Visiting Basel: our themed recommendations

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on November 22, 2025

Are you setting off to explore Basel and want to avoid the “100 places to see” approach? We've put together a themed city guide, perfect for 3-4 days, covering culture, architecture, outdoor sports, and relaxation. On the agenda: must-see museums, swimming in the Rhine, historic alleyways, and places off the beaten track. Follow the guide.

Outdoor sports

Swimming or floating in the Rhine

Yes, you can take a dip in the heart of the city: the Rhine in Basel is a summer institution. Bring your “Wickelfisch,” float peacefully along the water, and enjoy a truly local experience!

Cycling, walking, and green discoveries

Basel also offers beautiful walks from the riverbanks to the parks, with bike paths along the Rhine or towards the surrounding hills. Perfect for combining gentle cardio, visual pleasure, and local immersion.

Culture

Kunstmuseum Basel

Immerse yourself in one of Switzerland's most renowned art museums, with collections spanning the 15th to the 21st century. Here you will find major works of art, exquisite architecture, and the artistic soul of Basel.

Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel

A lesser-known but equally charming museum where dolls, miniatures, and toy worlds come together in the heart of the city. Ideal for mixing things up and adding a touch of whimsy to your itinerary!

Architecture & heritage

Basler Münster and the Altstadt district

Basel cathedral, with its red sandstone towers and colorful roofs, tells the story of 800 years of history. Stroll through the old town, admire the view from the Pfalz terrace, and soak up the medieval-modern atmosphere.

Spalentor

One of the city's historic gates, less visited than the major monuments but full of charm and history. A perfect stop for a little detour that makes all the difference.

Relaxation

Fountain baths and urban breaks

Basel also has its little pockets of coolness: the bathing fountains in the old town are great places to discover when it's hot. Ideal for a light and refreshing break between visits.

Alleyways, cafés & local atmosphere

Stroll through the quieter neighborhoods, discover alleyways, independent shops, cafés that only the locals know about... That's Basel too. Let yourself be carried away without a fixed plan, just follow your instincts.

In short, Basel offers you a mix of major cultural institutions, rich heritage, refreshing outdoor sports, and moments of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle. To fully enjoy all this, consider the rail option: a smooth, sustainable, and relaxing way to reach the city!

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.

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