkable
When I am in a city I like to walk, I find it’s the best way to discover hidden gems or attractions that don’t make it into the typical guide books.
It’s fun to get lost in the streets and really get a feel for the destination. And, Basel did not disappoint in this area, it was super easy to walk from A to B.
I stayed in Hotel Euler which is conveniently located next to the train station, walking from here rarely took longer than 30 minutes at a time.
✅ There is a great public transport system
However, I know walking isn’t for everyone and if you fall into that category you will be pleased to know that the public transport system in Basel is amazing.
There is no underground but the trams come and go every few minutes meaning you rarely have to wait long before hopping on board.
✅ It’s Really Clean
One thing I noticed about Basel compared to other European cities is it’s cleanliness. It just seemed that extra bit more maintained.
It was nice to walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town or through the parks without stumbling across rubbish on route.
✅ It’s Easy to Reach from Zurich
I flew into Zurich directly from Dublin with Swiss Air, it was really fast getting through the airport and within minutes I was on a train towards Basel.
The journey took just over an hour and the views out the window were beautiful. I purchased a Swiss Pass for this which covered my travel to and from the Airport as well as public transit in Basel.
✅ It’s Lesser Known (& Slower Paced)
Switzerland has its fair share of famous landmarks and cities and because of that Basel can sometimes slip through the cracks of visitors agenda.
And in my opinion, that’s actually a good thing, because that means there are very little crowds.
I’ve been to cities in Europe where I wanted to leave pretty much straight away. It was just far too busy for my liking but Basel definitely didn’t give me that impression.
I liked the slow paced feel the city had to offer. I never felt rushed and it was nice to explore at my own pace.
✅ Basel has some great dinning options
One thing that really surprised me about Basel is its range of dinning options. There is really something for every travel style, from dinner cruises, eat yard style dinning, casual restaurants and high-end places to eat.
Here is a list of some of my favourite restaurants in Basel:
📍 Rhystärn der Basler Personenschifffahrt
On any trip to Basel, a river cruise with Basler Personenschifffahrt is a must!
It’s a great way to see the city from the waterfront, all while indulging in mouthwatering food and sweet refreshing cocktails.
I opted into getting the burger, it was super tasty, full of great flavours. Honestly, I’d get it again if I could.
The boat cruises down the River Rhine at a slow and steady pace. So much so, it’s barely noticeable that it is moving apart for the scenery changing every few minutes.
The city was particularly beautiful with the golden hour hues reflecting against the water.
Personenschifffahrt offers an ideal setting to enjoy the cities beauty with breathtaking panoramic views of Basel’s skyline.
📍 Warteck’s
If you’re looking to go for a drink with a view then consider paying a visit to Warteck’s.
The design of this building is quite unique, as the staircase adds a modern twist and a bit of character to an otherwise typical structure.
At the top of the building lies a panoramic rooftop called Kulturbeiz113 which offers a rather cozy atmosphere, where visitors and locals can sit back and relax with a drink in hand. All while enjoying 360 views of Basel.
The combination of the charming building and the picturesque views makes this rooftop bar a perfect spot for a casual yet delightful evening.
Could be a particularly great option for some sunset drinks!
📍 Volkshaus Basel
The Volkshaus is a great option for those looking for a reason to get dressed up with a group of friends.
I love the atmosphere of this restaurant!
It felt elegant and welcoming, with a touch of sophistication that made the evening feel extra special.
The food was beautifully presented and tasted just as good as it looked.
They also had a large selection of drinks on the menu, from wines, beers and specialised cocktails.
It was a lovely place to dine for the evening. I will definitely be back the next time I’m in Basel.
📍 Ufer7
Ufer7 is the perfect place to eat for those looking to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that Basel has to offer.
The restaurant has a terrance that sits overlooking the Rhine River. It was nice to sit back with some food and watch the world go by. It is the ideal spot for a summers day, which we where luckily graced with on our visit!
I opted into trying their delicious pie, which reminded much of a pizza with a Swiss twist. The base was made out of puff pastry, which was crispy and so tastey!
Bit of a disclaimer for the photo, the sun was BEAMING down. I couldn’t see my screen which resulted in an extremely out of focus snap. Pro photographer at your service 🙋♀️
Nonetheless, the service, food and vibes at Ufer7 where fantastic. I highly recommend testing their lemonades if you choose to dine there. They are so refreshing!!
📍 Markthalle Basel
On my last day in Basel, we decided to grab a bite to eat at Markthalle before heading back to Zurich.
It was buzzing with people, laughing, catching up or grabbing a quick lunch break (photo taken before opening on my walking tour).
What I particularly like about it is the diverse range of food options, featuring everything from traditional Swiss dishes and hearty German fare to Italian pastas and Middle Eastern kebabs.
You can also sample French pastries, Spanish tapas, and Asian street food, making it a great spot for food lovers to explore a variety of flavours. Or, a group of friends who can’t quite decide what to eat 🤣
I opted into getting Thai, which set me up nicely for the long day of travel ahead!
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Cons of Visiting Basel
Let’s cut to the chase, I LOVED my time in Basel. If I am being honest I have very few cons to list. So, this is quite literally clutching at straws but they are important factors to note before your visit!
❌ Basel is Expensive
Ok, so it is no secret, compared to other countries in Europe Switzerland can be rather expensive to visit. However, in saying that, visitors are very aware of that fact.
So, a little bit of budgeting can go a long way. If you total up your expected costs before your visit you should have no issues with any unexpected charges.
❌ Language Barrier
In Basel they speak Swiss German, however, for the most part the locals have a high level of English. I didn’t have any issues navigating my way around. And everyone was more than happy to help!
The only thing I did find difficult was understanding the road signs and menus. The majority of the restaurants we visited had an English version of the menu with the exception of Markthalle. However, I did take a picture of some of the listed food using the Google App translation feature.
Although English is widely used, it’s always polite to learn a few phrases in the local language. I have listed some helpful ones down below.
- Hello – Hallo
- Goodbye – Adieu / Tschüss
- Please – Bitte
- Thank you – Danke
- Yes – Ja
- No – Nein
- Excuse me – Entschuldigung
- I don’t understand – Ich verstehe nicht
- Do you speak English? – Sprechen Sie Englisch?
- Where is the bathroom? – Wo ist die Toilette?
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Top Things to do in Basel
Ok, I am sure by now you have came to the conclusion that Basel is 110% worth the visit. So, I have listed below some of the top things to do on your visit.
📍 Walking Tour
I highly recommend taking part in a guided walking tour when you first arrive in Basel.
It will allow you to find your bearings and really get a feel for all of what the city has to offer.
Our guide Philippe, was fantastic, he provided us with insight we wouldn’t of otherwise known without his expertise.
We explored so much of the city in just an hour and a half, from the picturesque streets of the old town, the bustling atmosphere of Freie Strasse to the peaceful setting of the River Rhine.
It was a great way to get an idea on what to expect for the remainder of our visit.
📍 Wickelfisch on the Rhine
Basel has a rather unique tradition that tourists too can get involved in.
The Rhine River boasts a pretty consistent currents and as a result locals regularly go for a swim in it.
The swimming zone can take anywhere from 30/40 minutes to complete if you choose to swim the entire length.
Locals place all their belongings in waterproof swimming bag called a Wickelfisch. The bag also floats which makes it the perfect companion for cruising down the river.
This was honestly the highlight of my trip to Basel. It is such a fun and unusual activity to take part it. I pretty much felt like I was swimming in natural version of a lazy river.
The tourism board also have a camera set up, so that you can have your picture taken as you float along. This service is free of charge, and makes for a great souvenir of your trip to Basel. You can find the pictures here.
It’s important to note, the camera is well sign posted, however, the currents moves really fast!! So, actually being prepared for the photo is another thing. As you can see from our image I am looking in the wrong way 🤣
📍 Basel Botanical Garden
Another great thing to do while in Basel is visit the beautiful botanical gardens. It is nice, peaceful spot to take a breather while on holidays.
The gardens cover 7.7 hectares in total, featuring an impressive array of plants from around the world.
They even have a tropical species area located in a large greenhouse and medicinal plant garden, which highlights plants used in traditional medicine and their historical significance.
The gardens are free to visit, making it an accessible and affordable option for your Basel Itinerary.
📍 Basel’s Weidling Rides
Another rather unique thing to do in Basel is a Weidling Ride.
These are eco friendly water taxi’s, that move purely by the a human using a large pedal to wade through the water.
Our guide insisted that it was easy to do, although I had speculations. Especially after experiencing the power of the River Rhines current.
Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful way to see the city. We passed by many boat houses, bars set up for swimmers in mind and admired the traditional archtecture.
It was also pretty cool to see the people with their Wickelfisch bob on by as we explored.
📍 St. Alban
If you are looking to visit one of the most beautiful area’s in Basel then I’d advise making your way towards St. Alban.
Often referred to as ‘Little Venice’ due to it’s charming canal and traditional homes that seem like something straight out of a fairytale.
A stroll through this neighbourhood is an absolute must! It is located just off the banks of the River Rhine. And offers a tranquil contrast to the bustling city center, with its quaint houses and picturesque setting.
It’s a fantastic place to capture a few pictures and get a feel for local life in Basel.
📍 Basel Münster
The Basel Münster, also known as Basel Cathedral is a striking red sandstone building that can been seen from multiple vantage points throughout the city.
The interior itself, is rather beautiful, however, it’s biggest selling point is the 360 views it offers from the viewing tower up top.
From up there, you can spot the Rhine River, the charming rooftops of the Old Town and the get a Birdseye perspective of Basels layout.
You can walk around the ground floor of the building and admire it’s design free of charge however entry into the tower costs CHF 6 (free for under 14s).
Alternatively, there is a free terrance towards the back of the building that offers a slightly different outlook.
📍 Get Lost Walking Through the Streets
I’d highly advise scheduling in some time to just get lost walking through Basel. You will be so surprised what you may see. I have noted some points of interest that I discovered while exploring.
Rathaus (Town Hall): A striking building in the heart of the city, known for its vibrant red facade and intricate details, located on the bustling Marktplatz.
Spalentor: One of the three remaining medieval city gates, Spalentor is a well-preserved piece of Basel’s history and an iconic city symbol.
Mittlere Brücke: Basel’s oldest bridge, connecting the Old Town with Kleinbasel, offering picturesque views of the Rhine River and the surrounding cityscape.
Tinguely Fountain: A playful, kinetic fountain created by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, located near the Basel Theater, known for its whimsical, moving sculptures.
Marktplatz: The central square in Basel’s Old Town, home to the Town Hall and a lively market, making it a hub of activity in the city.
📍 The Rhine River Ferry
One way to get from one side of the River Rhine to the other is by riding the unique ferry system.
The Rhine river ferry is unlike traditional ferries, Basel’s boats use a cable system and are glide by the river’s current, creating a smooth and almost effortless ride.
I really enjoyed this mode of transport as it is quite unique. It’s a fun and different mode of transport compared to what we are used to in other major cities in Europe.
And not to mention the views, they are pretty special as you cross!
Conclusion: Is Basel Worth Visiting?
Yes, I could not recommend Basel more! It has a chill and relaxed vibe compared to other European cities. I love the range of unique activities that you won’t find anywhere else. The locals are friendly, and open to tourism. And there is so much to see and do, from exploring the scenic riverfront, the pastel buildings and tasty dinning experiences. Honestly, add Basel to your European Bucket List!
