Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do on a trip to Basel, Switzerland. While many travel blogs will tell you all the fun things to do in Basel Switzerland, we want to be sure you know what you should NOT do when you plan a Basel trip.
Don’t Miss the River Ferry
The Basel ferry is a quaint system that works with a cable and the river current. It’s cheap and a fun way to get over to the Munster/Minster side of Basel, where there are more Basel attractions. Beware, though; once you reach the other side, there are a lot of stairs. The Munster is the highest point in the city, so expect some stair climbing!
Don’t Climb the Minster If You’re Scared of Heights
The Basel Minster is beautiful and well worth visiting. You can see it from all over Basel, but you’ll want to see it up close. For a small admission fee, you can climb the 250 stairs to the top and enjoy amazing views of the Rhine river and the city of Basel.
Don’t Miss the Basel Town Hall
The Basel Town Hall is beautiful on the outside; and even more gorgeous on the inside. The 500-year-old landmark is set on the Basel Marktplatz in Basel Old Town, and the red exterior really stands out. Don’t miss the interior courtyard, which is painted in beautiful frescoes. And best of all, it’s free! Switzerland is an expensive country to visit, so finding free things to do in Basel is a bonus!
Don’t Skip the Food Kiosks
Another great way to save money when you visit Basel is to skip the restaurants and eat at the kiosks on the street. Basel street food is really tasty, convenient, and way less expensive than sitting down in a restaurant. If you bring a refillable water bottle, you can also fill them up at fountains all over town; you’ll save money on bottled water and you can feel good about reducing your single-use plastic usage.
Don’t Forget About Public Transportation
Many of the Basel attractions can be reached with the public tram system. With so much walking, your feet will thank you for short breaks while you’re on the tram. And, you’ll save money over hiring taxis or Uber. It’s pretty easy to use, and affordable. The Basel Tourist Information Office is a great resource for learning how to get around Basel. Also, you can take a quick hand pulled Ferry across the river. Well worth the walk down to the river just to do that.
How to Cut Costs While Traveling
Don’t Miss Out on Basler Läckerli
This local delicacy is a must-try when you visit Basel! It looks a bit like gingerbread and tastes like it too, but it’s firmer and feels more like a cracker than bread. It comes in many different forms and flavors; you’ll see it frequently topped with honey or chocolate, and they are all good. Basler Läckerli makes a great souvenir from your Basel trip!
Don’t Break the Rules
The Swiss are very much law-abiding citizens, and that’s part of why it’s such a safe country to visit. Basel is no exception; the best way to be respectful of locals and the culture is to follow the rules!
Don’t Bring Euros
You can bring Euros to Basel, but you can’t spend them. Switzerland still uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) so you will need to exchange your currency if you are coming from another part of Europe before you get to Basel. Most places will also take credit cards and you may find a few places that take Euros, but in general, plan to carry some Swiss Francs with you.
Travel Money Tips: Exchanging Money Abroad
Don’t Miss the Art in Basel
Ever hear of Art Basel, the global art fair? It originated in Basel! There is a lot of fantastic street art in Basel. Go exploring on your own, or sign up for a Basel Street Art tour with a knowledgeable guide to help you find the best murals in Basel.
If you love art, do not miss the Kunstmuseum Basel; the Basel Art Museum. They have an impressive collection that includes Cezanne, Gaugin, Picasso, and VanGogh.
Don’t Try to Hit All the Museums
Basel has some really great museums, but don’t think you can hit them all in a day or two. Do some research and prioritize the museums that match your interests. Or, plan a longer stay in Basel, as there are nearly 40 museums in Basel. Here are some of the top Basel museums:
- Natural History Museum Basel
- Museum of Cultures Basel
- Kunstmuseum Basel
- Jewish Museum of Switzerland
If you plan to visit a lot of the museums in Basel, make sure you get the Basel Card, as it will give you discounted or free entry into several of them.
Don’t Skip Swiss Wine
Swiss wine is totally underrated and virtually unknown outside of Switzerland. That’s because they consume as much as they produce, so they don’t export a ton of wine like France or Italy.
Don’t Miss Out on Day Trips from Basel
While many travelers visit Basel for a day or two, it can make a great home base for several day trips. Likewise, you can also visit Basel on a day trip from many of these areas.
- Freiburg, Germany is 40 minutes by train
- Colmar, France is 45 minutes by train
- Strasbourg, France is 80 minutes by train
- Vitra Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany is only 15 minutes by train
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Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with Basel! With art, culture, scenery, good food, and some of the best service in Switzerland, Basel is a great place to visit. With so many cool day trips from Basel, you’ll want to stay more than a few days to properly explore the entire region.
Want more tips for traveling in Switzerland? Check out some of our other blog posts: