Travel Guide Basel
River port, university city, green city where the Eurovélo passes by, city of art and culture, festive and gastronomic, Basel, in the north of the Swiss Confederation has it all! It is a very lively city, magnificent, multiple and exciting. From the historic old town to the futuristic architecture, with works of art on every street corner, cultural and sporting events all year round, and the presence of the Rhine, Basel is an enchantment and a perfect extended stay to enjoy this incredibly rich destination. Discover it on foot, by streetcar or by bike. Don't miss the Basel Cathedral, the beautifully frescoed city hall, the Tinguely fountain, the magnificent market square, the Dreiländereck, on the banks of the Rhine, the confluence of Germany, France and Switzerland, and the departure point for boats heading for the North Sea, nor the Roman site of Augusta Raurica with its theater, one of the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland. Of this destination, one should not miss the remarkable Basel Zoo and the Fondation Beyeler, the most visited museum in Switzerland, with a rich collection of modern art and three to four major exhibitions per year. But if there is one place in Basel that is not to be missed, it is the new City Lounge, a sumptuous and elegant building with a huge window to the sky. Your favorite tourist guide will be very helpful in finding your way around and choosing the best of the city, and the free Basecard and its many advantages will make your life easier.
What to visit Basel?
Suggested addresses Basel
When to go to Basel?
When to go to Basel? Basel has two peak tourist seasons: July-August, and December-March for winter sports. Basel is a pleasant place to stay all year round. In spring or autumn, you can avoid the crowds of tourists and benefit from lower hotel rates. But don't forget to take an umbrella! You have great events all year round in Basel: a show jumping competition (Longines CSI), in January the biggest carnival in Switzerland, in early March the biggest art fair in the world (Basel Fair/Art Basel), in June a famous tennis tournament (Swiss Indoors Basel), in October the huge autumn fair (funfair) which has been held for more than 5 centuries at the end of October/beginning of November, not to mention the Christmas market and the Christmas illuminations The best time to go to Basel is the one you choose according to your interests!
Weather at the moment
Basel's climate is semi-continental with very contrasting seasons. As a rule, winters are cold and harsh, summers hot and sunny. In summer, severe thunderstorms sometimes occur. Average temperatures range from 1.6 °C in January to 20 °C in July.
The Swiss currency in Basel as in the rest of the country is the Swiss franc. If it is possible to pay in euros in most cases, it is preferable to have Swiss francs on you (which you can withdraw from an ATM). It will be cheaper and there is no lack of banks in Switzerland! If the prices include the service, leaving a tip is common (around 10%). As far as the budget is concerned, Switzerland has the reputation of being an expensive country: a reputation that is well deserved!
Although Switzerland is at the crossroads of Europe, it is not a member of the European Union. However, no particular formalities are required to stay in Basel for less than three months, only a valid identity card or a valid passport are necessary. For stays longer than three months, a visa is required.
There is no risk in going to Basel. Just make sure your vaccinations are up to date (DT Polio, etc.). In case of illness, contact the French consulate which will help you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. Switzerland has a very good reputation in terms of health care, even if prices are obviously expensive... Classic medicines (headaches, stomach aches, lozenges...) are delivered without prescription in Switzerland. There are of course exceptions, but these do not concern the usual medicines; for the others and the treatments, take what you need with you.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Basel? Our advice & tips
There is a wide variety of tour packages available in Switzerland. Some agencies will propose you winter sports stays (accommodation, travel, ski pass...). Others will specialize in city breaks (three days in Bern, Geneva, Basel or Lausanne for example). Another possibility is themed stays: cruises, ecotourism, spa treatments, etc.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationSwitzerland is a country where you can go alone without any problem. It is a very safe destination. On the spot, the organization is perfect. The tourist offices will inform and help you. Internet reservations for accommodations are a well established practice. And they speak French, German and/or Italian depending on the canton. Moreover, English is understood by almost all Swiss people. It's up to you to organize your stay without ruining yourself...
The public transport network is very dense in Switzerland: plane, train or bus. All the lakes of Switzerland are navigable and can be visited in single trip or excursions. Very pleasant to discover the country. If you plan to combine train, boat and bus transportation, opt for the Swiss Travel Pass. Finally, the most advantageous way to get around may be by car (your own or a rental car). As long as your car is well equipped for the mountains and the snow... If you use a highway, you must pay the annual vignette.
