Basel, Switzerland

Mini Guide

Where to eat, stay, shop and explore in Basel, Switzerland.

If we had to choose one of the most underrated European cities, it would have to be Basel, Switzerland. Basel is a total gem–one that can easily be overlooked for flashy, bigger European destinations. But what you’ll find in Basel will keep you coming back for more. From their undying love of the Rhine River (locals swim in it each summer), to the never-ending art that you’ll spot around every corner, on walls, in galleries and museums, to the ease of cycling around the streets. Here’s a downloadable guide of Next Destination’s top Basel attractions.

Stay

Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel

Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel, Brunngässlein 8, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
Kick off the arts theme in Basel by staying at the modern Nomad Hotel. You’ll be steps away from all major attractions, and its hip, industrial vibe has a New York feel. The on-site restaurant/bistro, the Nomad Eatery, is also top notch.

See

Old town Basel. A walking tour to get bearings of the city and get a small glimpse of the hidden art throughout the streets. The Basel Tourism Board has downloadable walking tours that are perfect to explore on your own.

Rent

A city bike from Guest Bike Rental, Centralbahnstrasse 10, 4051 Basel
Rent a bike for the day so you can explore not just Basel and Switzerland, but also border hop over to Germany and France, stopping at museums along the way.

See

The Vitra Design Museum, Charles-Eames-Straße 2, 79576 Weil am Rhein, Germany
The Vitra Design Museum just over the German border. It makes for a great afternoon visit on your bike and you’ll get bragging rights of cycling from Switzerland to Germany in one morning.

Drink

Vino in France. Cross over from Germany into France (follow this cycling map for the full tour) and stop along the river for a sip of French wine.

Eat

Krafft Basel, Rheingasse 12, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
Back in Basel, add Restaurant Krafft to your list of foodie stops. Book a table by the river for the best views.

Eat

Don Camillo, Burgweg 7, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
This Mexican restaurant in Basel will catch you by surprise with spicy vegan, vegetarian and meat-based dishes. Sit outside on their rooftop patio overlooking a hipster neighbourhood.

— Do

Take a dip in the Rhine

Strip down, put your clothes in a waterproof sac (you can find them at many shops in Basel), and jump into the Rhine River. It’s what locals love to do during the summer (it’s their most popular summer spot!), and you can float or swim down the river

Do

Boat the Rhine
Another take on the river is to see it via a traditional weilding boat tour. Not only is it a chance to be on the river during the summer but also get a history lesson from Urs, a local guide.

Book a Tour

See More Related Mini Guides

See All