Things to do in Basel

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic cityscape with a prominent cathedral, a river, and lush greenery along the riverbank.
A modern building with a unique angular design and large glass windows.
A cobblestone street lined with colorful buildings, a church spire, and a sign for 'Hotel zur Post'.
A modern architectural structure with white walls and a curved design element.
An ancient stone building with arched windows and intricate carvings.

Things to do

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours

€14
per adult
Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours
Spalentor

Basel City Sightseeing Bus Tour

€28
per adult
Basel City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Basel Private Tour - James Bond's Schilthorn and Lauterbrunnen

James Bond’s Schilthorn & Mürren Tour | From Basel

€493
per adult
James Bond’s Schilthorn & Mürren Tour | From Basel
Swiss Chocolate Tasting Experience | Basel

Swiss Chocolate Tasting Experience | Basel

€16
per adult
Swiss Chocolate Tasting Experience | Basel
Basel: Fancy a bike tour through 3 countries in 60 minutes?

Basel: Fancy a 60-minute bike tour through 3 countries?

€24
per adult
Basel: Fancy a 60-minute bike tour through 3 countries?
Basel Self-Guided Audio Experience

Basel Self-Guided Audio Experience

€5
per adult
Basel Self-Guided Audio Experience
Basel: Self-Guided Food Tour

Basel: Self-Guided Food Tour

€42
per adult
Basel: Self-Guided Food Tour
Walking Tour with the Night Watchman

Walking Tour with the Night Watchman

€16
per adult
Walking Tour with the Night Watchman
City guide

City tour Basel (walking tour)

€26
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
City tour Basel (walking tour)
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Most popular experiences in Basel

Tours & day trips

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Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours

Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hours

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 85 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €13 per adult
Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-HoursOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 25 activities
Zurich: Private eTukTuk City Tour

Zurich: Private eTukTuk City Tour

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 84 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €107 per adult*
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Cruises & boat tours

See all 3 activities
Walking Tour with the Night Watchman

Walking Tour with the Night Watchman

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is €16 per adult
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Water activities

See all 3 activities
Hydrofoil and surfing on the Rhine behind a motorboat

Hydrofoil and surfing on the Rhine behind a motorboat

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €89 per adult
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What to do in Basel

Stay near popular Basel attractions

A group of penguins in a snowy landscape.
Photo by Basel Tourismus/ Jörg Hess
Open Photo by Basel Tourismus/ Jörg Hess

Basel Zoo

8.6/10 (264 reviews)
Switzerland's oldest zoo houses over 6,000 animals across 600 species, famous for groundbreaking breeding programmes. Witness the daily penguin walk in winter or observe snow leopards in their naturalistic habitats.
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Where to stay in Basel

Find the best Basel areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Basel
Learn more about Basel
A historic building with ornate facades, large windows, and a clock tower.
Photo by Annie Chamberlain
Open Photo by Annie Chamberlain

Altstadt Grossbasel

If you're spending time in Altstadt Grossbasel, you might enjoy attractions like Basel Town Hall and Marktplatz. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Marktplatz Tram Stop to see more of the city.

A riverside cityscape with historic buildings and modern skyscrapers.

Kleinbasel

Kleinbasel is popular for its stunning river views, and you can check out Rhine, a top attraction in the neighbourhood.

A river with swans, a bridge, a path, and buildings in the background.

Sankt Alban

While visiting Sankt Alban, you might make a stop by sights like St. Jakobshalle and St. Jakob-Park.

A church with a pointed steeple, arched windows, and a wooden door.

Clara

Well liked for its restaurants and river views, you might stop by Munsterplatz and Basler Muenster while you're exploring Clara and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

A historic cityscape with a prominent cathedral, a river, and lush greenery along the riverbank.

Basel City Centre

Museums, art galleries and historical sites highlight some notable features of Basel City Centre. Make a stop by Basler Muenster or Munsterplatz while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Marktplatz Tram Stop or University Tram Stop to get around town.

A green tram on tracks in front of a historic building with a clock and a sign reading "SBB CFF FFS".

Gundeldingen

Frequently asked questions

Is Basel worth visiting?
Whether you want to enjoy the cultural highlights and local charm or sample regional foods and explore in nature, there are plenty of things to do in Basel.
How do I spend a day in Basel?
After you've visited major attractions like Basel Zoo and Basel Historical Museum, spend the rest of your day discovering Basel's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Basel?
The top tourist attraction in Basel is Basel Zoo, so be sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Basel?
Three days in Basel is plenty of time to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Basel Zoo, Old Town and Basler Muenster are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Markgraeflerland.
Is Basel a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you want to see and do in Basel. Several key attractions, including Basel Zoo and Old Town, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Basel's neighbourhoods, Basel City Centre is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Old Town is 0.16 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Basel with kids?
Planning what to do in Basel with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Basel for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or adventure seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Basel for adults including Basel Town Hall and Spalentor.
Are there free things to do in Basel?
In Basel, Old Town is a top spot for anyone wishing to enjoy the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, stroll around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Basel.

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