Free things to do in Basel include exploring the Old Town (Altstadt), visiting the Rhine riverbanks, and viewing landmarks like the Basel Minster (cathedral) and the red Town Hall (Rathaus). Visitors can enjoy free entry to the University of Basel Botanical Garden, Tierpark Lange Erlen, and specific museum collections like the Skulpturhalle.
Some of Basel's must-see places of interest include the Basel Cathedral (Münster), built 800 years ago in the Romantic and Gothic styles; the Pfalz viewing terrace behind the Cathedral, with its unique views of the Mittlere Brücke and Kleinbasel on the other side of the Rhine; and the Town Hall by the Marktplatz, home ...
BaselCard - free public transport* in the city and much more. The BaselCard is offered as a free bonus with every booking at a Basel hotel, hostel, bed and breakfast or apartment (see accommodation page).
Basel Switzerland Travel Guide: 10 BEST Things to Do in Basel
Is Basel a walkable city?
Basel is a very walkable city, and its public transportation system is efficient and easy to use. Most major attractions are close to each other, especially in and around the Old Town. Hotels also provide a free BaselCard, which gives visitors unlimited access to public transport and discounts on museums.
Throughout their entire stay, the card entitles the holder to ride on all public transport in Basel for free – including the initial journey to the hotel. On top of this, the BaselCard gives guests staying overnight 25% discount on the museums, the zoo and Theater Basel, not to mention low rates for e-bike rental.
It's a must. Don't skip main sights like the Munster, Rathaus or Spalentor. Make sure you make time to also wander Basel's old streets. Explore without a map, walk through each tiny “Gasse” (passage), peek into every hidden Hof (square) - the true magic and atmosphere of Basel is hidden in its little streets.
As a tourist in Switzerland, don't be loud in public, assume everyone speaks English, or be late; instead, be punctual, keep voices down on transport, greet people, respect queues and quiet zones, pack proper hiking gear, buy groceries on weekdays (not Sunday), and be mindful of fire bans and local customs like proper waste disposal and not cutting in line. Avoid planning too much in a short time, and always have correct currency (Swiss Francs) and travel insurance.
The old town of Basel is full of incredible hidden gems, with small squares, hidden courtyards, and fountains appearing around every corner, as well as some of the historic city's most iconic buildings. As you know, I love to start my visit to a new city with a walking tour.
Yes, you can get a "free bus" from Basel Airport (BSL) to the city using the Bus 50, as your hotel booking confirmation acts as a ticket for the initial journey to your accommodation, providing free public transport in Basel. Just board the Bus 50 from the airport, and show your booking confirmation (or the BaselCard you receive at check-in) only if a ticket inspector asks, which is rare.
A typical Swiss breakfast at a café is a coffee and a croissant (gipfeli). At home, a slice of bread with butter and jam or perhaps a bowl of Birchermüesli is also common. On the weekend, you might enjoy a larger brunch with dried meats and cheese.
Rivella is seen as Switzerland's national beverage. The share by value of Rivella AG in the Swiss soft drinks market was 15.3 per cent in 2013, putting Rivella second to Coca-Cola. Rivella is a long-established brand in the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are the most expensive due to high demand and limited availability. Smaller cities such as Lausanne and Zug offer slightly more affordable options, but prices remain high compared to global standards.
The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency and some places, particularly in rural areas, may not accept cards. Cash is commonly used in smaller stores, local markets and for tipping, though tipping is not mandatory. Many vending machines, especially those in older locations, also still require coins.
See the sights of Basel by City Sightseeing bus, and hop on and off around town to visit the landmarks, museums, and attractions that interest you most.
Take one of Europe's most scenic rail journeys on a private full-day Glacier Express train tour from Basel. Enjoy a round-trip journey by train and spend hours on the panoramic coach from Chur to Brig passing wide valleys, mountain gorges, and wooden villages.
The BaselCard is offered as a free bonus with every booking at a Basel hotel, hostel, bed and breakfast or apartment. You will receive your personal guest card when you check in, and you can also load it to your smartphone as a web app.
Day Passes for public transport. If you would like to spend a whole day travelling all over Switzerland on public transport, Day Passes are the ideal practical solution. Day Passes are also available for children, dogs and bicycles.
