Things to do in Basel

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Basel featuring a river or creek and a city
Basel which includes modern architecture
Basel showing street scenes
Basel featuring modern architecture
Basler Muenster featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Basel Attractions

Eager to know the most popular things to do in Basel? Enticing shopping, fantastic food and lots of sensational tourist attractions are just the tip of the iceberg. Get ready to pack your bags and discover the gems of this bustling city.

Explore the sights of Basel with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {89 fun activities in Basel fun activities in Basel}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and channel your energy into planning the perfect vacation.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Most popular activities in Basel

Tours & day trips

See all 85 activities
Basel Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide

Basel Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $59 per adult
Basel Old Town Walking Tour With A GuideOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 58 activities
Basel Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide

Basel Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $59 per adult
Basel Old Town Walking Tour With A GuideOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 12 activities
Basel: Self-Guided Food Tour

Basel: Self-Guided Food Tour

Free cancellation available
Price is $49 per adult
Basel: Self-Guided Food TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities
City tour Basel (walking tour)

City tour Basel (walking tour)

Activity duration is 1 hour and 40 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $30 per adult
City tour Basel (walking tour)Opens in new tab

Water activities

See all 3 activities
Luzern Discovery:Small Group Tour and Lake Cruise from Basel

Luzern Discovery:Small Group Tour and Lake Cruise from Basel

Activity duration is 6 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $458 per adult
Luzern Discovery:Small Group Tour and Lake Cruise from BaselOpens in new tab

What to do in Basel

Free Things to Do in Basel

Heading to Basel on a budget? The following can be experienced for zip.

Basel Natural History Museum - Stroll the halls and explore the fascinating displays and collections at this museum.

Altstadt - Come to grips with some of the interesting history of the region through this attraction.

Marktplatz - Arrange a visit and discover the importance of this place to the local community.

Martinskirche - Do a bit of quiet reflection and find out a few things about this site's religious importance.

Botanischer Garten der Universitat - Organize a picnic and enjoy a walk around the beautiful plants.

Things to Do in Basel with Kids

There's fun for all the family no matter where you wander in Basel. Here are a few family friendly experiences to do together that are bound to make your break a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Basel? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Basel

Basel Zoo which includes marine life, zoo animals and snow

Basel Zoo

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Spend hours walking around one of the country’s most impressive zoos .Marvel at the thousands of animals roaming around their large enclosures.

Basel Zoo
Post-Christmas time in beautifully decorated Marktplatz; Basel, Switzerland #switzerland #basel #holidays

Marktplatz

4.5/5(82 reviews)

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Marktplatz during your visit to Basel. Experience the area's museums and art scene.

Marktplatz
Basel featuring a river or creek and a city

Basler Muenster

4.5/5(62 reviews)

Admire its exquisite architecture, peer from the towers over the city or just soak up the atmosphere of Basel’s most important house of worship.

Basler Muenster
Basel Art Museum showing street scenes

Basel Art Museum

5/5(2 reviews)

Appreciate a vast assortment of impressive works spanning several centuries on the gallery walls of the country’s largest art museum.

Basel Art Museum

St. Jakobshalle

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Catch an event at St. Jakobshalle during your trip to Basel. Experience the museums and art scene in this walkable area.

St. Jakobshalle

Congress Center Basel

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Learn about the events happening at Congress Center Basel during your trip to Basel. Experience the area's museums and art scene.

Congress Center Basel

St. Jakob-Park

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Catch an event at St. Jakob-Park during your trip to Basel. Experience the museums and art scene in this walkable area.

St. Jakob-Park

Dreilaendereck

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Kleinhüningen when you spend time at Dreilaendereck. Experience the museums and art scene in this walkable area.

Dreilaendereck

Novartis Headquarters

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Novartis Headquarters is just one of the places to see in Basel, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the museums and art scene in this walkable area.

Novartis Headquarters

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Basel

Basel featuring modern architecture

Basel City Centre

4.5/5(233 area reviews)

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

Basel City Centre
Basel featuring street scenes and a house

Old Town

Museums, art galleries, and live music are just a few things travelers like about Old Town. Sights like White and Blue House and Basel Town Hall are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Basel area at Marktplatz Tram Stop.

Old Town
Basel featuring street scenes and a house

Altstadt Grossbasel

Take time in Altstadt Grossbasel to visit attractions like Basel Town Hall and Marktplatz. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Marktplatz Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Altstadt Grossbasel
Basel Art Museum showing night scenes and street scenes

Vorstädte

Take time in Vorstädte to visit attractions like Basel Art Museum and Spalentor. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at University Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Vorstädte
Default Image

Sankt Alban

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Sankt Alban, St. Jakobshalle and St. Jakob-Park are top sights worth seeing.

Sankt Alban
Why crossing over the river Rhine using an ordinary bridge? This ferry is a very special experience. The boat is guided and pulled by the water itself

Kleinbasel

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

Kleinbasel
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Basel

Weil am Rhein which includes a small town or village, landscape views and farmland

Weil am Rhein

Photo "Saint-Louis" by Chantzy (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Chantzy (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

Saint-Louis

Photo by Dominik Gehl

Muttenz

Photo by Shui Ling Chu

Allschwil

Beyeler Foundation

Riehen

Photo "Grenzach-Wyhlen" by Wicotw (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Wicotw (CC BY-SA)

Grenzach-Wyhlen

Photo by Sascia EmMa

Munchenstein

Frequently asked questions

Is Basel worth visiting?
Basel has a unique blend of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional cuisine, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Basel?
Start your adventures with a visit to Basel Zoo and Basel Historical Museum. Then, tour other parts of Basel for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Basel?
Basel Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Basel and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Basel?
Three days in Basel is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travelers spend two days on average. Basel Zoo, Old Town and Basler Muenster are top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a little longer to explore nearby hotspots like Markgraeflerland.
Is Basel a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Basel is a good place to experience on foot. Wander between Basel Zoo and Old Town. Then take a stroll around Basel City Centre, located 1 mile from the center, and Old Town, which is about 0.1 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Basel with kids?
Deciding what to do in Basel with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're vacationing with little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Basel for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in Basel for adults including Basel Town Hall and Spalentor.
Are there free things to do in Basel?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Basel is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Old Town is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.