Things to do in Basel

Find and book 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.

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 { 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.

Things to do

Tour on the vintage tram

Tour on the vintage tram

$25
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Tour on the vintage tram
Basel Private Tour - James Bond's Schilthorn and Lauterbrunnen

James Bond’s Schilthorn & Mürren Tour | From Basel

$557
per adult
James Bond’s Schilthorn & Mürren Tour | From Basel
Basel: Sightseeing Bus Tour with Audio Guide

Basel: Sightseeing Bus Tour with Audio Guide

$37
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Basel: Sightseeing Bus Tour with Audio Guide
Spalentor

Basel City Sightseeing Bus Tour

$32
per adult
Basel City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Tour on the vintage tram

Tour on the vintage tram

$37
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tour on the vintage tram
Chocolate Making Workshop, Bean to Bar Experience | From Basel

Chocolate Making Workshop, Bean to Bar Experience | From Basel

$85
per adult
Chocolate Making Workshop, Bean to Bar Experience | From Basel
Basel Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Audio Tour

Basel Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

$9
per adult
Basel Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour
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Most popular activities 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 $15 per adult
Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-HoursOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 20 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 $123 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 7 activities
Basel: Fancy a 60-minute bike tour through 3 countries?

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

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 7 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $27 per adult
Basel: Fancy a 60-minute bike tour through 3 countries?Opens in new tab

Water activities

See all 4 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 $103 per adult
Hydrofoil and surfing on the Rhine behind a motorboatOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 4 activities
Swiss Chocolate Tasting Experience | Basel

Swiss Chocolate Tasting Experience | Basel

Activity duration is 35 minutes
6.8 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $19 per adult
Swiss Chocolate Tasting Experience | BaselOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Basel

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

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!

 

 

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 programs. 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 and neighborhoods 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

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.

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 neighborhood.

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

Sankt Alban

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

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

Clara

Restaurants and river views are some things travelers note about Clara. Check out Munsterplatz or Basler Muenster while you're familiarizing yourself with the larger area.

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

Basel City Centre

Museums, art galleries, and historic 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.

 

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

A village with red-roofed houses, a church, and vineyards.

Weil am Rhein

A river with a boat, a bridge, and modern buildings in the background.

Birsfelden

A vineyard with rows of grapevines in the foreground, a cityscape with various buildings and a clear blue sky in the background.

Saint-Louis

A densely packed town with historic buildings and a prominent church steeple.

Muttenz

A cityscape with a vineyard in the foreground and mountains in the background.

Allschwil

A modern building with a glass facade, surrounded by lush greenery and a small pond.

Riehen

A wooden boardwalk through a forested area with dense greenery and trees.

Grenzach-Wyhlen

A formal event with a large group of people in kilts and military uniforms performing on a stage with spotlights.

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.

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