10 fun things to do in Basel, Switzerland

If you’re planning to visit Basel in Switzerland then you’re in for a real treat. I consider it to be such an underrated city break in Europe, often overshadowed by other Swiss towns and cities. 

A postcard-perfect city, there are plenty of things to do in Basel. You’ll discover exciting seasonal activities like swimming in the Rhine during summer and shopping at the Christmas markets during winter.

Year round you can also admire the art at Kunstmuseum Basel, take a trip on a Weidling boat, enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar or delve into the city’s foodie scene.

Basel is in northwest Switzerland, on the Rhine River, and near the French and German borders.

It’s also the venue for the 2025 Eurovision song contest – so you might want to get there before the rest of the continent discovers it!

Basel is in fact Switzerland’s third-largest city in terms of population, after Zurich and Geneva. 

Even if you’re not intending to visit Switzerland, it may be worth adding some Basel attractions to your itinerary if you’re spending time in eastern France, particularly Strasbourg.

Let’s get into my favourite things to do in Basel.

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10 best things to do in Basel

1. Embark on a guided city tour

Taking a city tour is a great way to get to know Basel in Switzerland. The attractions are many and varied, and so are the tours.

You can take self-guided tours for free, or book those featuring local guides, actors, bikes or buses!

Historic attractions to see include Marktplatz, at the centre of the mediaeval old town. The 12th century cathedral, meanwhile, contains the Dutch scholar Erasmus’s tomb.

Themed tours may also explore the city’s street art, architecture, or history, or be specially designed for foodies. 

Discover a selection of Basel tours on the official This is Basel website.

2. Explore the Kunstmuseum Basel

The Kunstmuseum Basel has many strings to its bow.

It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance, is home to the world’s oldest collection of public art, and is considered Switzerland’s most consequential art depository. 

Major artworks to see include pieces by Paul Gauguin, Paul Klee, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Henri Rousseau, Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and many more.

There are Old Masters, contemporary pieces, and everything in-between. 

Museums are some of the best Basel places to visit, especially on a rainy day. In fact Basel boasts almost 40 museums in total, making the Kunstmuseum Basel just the start. 

3. Enjoy a Weidling boat tour

A unique way to see Basel, and the mighty Rhine River on which the city stands, is by boat.

Packed with character, the local, flat-bottomed Weidling boats are a fun and unique way to see the city from the water. 

Take a trip on one and you can learn all about the Weidling’s Celtic background. As well as the historic and modern-day influence of the waterway on trading, tourism, and city life. 

4. Go swimming in the Rhine

For locals and visitors alike, taking a dip in the Rhine is de rigueur in summer (as long as it’s 18 degrees plus and water levels are safe, of course).

You don’t need to worry about where to leave your clothing and other belongings, either, as you can take them with you, safely and dryly stored inside a Wickelfisch swim bag. 

This type of tow float offers high visibility, too, and comes in various colours. It’s shaped like a fish, and was invented in the city.

They’re such popular souvenirs that you can even buy one at the Tourist Information Office!

This was my favourite activity when we visited – you pack your things into your Wickelfisch bag and simply float down the river, letting the current take you.

5. Have dinner on the Rhystärn

The Rhystärn allows you to take a trip on the Rhine that doubles up as a dinner cruise.

Departing in the evening, the Rhystärn offers snacks, drinks, and delicious dining. You can take in stunning views of the city from the water as the sun sets. 

The food served on board is made using local produce where possible, as well as high quality ingredients from further afield.

Expect traditional dishes with a contemporary, creative twist, and with an emphasis on sharing. 

6. Soak in the views with a rooftop cocktail

One of the nicest things to do in any new city is to kick back and relax in a venue with a view, cocktail in hand.

A rooftop bar is always ideal for combining expertly-mixed concoctions with sweeping skyline panoramas. 

I’d recommend Helvetia Rooftop Tower, Amber Bar, and Art House Rooftop for some gorgeous spots with beautiful views. 

7. Visit Markthalle Basel

If you haven’t got a seat on the Rhystärn dinner cruise or a food tour booked and you’re feeling hungry, then I’d recommend heading to Markthalle Basel.

It’s housed in a distinctive, centrally located building with a domed red roof.

You can get yummy food inspired by global cuisines here, and dine al fresco if you like beneath the covered outdoor seating area.

Open from 8am and until 2am on weekends, whatever you feel like eating you’re sure to get it here.  

8. Try a food tour of the city

True foodies can delve into Basel’s edible scene by going beyond the Rhystärn dinner cruise and Markthalle. 

There are various options to choose from, focusing on food in general, or a specific sort of cuisine.

For example, two of Switzerland’s most famous (and delicious) exports – cheese or chocolate. With the latter, sampling fondue is of course a must. 

If you want to venture beyond the city, you can also book food tours to local vineyards, or to Gruyeres with its famous cheese heritage.

Or within Basel, take a tour of 270-year-old Jakob’s Basler Leckerly, Switzerland’s oldest biscuit manufacturer. 

9. Head to Bottmingen Castle

This romantic castle can be found southwest of Basel, and offers a feast for the palate as well as the eyes.

14th century Bottmingen Castle is surrounded by water and set among parkland, and is now known for Restaurant Schloss Bottmingen.

Expect fine dining, sustainable seasonal produce, and an outdoor terrace – plus a pair of talented chefs who’ve been awarded 15 Gault Millau points. 

10. Get festive at the Christmas markets

If you’ll be in Basel between late November and 23rd December, don’t miss the chance to shop at one of Switzerland’s largest festive markets.

Christmas comes to Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz for around four weeks each winter. 

You can also see a magnificent and richly decorated Christmas tree on Münsterplatz. There are around 155 stalls spread across both locations.

It’s the perfect place to shop for gifts, and to savour local specialities including mulled wine, raclette, grilled sausages, and Basel Läckerli gingerbread.

While I visited Basel in the summer, I’d love to return in the winter to soak up the festive vibes, as I imagine it’ll be like a fairytale!

How to get to Basel

Basel has its own international airport, EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg. This is actually in Saint-Louis in France, rather than Switzerland, and is operated by both countries.

Shuttle buses to the city centre depart every seven minutes, and the trip takes around 15 minutes. 

Zurich airport is also fairly convenient, and it’s how I travelled to Basel given the frequency of flights between London and Zurich.

You then hop on a train to Basel, which takes just over an hour. With three train stations, you can get to Basel from all over Switzerland, France, Germany, and beyond.

Zurich and Basel are just over 50 miles (or 85 kilometres) apart.

If you’re hiring a car, Basel lies between the north-south and east-west European motorway junctions. 

Best time to visit Basel

Between May and September is generally seen as the best time to visit Basel.

July and August are the hottest months, and also the busiest – although you won’t find the hordes of tourists here that you do in other Swiss towns.

May, June, and September are usually warm, and a more peaceful time to be in Basel. 

While winters are cold in Basel, there doesn’t tend to be much snow, unlike ski season in the Swiss mountains.

The city does have lovely Christmas markets, however. You can expect rain on about nine days per month in Basel, on average, throughout the year. 

Have I convinced you to visit Basel? Let me know in the comments below if you have any more favourite things to do in Basel.

For more Switzerland inspiration, you may also like: 

• 15 incredible spa hotels in Switzerland
• 15 amazing day trips from Zurich
• 12 most scenic train rides in Switzerland