Stay central
Staying in or near the Old Town means day one needs no transport at all.
Basel guide · Weekend
Baselin two days.
A two-day plan: the Old Town and the Rhine on foot, then one outing chosen by what you love.
Two days is a good length for Basel. The first day is for the Old Town and the river, all on foot. The second is for one outing chosen by interest, with time left to wander.
- MorningStart with coffee on Spalenberg, then walk down through the lanes to Marktplatz. Step into the Rathaus courtyard to see the painted arcades.
- Late morningCross the Mittlere Brücke for the view along the river, come back and climb the Rheinsprung lane to Münsterplatz.
- MiddayThe Münster and the Pfalz terrace above the Rhine. Climb the tower if it is open. Lunch in the Old Town.
- AfternoonOne museum in the centre: the Kunstmuseum for painting, or the paper mill in St. Alban for something hands-on. Or walk up to Spalentor instead.
- EveningIn summer, a drink on the Kleinbasel riverbank. In winter, a glass of wine at the top of Spalenberg. Dinner in the Old Town.
- For artFondation Beyeler in Riehen: modern art and major exhibitions on the edge of the city. Give it half a day.
- For designThe Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, just across the German border, with its campus of landmark buildings.
- For summerStay by the Rhine: walk upstream on the Kleinbasel side, swim if conditions allow, and end at one of the riverside buvettes.
- For rainMuseum Tinguely and its moving machines, the paper mill, or a bouldering session at Elys Boulderloft.
- Before you leaveBack in the Old Town for a last coffee, and a cookie from the courtyard on Andreasplatz.
LA
A surprise tasting menu from chef Matthieu Judenne, listed in the MICHELIN Guide, in the elegant St. Johanns-Vorstadt.
Mystifry
Handmade vegan brioche doughnuts and coffee from a tiny shop. It closes for the day once the doughnuts are sold out.
Spale Bar
A wine bar with a wide choice of wines by the glass, gin and single malts, and cold platters to share.
Before you go
Four things
for a smooth weekend.
Check the calendar
Fasnacht, the autumn fair, the Christmas markets and Art Basel change the city completely. Plan around them, or book early.
Reserve dinner
Popular restaurants fill up at weekends and during fairs.
Check museum days
Opening days differ between museums. Confirm before you set the order of your weekend.