Explore Basel-Stadt in 2 Days: A Compact Adventure

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by Audrey

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

Basel-Stadt 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a whirlwind 2-day tour of Basel-Stadt, a treasure trove of culture and beauty nestled in Switzerland. Begin your journey at the iconic Basler Rathaus, spending an hour admiring its grandeur. Next, delve into spiritual serenity at the Basel Minster, a church that stands as a testament to the city's historical tapestry. Reserve your afternoon for the Museum Tinguely, where masterful architecture meets innovative exhibits. On day two, witness the unique Dreiländereck monument, a symbol of the tri-border region, before being swept away by the majestic Rhine Falls. Spare a moment at the poignant Lion Monument, and then lose yourself in the charming labyrinth of the Old Town. Conclude your visit with a brief stop at the Chapel Bridge, a military bridge steeped in history. This itinerary promises a blend of awe-inspiring sights and cultural enrichment, perfect for the discerning traveler seeking a comprehensive Basel-Stadt experience.

Top 6 Hotels in Basel-Stadt
TOP 1
Hotel Victoria
Hotel Victoria
hotelStar
4/5
117 reviews
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TOP 2
Courtyard Basel
Courtyard Basel
hotelStar
4/5
64 reviews
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TOP 3
Basel Marriott Hotel
Basel Marriott Hotel
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4/5
51 reviews
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Ibis Styles Basel City
Ibis Styles Basel City
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3/5
67 reviews
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Novotel Basel City
Novotel Basel City
hotelStar
4/5
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Hotel Metropol Basel
Hotel Metropol Basel
hotelStar
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Day 1: Exploring the Architectural Marvels of Basel

1

Basler Rathaus

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Kickstarting our Basel adventure, the Basler Rathaus stands as the first gem on our itinerary. Nestled in the heart of the city at Marktplatz 9, this stunning town hall isn't just a seat of government; it's a historical tapestry woven with over 500 years of stories. With its vibrant red facade and exquisite frescoes, the Rathaus invites visitors to wander through its halls for an hour, immersing themselves in the grandeur of Basel's political heritage.

Attraction Info

  • Marktpl. 9, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open on Mon-Fri,8:00am-5:00pm;Closed on Sat-Sun

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Restaurant Seegarten
Restaurant Seegarten
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La Cave
La Cave
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5/5 · 30 reviews
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Bistro Europe
Bistro Europe
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Brasserie Baselstab Movenpick
Brasserie Baselstab Movenpick
4/5 · 12 reviews
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Bar & Bistro
Bar & Bistro
4.4/5 · 7 reviews
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8 min,0.56 km
2

Basel Minster

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A short stroll from the bustling market square leads us to the serene embrace of the Basel Minster. This ecclesiastical masterpiece, with its twin Gothic spires reaching towards the heavens, offers a peaceful respite from the city's rhythm. Spend an hour exploring the intricate stonework, stained glass, and the hushed ambience of this sacred space, which has stood as a spiritual beacon for centuries.

Attraction Info

  • Münsterpl. 9, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open from 1/1-12/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 1/1-12/31,10:00am-4:00pm;Open from 1/1-12/31,11:30am-5:00pm;Open from 1/1-12/31,11:00am-4:00pm;Open from 1/1-12/31,11:30am-4:00pm,The Cathedral will be closed on the following dates: January 1, Good Friday, December 24 and 25; The specific business status during special periods such as holidays and exhibitions shall be subject to the opening conditions on that day
5 min,2.06 km
3

Museum Tinguely

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Concluding the day's cultural pilgrimage, Museum Tinguely awaits, a tribute to the ingenious Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. Located at Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, this museum is not just a building but a piece of master architecture that houses the mechanical ballets of Tinguely's kinetic art. Engage with the interactive exhibits and marvel at the fusion of art and motion, rounding off an hour of whimsical discovery in this temple of creativity.

Attraction Info

  • Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
  • Open on Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun,11:00am-6:00pm;Open on Thu,11:00am-9:00pm
4.4/549 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent49 Reviews
Basel
|0.4km from Museum Tinguely
2.9/53 Reviews
2.9/53 Reviews
Basel
|0.55km from Museum Tinguely
0/50 Reviews
Basel
|0.71km from Museum Tinguely
3.8/543 Reviews
3.8/543 Reviews
Birsfelden
Birsfelden
|0.71km from Museum Tinguely

Day 2: A Journey Through Time and Borders in Basel-Stadt

1

Dreiländereck

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Kickstart your second day at the iconic Dreiländereck, where borders dissolve and history stands tall. This unique sculpture statue marks the meeting point of three nations, offering a half-hour glimpse into the seamless blend of cultures. Nestled at Westquaistrasse 75, the monument stands as a testament to the unity and diversity of the region.

Attraction Info

  • Westquaistrasse 75, 4057 Basel
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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St. Alban-Stübli
St. Alban-Stübli
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Bistro Europe
Bistro Europe
4.3/5 · 4 reviews
2.9 km from attraction
5/5 · 30 reviews
3.4 km from attraction
Brasserie Baselstab Movenpick
Brasserie Baselstab Movenpick
4/5 · 12 reviews
3.4 km from attraction
Ristorante Coccodrillo
Ristorante Coccodrillo
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Autour de la Table
Autour de la Table
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1 h 28 min,95.55 km
2

Rhine Falls

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Next, let the roaring Rhine Falls sweep you off your feet with its majestic beauty. Just an hour's stay at Rheinfallquai will allow you to witness Europe's largest waterfall in its full splendor. The thunderous cascades and misty sprays are a natural spectacle not to be missed on your Basel adventure.

Attraction Info

  • Rheinfallquai, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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Al-Andalus
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Tasty - Gourmet Kebab
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Fassbeiz
Fassbeiz
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Sommerlust
Sommerlust
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Gastro Vibez
Gastro Vibez
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China Restaurant Panda
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3

Lion Monument

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Continue your day with a brief yet poignant visit to the Lion Monument in Luzern. Carve out 10 minutes to pay homage to this powerful monument, a symbol of courage and sacrifice. Located at Denkmalstrasse 4, the Lion Monument is a silent guardian of history and a must-see on your itinerary.

Attraction Info

  • Denkmalstrasse 4, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 10-15 minutes
  • Open 24 hours

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Burgerstube im Hotel Wilden Mann
Burgerstube im Hotel Wilden Mann
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Hotel Château Gütsch
Hotel Château Gütsch
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Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern
Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern
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Seecafe
Seecafe
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Stadtkeller Swiss Folklore Restaurant
Stadtkeller Swiss Folklore Restaurant
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Wirtshaus Taube
Wirtshaus Taube
4.5/5 · 32 reviews
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16 min,1.1 km
4

Old Town

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Immerse yourself in the charm of yesteryears with a 2-hour stroll through the enchanting Old Town. As you wander the ancient streets, let the echoes of the past guide you through a broad sense of Lucerne's history, with the Perl bridge serving as a gateway to this timeless quarter.

Attraction Info

  • Perl bridge can be regarded as the old city of Lucerne in a broad sense
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
1 min,0.11 km
5

Chapel Bridge

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Conclude your day with a brief encounter with the historic Chapel Bridge. Spanning the river with its military significance, this 15-minute visit to Kapellbrücke will connect you to Lucerne's medieval past, rounding off your day with a picturesque view of one of Switzerland's most iconic bridges.

Attraction Info

  • Kapellbrücke, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland
  • Suggested tour duration: 15-30 minutes
4.2/5102 Reviews
4.2/5Very Good102 Reviews
Lucerne
|0.06km from Chapel Bridge
3.9/532 Reviews
3.9/532 Reviews
Lucerne
|0.09km from Chapel Bridge
3.7/576 Reviews
3.7/576 Reviews
Lucerne
|0.14km from Chapel Bridge
4.5/5122 Reviews
4.5/5Excellent122 Reviews
Lucerne
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Top Things to Do in Basel-Stadt-2024

TOP 1
Basel Minster
Basel Minster
4.7/5 · 47 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 2,138 review
Highlights:
The high walls made of red sandstone, the roofs paved with colorful tiles, the towering twin towers, all these make the cathedral one of the important features of Basel. The wine cellar, the choir, the tomb of Erasmus in Rotterdam, the Galluspforte and the two cloisters bear witness to the vicissitudes of the cathedral over the centuries. Basel's history as an urban settlement begins in Chapel Hill. In the first century BC, Celts from the Rauricii tribe lived in the fortified "oppidum". Today, the remains of the "Celtic Wall" can still be seen in the semi-underground windows of the Rittergasse. In 15 BC, the Roman army established a military base on Chapel Hill on the border between the Roman Empire and the Germanic tribes. In the center of the Münsterplatz square, you can see a hidden Roman well leading to the groundwater of the Rhine. In the late Roman Empire, Christianity was established in the Basel area. Existing documents record bishops who came to Basel from the Roman republic of Augusta Raurica, located about 10 kilometers upstream of the Rhine. But in fact, the names of all the bishops who have lived in Basel since the 8th century are now known. The cathedral dates back to the reign of Charlemagne, and the building was destroyed in 917 when the Hungarians attacked the entire city. At the beginning of the 11th century, Henry II built a magnificent new church for Basel. During the 25 years at the end of the 12th century, the church of Henry's period was replaced by Romanesque buildings, and after the earthquake in 1356, it was renovated into a Gothic church. Around the Münsterplatz square, the priests of the church built their own post-Gothic residences, and the open space was used for commemorative processions, festivals, competitions and grand military parades for visiting people. In 1529, Basel became fully Protestant. Bishops and clergy left the city, and the clergy's empty homes were sold to wealthy merchants. In the 18th century, the church became post-Baroque and Neoclassical, while Münsterplatz became a quiet and prosperous residential area, and later the administrative center of Basel. Today, this magnificent square is used as a venue for various events and an open space for people to meet.
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TOP 2
Basler Rathaus
Basler Rathaus
4.6/5 · 44 review
Highlights:
The Basel City Hall stands on the Market Square and is the seat of the state capital of Basel and the seat of the city council. Of particular note are the Town Hall, its beautiful inner courtyard, its romantic arcades and its majestic tower. The town hall has been located in this area since the 14th century, rather than the seat of the city's previous ruler, the duchy monarch who was also bishop, who lived on Chapel Hill. Not choosing the same address shows that the citizens at that time sought independence as their economic strength grew, and were no longer subject to the bishop. The craftsmen formed 15 guilds, which in 1501 carried out the decision of the municipal council to join the Swiss Confederation. To commemorate this event, at the beginning of the 16th century, the first half of the then town hall was replaced by a very famous new building. The battlements have also been renovated, surrounded by very rich colors, with 12 badges hanging, representing the 12 cantons, including Basel, which joined the Swiss Confederation at the time. At the beginning of the 17th century, the town hall was enlarged, and HansBock painted the wider and longer walls, with imitation architecture. In 1900, the town hall was further expanded, adding a annex on the left and a tower on the right. At the same time, the original rear building built in the 14th century was demolished and a new building was built. This was a period of historicism, as the architects used elements from the traditional style, some old parts and their architectural forms were incorporated into the new building, but the whole decoration was of a very new style at the time, known as Art Nouveau.
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TOP 3
Dreiländereck
Dreiländereck
4.5/5 · 46 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 173 review
Highlights:
Basel is close to Germany and France and is a city at the junction of the three countries. There is a rocket-shaped sculpture at the junction, which is called the "Three Kingdoms Monument". The flags of Switzerland, France and Germany are engraved on it. There is a bridge across the Rhine in front of the monument, on both sides of the bridge can clearly identify the signs of the border.
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TOP 4
Fine Arts Museum Basel
Fine Arts Museum Basel
4.5/5 · 2 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,260 review
TOP 5
Little Venice
Little Venice
4.4/5 · 41 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 6,024 review
Highlights:
The Little Venice District is a characteristic neighborhood of Colmar, where a small river quietly passes through, and colorful old houses on both sides are reflected on the river along with trees, flowers, and small bridges. The scenery is exquisite and beautiful.
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Basel-Stadt 2 Days Itinerary