Basel-Stadt, Switzerland

Basel

Basel is a cultured city on the Rhine, where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, with a red sandstone town hall, a medieval old town and world-class art museums.

Basel: Basel Private & Small Group City Tour: Highlights And Hidden Gems
Featured walk: Basel Private & Small Group City Tour: Highlights And Hidden Gems · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Basel sits on a bend of the Rhine. It is known for its museums, its art fair and its Fasnacht carnival.

The old town climbs from the Marktplatz to the Münster, and in summer locals swim down the river.

What makes Basel distinctive

  • The Rhine and its ferries
  • The red Rathaus
  • Art museums
  • Fasnacht carnival

Walking tours in Basel

Hand-picked guided walks in Basel, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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By theme: History walks in Basel

Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Grossbasel

    The old town.

  • Kleinbasel

    Across the river.

  • St. Johann

    A residential district.

Free self-guided walk

Rathaus to the Minster

A free self-guided walk in Basel, from the Marktplatz past the Rathaus up to the Minster terrace and across the Middle Bridge.

2.3 km · 5 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Rhine promenades

    Both banks.

  2. Old town

    Lanes and squares.

  3. Pfalz terrace

    Behind the Minster.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Steep up from the river.

  • Swimming

    Rhine swimming is popular in summer.

  • Transport

    Hotel guests get a free transport card.

When to visit

  • Summer

    Swimming in the Rhine.

  • February/March

    Fasnacht carnival.

  • June

    Art Basel.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By rail

    Trains reach Zurich in about an hour.

  • By air

    EuroAirport is about 20 minutes away by bus.

Local transport

  • Trams

    Cover the city.

  • Ferries

    Cross the Rhine on cables.

Questions travellers ask about Basel

How many days do I need?

One or two days.

Can I swim in the Rhine?

Yes, in summer; follow local advice.

What is Fasnacht?

A three-day carnival starting at 4 am.

Zurich: Zurich Historic District Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour
Canton of Zurich

Zurich

A lakeside old town of guild houses and chocolate

Discover the city
Geneva: Geneva Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Canton of Geneva

Geneva

Lakeside diplomacy and a Calvinist old town

Discover the city
Lucerne: Lucerne Small-Group Walking Tour: History, Culture & Hidden Gems
Canton of Lucerne

Lucerne

Wooden bridges below the Alps

Discover the city
Bern: Bern Private Walking Tour with a Local
Canton of Bern

Bern

Arcades and a clock tower

Discover the city
Zurich: Zurich Historic District Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour
Country overview

Switzerland

Lakeside old towns and chocolate shops

Explore destinations

Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.