MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Basel

Things to Do in Basel

Northern Switzerland Switzerland Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Explore hiking trails, enjoy water sports, and discover wildlife in and around Basel.

Hiking and Trekking Routes

Urban Hikes

Easy walks by the Rhine promenade, Old Town, or Minster hill, suitable for all fitness levels.

Local Forests and Hills

"Grenzacher Horn" trail for picturesque scenery, or paths in Bruderholz and St. Chrischona for simple to medium walks.

Jura Mountains

Accessible by train, offering challenging hikes with scenic vistas, varying difficulties for experienced hikers.

Water Sports and Activities

  • Rhine Swimming: Basel's signature summer activity (June-August).
  • Designated entry/exit points. Use waterproof dry bag (Wickelfisch) for valuables.
  • Rhine Cruises: Scenic boat tours on the Rhine River.
  • Paddling/SUP: Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and small boat rentals on calmer stretches.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Basel Zoo (Zolli): One of Switzerland's oldest and largest zoos.
  • Renowned for breeding plans and naturalistic enclosures.
  • Tierpark Lange Erlen: Smaller, free-entry zoo focusing on native European animals.

Cycling Routes

  • Good cycling infrastructure with designated bike lanes.
  • Explore the city by bicycle; rentals available.
  • Rhine Cycle Path: Part of EuroVelo 15, scenic, mostly flat routes.
  • Cycle east towards Germany or west towards France.

Mountain Biking

  • Trails for mountain biking in the nearby Jura hills.
  • Rent a high hill bike locally for rugged terrains.
  • Ensure to wear a Helmet for safety.

Adventure Sports Note

Basel city itself does not offer white-water whitewater rafting or paragliding. For such activities, travel to the mountainsous regions of Switzerland.

Cultural Immersion

Basel’s deep cultural roots offer many ways to dive into local traditions, arts, and community life.

Workshops and Classes

  • Art Workshops: Local art schools, galleries offer painting, drawing classes.
  • Handicraft Classes: Artisan shops in Spalenberg quarter for traditional crafts.
  • Cooking Classes: Limited tourist options, some bespoke classes on Swiss cuisine.
  • Inquire with local tourism offices for current offerings.

Cultural Performances

Theater Basel

City's main theater for opera, ballet, and drama productions.

Concerts

Classical music at Stadtcasino, contemporary at Kaserne Basel, jazz at Jazzclub Basel.

Smaller Venues

Independent theater, comedy, and experimental performances. Check local listings.

Community-Based Tourism

Engage with local markets (Marktplatz, Petersplatz Flea Market) and neighborhood festivals for unmediated local interaction.

Language Learning

Short-term immersion programs for tourists are rare. Learning basic German or Swiss German phrases is a polite gesture.

Cultural Festivals

Art Basel (international art fair, June), Basel Autumn Fair (traditional public fair, Oct/Nov), Basel Christmas Market (Nov-Dec), Basel Tattoo (military music, July).

Relaxation & Wellness

Find possibilities for relaxation and revitalization in and around Basel, from city spas to spa baths.

Spa and Wellness Center Recommendations

  • Several hotels feature their own spas with treatments, saunas, and pools.
  • Aqua Basilea (in Pratteln): Large water park and wellness oasis with pools, waterslides, sauna, and spa.
  • Aqua Basilea is easily accessible by public transport.
  • Independent day spas provide relaxation and beauty services.

Hot Springs and Natural Therapy Options

Natural Hot Springs

Basel itself does not have natural hot springs. Therapeutic pools are within easy reach for a day trip.

Bad Zurzach

A well-known thermal spa a place with a large outdoor thermal bath and wellness facilities.

Rheinfelden

Another historic spa town on the Rhine, known for its brine baths and saline therapies.

Other Wellness Activities

Yoga and Meditation

Numerous yoga studios in Basel offer drop-in classes. Multi-day retreats are usually outside the city.

Traditional Healing

Not a prominent tourist offering. Switzerland has a modern, evidence-based healthcare system.

Beach and Pool Clubs

Rhine River becomes a "pool" for locals in summer. Public swimming pools available (e.g., Hallenbad Rialto).

Entertainment & Nightlife

Basel offers a varied nightlife and entertainment scene, from live music to quiet bars, serving different preferences.

Live Music Venues

  • Jazzclub Basel: Popular for jazz enthusiasts, hosts local and international musicians.
  • Parterre One Music: Features diverse live music genres, from rock and pop to electronic.
  • Kaserne Basel: Cultural center with a dynamic program, often includes concerts and club nights.
  • Stadtcasino Basel: For classical music lovers, hosts Basel Symphony Orchestra.

Theater and Performance Spaces

Theater Basel

The main venue for large-scale opera, ballet, and drama productions.

Smaller Venues

Throughout the city offer independent theater, comedy shows, and experimental performances.

Local Listings

Check local listings for current displays and programs.

Nightclubs and Dancing

  • Concentrated predominantly in Kleinbasel.
  • Around the Steinenvorstadt area in Grossbasel.
  • Range of music styles and atmospheres.
  • From electronic music to pop.

Bar Districts and Pub Crawls

  • Kleinbasel (Claraplatz, Feldbergstrasse) for a vibrant bar scene.
  • Steinenvorstadt (Grossbasel) with many bars, pubs, and cinemas.
  • Consider joining a local pub crawl.
  • Experience multiple venues and meet other travelers.

Late-Night Entertainment

  • Cinemas: Show films in original language with German/French subtitles.
  • Casinos: Grand Casino Basel for gambling, dining, and entertainment.
  • Formal late-night experience option.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets and Bazaars
  • Marktplatz: Fresh produce, flowers, local goods.
  • Petersplatz Flea Market: Every Saturday, second-hand items, antiques, vintage.
  • Antique Market (Münsterplatz): Higher-end antiques on specific dates.
Artisan Workshops and Crafts
  • Spalenberg Quarter: Smaller boutiques, artisan shops, and galleries.
  • Find special handmade items, local crafts, jewelry, and art.
  • Makes for special souvenirs.

Shopping Tips

For experiences and activities, explore options on GetYourGuide.

Activity Planning Summary

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Basler Leckerli: Famous gingerbread-like biscuit from Läckerli Huus.
  • Swiss Chocolate: High-quality chocolate from local chocolatiers.
  • Watches: Switzerland renowned for watchmaking, from luxury to fashion.
  • Swiss Army Knife: A classic, useful, durable, and practical choice.

Luxury & Ethical Shopping

  • Freie Strasse: Basel's central retail street for international fashion brands.
  • Spalenberg Quarter: Exclusive shopping with charming boutiques and independent designers.
  • Ethical Shopping: Choose products from reputable local artisans and small businesses.
  • Look for "Swiss Made" labels for quality; avoid mass-produced souvenirs.
← Previous
Famous Landmarks in Basel
← Back to Northern Switzerland
Next →
Day Trips from Basel

Next Up: Day Trips from Basel. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Continue to Day Trips from Basel