Basel · Switzerland
Basel Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Basel tours and things to do in Switzerland’s cultural capital on the Rhine: wander the medieval Old Town with its red-sandstone Minster and colourful Town Hall, cruise the Rhine, tour world-class art museums, taste Swiss chocolate and cheese, and use Basel as a springboard for the Swiss Alps, the Black Forest and Alsace. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
228 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Sunset tours in Basel
Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Good for families in Basel
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
Explore Basel by interest
Whatever brings you to Basel — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
What to see
Top attractions in Basel
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Old Town
Minster & lanes.
20 toursView tours
Basel Minster
Red cathedral.
20 toursView tours
Rhine River
Boat cruises.
15 toursView tours
Kunstmuseum
World-class art.
15 toursView tours
Lucerne & Alps
Mountain trips.
30 toursView tours
Jungfrau
Alpine peaks.
20 toursView tours
Black Forest
German woods.
15 toursView tours
Colmar
Alsace charm.
20 toursView tours
1 hr awayLucerne
Lake & Pilatus.
from €90View trips
2 hr awayJungfrau
Alpine peaks.
from €130View trips
1 hr awayColmar
Alsace charm.
from €80View trips
1 hr awayBlack Forest
German woods.
from €85View trips
City awayOld Town
Minster & lanes.
from €25View trips
City awayRhine River
Boat cruises.
from €30View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Basel visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Apr–Jun)
Mild and green — a lovely time to explore.
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Warm and lively, with Rhine swimming and terraces.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Crisp and golden, ideal for the Alps and Alsace.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cold but magical, with a famous Christmas market.
For Christmas
Basel’s Advent market is among Switzerland’s best.
Best overall
Late spring and early autumn are ideal.
One day
The Old Town, Rhine and chocolate.
Two days
Add a Colmar or Black Forest trip.
Three days
Add a Swiss Alps day trip.
For art
The Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler.
For mountains
Lucerne and the Jungfrau region.
With kids
The zoo and a Rhine cruise.
On foot
The Old Town is small and best explored on foot.
Trams
An excellent tram network covers the whole city.
Ferries
Quirky cable ferries cross the Rhine.
Trains
Fast trains reach the Alps, Colmar and beyond.
Where to stay
Stay near the Old Town or the Rhine.
Swiss franc
Switzerland uses the franc; euros are sometimes accepted.
Free transport
Hotel guests get a free BaselCard for public transport.
See the Old Town
Walk the Old Town and climb the Minster towers.
Cruise the Rhine
Take a boat or the quirky cable ferries across.
Museum city
Allow time for the Kunstmuseum and Beyeler.
Alps day trip
Set aside a day for Lucerne or the Jungfrau.
Spring & autumn
Visit in late spring or autumn for the best weather.
Alps day trips
Swiss Alps tours sell out — book ahead.
Colmar trips
Alsace day trips fill up — reserve early.
Chocolate workshops
Chocolate classes book out — reserve ahead.
Walking tours
Guided Old Town tours fill up — book ahead.
Art Basel
During Art Basel the city is packed — book everything early.
Christmas market
Advent weekends are busiest — reserve ahead.
Walking tour
Around €25–50 for an Old Town walking tour.
Rhine cruise
About €25–50 for a Rhine boat cruise.
Chocolate tour
Roughly €40–90 for a chocolate tasting or workshop.
Alps day trip
Around €90–200 for a Swiss Alps day tour.
Colmar trip
About €80–140 for a Colmar and Alsace day trip.
How to save
Use the free BaselCard and join group day tours.
When to visit
Basel through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Spring (Apr–Jun)
Apr–Jun
- Best for
- Mild & green.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
Summer (Jul–Aug)
Jul–Aug
- Best for
- Rhine & terraces.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lively.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Sep–Oct
- Best for
- Alps & Alsace.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Nov–Mar
- Best for
- Christmas market.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Magical.
People also ask
Basel travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Basel?
The highest-rated experiences are an Old Town walking tour, a Rhine cruise, a chocolate tasting, and a Swiss Alps or Colmar day trip.
What should I book in advance in Basel?
Reserve Alps and Colmar day trips, chocolate workshops and walking tours ahead, especially during Art Basel.
How many days do I need in Basel?
One day covers the city, and two let you add a Colmar or Black Forest trip.
Is Basel worth visiting?
Yes — Basel blends a charming medieval Old Town, the Rhine, world-class art and easy access to the Alps, Black Forest and Alsace.
When is the best time to visit Basel?
Late spring and early autumn offer the best weather; the Christmas market is magical.
What is Basel famous for?
Its Old Town, the Rhine, world-class art museums, Art Basel and its three-country location.
Is Basel good for families?
Yes — the Old Town, Rhine cruises, the zoo and chocolate make it a great family destination.
228 Basel experiencesfrom €30 · free cancellation
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