Basel.

What to do in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

The Rhine cuts Basel cleanly into two halves: Grossbasel, rising over medieval sandstone terraces, and Kleinbasel, flat, busy, and lined with riverside beer terraces. Days here naturally follow the water and the galleries, moving from morning exhibitions to late-afternoon strolls across the Mittlere Brücke. It suits travellers who appreciate walkable cultural depth, serious art collections, and effortless public transit.

24 hours in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

Start your morning with the Old Masters at the Kunstmuseum, then cross the Münsterplatz courtyard for river views from the Pfalz terrace. Grab lunch at a Marktplatz stall before taking the Klingental ferry across to Kleinbasel. Finish with cold local draft beer and a pretzel at a riverside buvette along the Rhine bank. Select 1 Day above to see it.

2 days in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

Spend your second morning riding tram 6 out to the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen to view modern masterpieces framed by tranquil water gardens. Head back into the St. Alban timber-frame quarter for lunch, followed by a visit to the historic paper mill museum, before enjoying roasted pikeperch and regional wine at an old town tavern. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.

3 days in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

A third day gives you room to cross the border. Take a short morning train south to the Roman ruins of Augusta Raurica, or board bus 55 over the German line to explore the Vitra Design Museum's architecture park. Return for a relaxed evening walking the quiet medieval lanes around the Spalenberg.

Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland itineraries by interest

• Modern Art in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Stand before Picassos at Kunstmuseum Basel and explore Renzo Piano's light-filled galleries at Fondation Beyeler out in suburban Riehen.

• River Life in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Pack your clothes into a waterproof Wickelfisch bag, jump into the Rhine at Museum Tinguely, and float downstream to Kleinbasel's buvettes.

• Historic Architecture in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Walk the red sandstone cloisters of the 12th-century Basler Münster, then admire the ornate gilded council chamber at the Rathaus on Marktplatz.

• Traditional Dining in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Order Mehlsuppe flour soup and cheese Wähe tart at Zum Goldenen Sternen, the city's oldest inn dating back to 1412 along the St. Alban canal.

• Local Bakeries in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Pick up spiced honey Basler Läckerli biscuits at Läckerli Huus, and grab fresh butter pretzels from the morning market stalls at Marktplatz.

• Cross-Border Transit in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Cross on foot into Saint-Louis, France, or take tram 8 into Weil am Rhein, Germany, using the complimentary BaselCard provided by local hotels.

• Contemporary Design in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Take the short bus ride across the German border to the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein to study landmark buildings by Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid.

• Neighbourhood Walks in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Climb the cobblestone alleys of the Spalenberg quarter, wandering between medieval guildhouses, independent bookshops, and the 1398 Spalentor gate.

• River Crossings in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Step aboard one of four historical wooden Fähri ferries, using the river's current on a steel cable to glide silently between Grossbasel and Kleinbasel.

• Museum Culture in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Watch Jean Tinguely's mechanical kinetic sculptures clank and splash at Museum Tinguely, set right on the riverbank in Kleinbasel.

• Regional Wine in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Sample crisp Chasselas and light Pinot Noir from the nearby Markgräflerland and Basel-Landschaft vineyards paired with Gruyère in local wine bars.

• Day Trips in Basel Basel-Stadt Switzerland

  Catch a 15-minute train to Augusta Raurica to explore an intact Roman amphitheatre, or ride into Alsace for dry Riesling and timber-framed villages.