Holidays In Basel

The cultural Swiss city at the heart of Europe

 

Basel is an engaging city, full of contrasts. It lies close to the so-called 'border triangle', where Switzerland meets France and Germany, and was an important trading point in medieval times. This is reflected in the buildings of the fascinating Old Town; just minutes away however, you can find many examples of the ultra modern architecture for which the city is also known. Basel is certainly an interesting place in which to spend a few days before exploring deeper into Switzerland. 

Three of the original 14th century gates can still be seen today and it is a pleasure to wander around Basel's charming Old Town, with its winding lanes and well preserved medieval buildings, many of which now house boutiques and restaurants. Be sure to visit the Marktplatz for the impressive 16th century Town Hall and the popular market with local delicacies. The Cathedral is mainly medieval gothic, but you can still see remains of the original 9th century church. For must-see views, ascend the Cathedral tower or head to the Pfalz terrace.  

Basel is well known for its museums, covering everything from history to toys to modern art and you can see Jean Tinguely's 'kinetic art' sculptures near the Theatreplatz. A visit would not be complete without a cruise along the Rhine; try a harbour cruise which affords great views of the city and takes you to the French/German border.

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Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com


Where to stay in Basel 2025 We have a range of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels in Basel for stays of one night or longer which can be added to any of your arrangements throughout Switzerland.
Where to stay in Basel 2025
We have a range of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels in Basel for stays of one night or longer which can be added to any of your arrangements throughout Switzerland.
 
What to see and do

Basel is well known for its museums - the city boasts almost 40! There is something for everyone, from the fascinating Basel History Museum to the Toy Museum with over 6,000 teddy bears and dolls. Must-see art museums include the Basel Art Museum and the astonishing private collection at the Fondation Beyeler covering works by Monet, Warhol and Picasso to name but a few. The Jean Tinguely Museum has eye-popping 'kinetic art' sculptures. The Old Town features well preserved medieval buildings and the Gothic cathedral with the tomb of Erasmus. To see a short video of the town, click here.

Another real pleasure in Basel is to cool off in the river - the water is certainly clean enough for bathing, and locals and visitors alike enjoy swimming here. Pop in to the tourist office to hire a waterproof swim bag for your belongings. 

Further afield is the 2000-year-old settlement Augusta Raurica - the best preserved Roman site north of the Alps - and the scenic Wasserfallen area. This is an ideal starting point for mountain walks or for visiting the stunning Chellenchöpfli viewpoint over the Jura mountains. You can even visit France and Germany on a day trip! Across the German border lies pretty Freiburg, capital of the Black Forest region. Colmar in France is at the heart of the Alsace wine region and it is a delight to try the local vintage alongside a traditional meal.

What to see and do

Basel is well known for its museums - the city boasts almost 40! There is something for everyone, from the fascinating Basel History Museum to the Toy Museum with over 6,000 teddy bears and dolls. Must-see art museums include the Basel Art Museum and the astonishing private collection at the Fondation Beyeler covering works by Monet, Warhol and Picasso to name but a few. The Jean Tinguely Museum has eye-popping 'kinetic art' sculptures. The Old Town features well preserved medieval buildings and the Gothic cathedral with the tomb of Erasmus. To see a short video of the town, click here.

Another real pleasure in Basel is to cool off in the river - the water is certainly clean enough for bathing, and locals and visitors alike enjoy swimming here. Pop in to the tourist office to hire a waterproof swim bag for your belongings. 

Further afield is the 2000-year-old settlement Augusta Raurica - the best preserved Roman site north of the Alps - and the scenic Wasserfallen area. This is an ideal starting point for mountain walks or for visiting the stunning Chellenchöpfli viewpoint over the Jura mountains. You can even visit France and Germany on a day trip! Across the German border lies pretty Freiburg, capital of the Black Forest region. Colmar in France is at the heart of the Alsace wine region and it is a delight to try the local vintage alongside a traditional meal.

 
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site From Basel you can visit the Old Town of Bern, with its distinctive red roofs and arcade. Alternatively travel to La Chaux-de-Fonds, the home of watchmaking and another World Heritage Site. 
Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
From Basel you can visit the Old Town of Bern, with its distinctive red roofs and arcade. Alternatively travel to La Chaux-de-Fonds, the home of watchmaking and another World Heritage Site. 
 
Explore the region with our great value travel passes

Our holidays include the Half Fare Card, which entitles you to a 50% discount on most rail, mountain railways, cable cars, boats and PostBuses across Switzerland.If you are travelling further afield, we recommend the Swiss Travel Pass as it saves you a great deal of money - and helps you avoid the queues at the ticket office! We will be delighted to help you choose the pass that's right for you. Call us on 0800 619 1200 for more advice.

Explore the region with our great value travel passes

Our holidays include the Half Fare Card, which entitles you to a 50% discount on most rail, mountain railways, cable cars, boats and PostBuses across Switzerland.If you are travelling further afield, we recommend the Swiss Travel Pass as it saves you a great deal of money - and helps you avoid the queues at the ticket office! We will be delighted to help you choose the pass that's right for you. Call us on 0800 619 1200 for more advice.

 
Scenic rail holidays from Basel

Enjoy a fantastic two or multi centre holiday, with a scenic rail journey connecting your resorts.From Basel you can make the quick journey to Lucerne to join the Luzern-Interlaken Express or the Gotthard Panorama Express to Interlaken or Lugano respectively. You could also travel to Bern and join the Lötschberg Regio Express to Brig. If you prefer to be based solely in Basel, there are many lakes and mountains journeys to be enjoyed locally. We can tailor make any itinerary you choose, please contact us for details on 0800 619 1200.

Scenic rail holidays from Basel

Enjoy a fantastic two or multi centre holiday, with a scenic rail journey connecting your resorts.From Basel you can make the quick journey to Lucerne to join the Luzern-Interlaken Express or the Gotthard Panorama Express to Interlaken or Lugano respectively. You could also travel to Bern and join the Lötschberg Regio Express to Brig. If you prefer to be based solely in Basel, there are many lakes and mountains journeys to be enjoyed locally. We can tailor make any itinerary you choose, please contact us for details on 0800 619 1200.

 

Request your holiday quotation

Speak to our team today to find out more!

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

River cruise holidays



Planning your ski holiday

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  • Airports around the UK
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Scenic rail holidays

Ask us about the Swiss scenic rail journeys - a great way of combining resorts to create your own two or multi centre holiday
Glacier Express
Bernina Express
GoldenPass Express
Gotthard Panorama Express

Planning your holiday 2025

Call 0800 619 1200
  • Decide where you would like to stay
  • Choose your scenic journeys
  • 1st or 2nd class rail travel in Switzerland
  • How many nights in each resort
  • Decide on bed & breakfast or half board
  • 3, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation
  • Plan visits with your Half Fare Card
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