Фотогалерея ‒ Basel, Switzerland

Guide to Basel

Virtual tour of Basel

The serene and tranquil city of Basel is a quintessential example of Swiss life, known for its legendary pace. Life here unfolds at a leisurely pace, amidst historical streets, ancient churches, cathedrals, and renowned European universities. To explore all of the city's museums, it's recommended to acquire a tourist card known as the BaselCard. This card offers discounts on museum tickets, provides various advantages at restaurants and cafes across the city, and, most importantly, allows you to participate in free guided sightseeing tours. For a quick introduction to the city, it's worth delving into each of the museums. Many of them boast the largest collections in Europe on their respective subjects. Notable institutions include the Historical Museum, the Art Museum, the Doll Museum, and others. There are also specialized collections, such as the Jean Tinguely Museum, renowned for its mechanical sculptures. Almost every museum hosts thematic exhibitions, creative events, and informative gatherings periodically. Beyond the cultural offerings, the city has much more to offer in terms of recreation. The zoo, which has been in existence for nearly 150 years, is a popular attraction among both visitors and locals. For enthusiasts of natural beauty, the Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination.

Tips for tourists

1. If you go to the city during the peak tourist season or during exhibitions and conferences, beware of pickpockets in crowded places.
2. The Swiss live a measured and quiet lifestyle. It is therefore not advisable to be too noisy between 22:00 and 7:00. This is strictly enforced.
3. Almost all parking lots in the city are tolled, and you have to pay for using the autobahn. The relevant receipts must be placed on the windshield of the car.
Population
170 903
Time zone
UTC+1, in summer UTC+2
Language
German
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)

Tours to Basel

The Swiss city of prosperity and comfort is conveniently located near the borders of two neighboring countries, France and Germany. This proximity allows for delightful tours that complement your visit to this region.

Switzerland's tranquillity seamlessly blends with the romance of France and the precision of Germany, and the overall cost of the trip doesn't increase significantly.

In Basel itself, there's a plethora of activities to enjoy. The city is perfect for leisurely strolls, relaxing in romantic cafes and restaurants, and communing with nature. You can enhance your vacation by exploring landmarks such as the old town hall, cathedral, and observation decks.

Cruises to Basel typically cost around 500-600 EUR, with prices subject to fluctuations. Booking your flights well in advance can yield economical options. While it's possible to find vacations priced at 1500 EUR or more, it's advisable to hunt for hot deals at least a month before your planned trip.

Generally, affordable hotels, restaurants, and excursions are easy to come by, particularly considering that the peak tourist season falls during the summer. Bargain tours are often secured two weeks before the year-end, as prices tend to rise closer to Christmas. Each trip to Basel can be tailored to meet the traveler's preferences and requirements.

Interesting places in Basel

Switzerland's cultural and educational city, Basel, is abundant with museums, galleries, universities, and historic landmarks. However, tourists in Basel are not confined to these attractions alone. Exploring the city on foot often includes visits to the local botanical garden and zoo. Visitors also have the chance to join a complimentary city tour by obtaining a BaselCard. This card not only grants them access to museums at reduced rates but also offers discounts at city cafes and restaurants, as well as on local ferry rides.

Sights

Travel budget

Flight ticket prices

The Swiss city of Zurich is one connecting flight away from Barcelona. There are no direct flights here. German carrier Lufthansa is the cheapest and the fastest option. The cheapest ticket costs 256 EUR. It is a route with one connection in Munich, and the flight will take 7-8 hours. Alternatively, you can go via Frankfurt am Main for 296 EUR, halving the duration of the flight.

The best hotels in Basel

Basel is one of Switzerland's most popular cities, boasting excellent infrastructure. When it comes to accommodations, the five-star Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois stands out as the city's finest, with a nightly rate of 603 CHF. For those seeking four-star comfort, there are plenty of options ranging from 120 to 250 CHF per night. The most luxurious four-star option is the GAIA Hotel, with rates at 379 CHF for a single adult.

The city offers a substantial selection of three-star hotels, although their rates are not always more affordable than those in the four-star category. For budget-conscious travelers, Hotel Alfa offers rooms at 171 CHF per night. However, more upscale three-star options like Microhotel can charge 320 CHF per night.

The cost of vacation

As comfortable and captivating as Basel is for tourists, it also comes with a higher price tag for a vacation. This bohemian and educational city, brimming with captivating sights, museums housing unique collections, and renowned universities, is always bustling with visitors and art enthusiasts. Consequently, prices for accommodation and dining in Basel are set at a level commensurate with its offerings. To provide you with a rough estimate of the cost of a vacation in this city, we've compiled average figures for the most essential expenses during your trip.

The budget for a trip to Basel
Visa - Flight 270 EUR
Acc 250 CHF (225 EUR) per day Average check in a restaurant 25 CHF (22 EUR)
Transportation fare 3.4 CHF (3 EUR; free on check-in) Excursion 165 CHF (148 EUR)
Total: 1302 EUR for a three-day vacation

Basel: tips for tourists

A brief summary of the most important and useful nuances of preparing a trip to Switzerland. How to get to Basel, how much the trip will cost, where to be vigilant and what to consider first.

Visa to Basel

No visa needed for European citizens

Airport

The city is served by a unique airport that receives flights to three neighboring countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Accordingly, the official name of the airport includes the names of the neighboring cities of these countries: Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. But territorially it is located in France.

Transfer

Switzerland is served by bus route 50 from the airport. It takes you to Basel Sbb train station in Basel, from where you can travel further into the city by streetcar. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the station from the airport. Tickets can be purchased at the stop in a machine, for Swiss francs, euros or by card. The ticket is valid for two hours.

Transportation

The most popular transportation in the city is the streetcar. There are 11 routes organized around the city, which are served by two companies. Basel is also served by bus. Public transportation is free for tourists staying in hotels in the city. Boarding a cab costs 6.5 CHF, and each kilometer within the city - 3.8 CHF.

Car rental

There are several places to rent a car in Basel in the city center, but the cheapest is at Basel Airport. There you can rent a Volkswagen Polo or any similar car for just CHF 118 per day (EUR 106). You'll need a credit card and an international driver's license valid for more than one year.

Safety

Basel is one of the quietest and safest cities in the country. If a tourist stays out of the rough neighborhoods, he or she has a good chance of avoiding any assaults. But during the summer season, Christmas and major conferences in the city, it is worth keeping a close eye on your belongings and pockets in crowded places.

tripmydream - travel service, that helps to find compare and buy best flights and rooms worldwide with the given budget. All necessary information for travelers - is right here!