Itineraries for Your Trip to Basel
2 Days in Basel for First Timers
Basel is one of my favorite summer cities; when the weather gets warm, I like to stroll along Kleinbasel alongside the Rhine River, and stop for a drink at one of the waterside buvettes. But it’s a great city to visit at other times, too, with its haul of attractions that are well suited to rainy days, from its 40-odd museums to its Basel Minster towers to the nearby Aquabasilea water park. If you have two days in Basel at any time of the year, you’ll find plenty of things to do as a first timer in the city. Here’s how I’d do it.
If you only have time for one thing, walk around three countries at the Border Triangle (Dreiländereck); the monument marks the spot where France, Germany, and Switzerland meet.
Pack a bathing suit for summer visits, and squeeze in time to float in the Rhine River.
Start your trip to Basel with a city center walking tour, and get your bearings around the old town districts of Grossbasel and Kleinbasel on either side of the Rhine River. You’ll discover top Basel attractions for photos, such as the cathedral Basel Minster and Tinguely Fountain, and hear insider tips for cozy restaurants in Grossbasel’s winding streets or Kleinbasel waterfront bars.
This afternoon, get acquainted with Basel’s museums. Top picks include the Natural History Museum or the Basel Paper Museum in Grossbasel, and the Museum Tinguely, just across the other side of the river. Or, if art is more your thing, check out Kunstmuseum Basel or the Fondation Beyeler. If you want to check out several of Basel’s galleries in one afternoon, a tour can help with the logistics.
In the evening, when the city streets start to clear and workers head home, it’s a great time to crack out your phone or camera and take some pictures. Interesting Basel backdrops include the Market Square and the bright red Basel Town Hall, but if you want to get quirkier photos or even get some photography tips, a guide is a good idea.
By day two in Switzerland, you’ll want to sample Swiss cheese and chocolate. Skip falling into the trap of spending all your francs in the first tourist shop you walk past. Instead, meet a local guide to discover not only Basel’s chocolatiers, but also the producers of pastries and cheese around town. Look out for the Basler läckerli, the city’s special spiced cookies.
If you’re in Basel on a warm, sunny day, the afternoon is ideal to take advantage of the Rhine River. You can float down the Rhine like the locals, or opt for a water sports session instead; paddleboarding, hydrofoiling, and even surfing are among the more adventurous options. If you have a car and want a more relaxed final afternoon, relax at nearby Naturbad Riehen, an eco-friendly pool that’s perfect for families.
For your final evening, take to the Rhine River for an evening cruise from Schifflände and get views of the city from the water. These popular cruises run when the weather gets warmer, most weekends. Or, opt for a dry land alternative with a pre-dinner stroll, following a self-guided audio guide to hear some of Basel's rich history. Aim to finish up at Kleinbasel where the city’s liveliest bars and restaurants abound.
