You arrive in Basel, nestled along the banks of the Rhine River, right where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet. This charming city blends medieval charm with modern sophistication, and you quickly realize it’s the perfect place for an unforgettable mini holiday.
🏨 Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
You land at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, and guess what? If you’re staying in a hotel, they give you a BaselCard — this beauty gives you free public transport and discounts on museum entries and boat trips. A great start already!
You check in at your hotel — maybe something cozy like Hotel Spalentor (about CHF 120–150/night) or a boutique place like Der Teufelhof Basel if you want something artsy. For an affordable stay in Basel during the Easter period (April 20–27), here are some options comparable to the Becozy Self Check-in Pop-Up Hotel Basel for approximately 512.33 CHF
🚶♀️ Afternoon Stroll – Altstadt (Old Town)
Start your adventure with a walk through Basel’s Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and hidden courtyards.
- 🏰 Basel Minster: The red sandstone Gothic cathedral is iconic. Climb the tower for a great view over the city and the Rhine!
- 📸 Rathaus: Basel’s red Town Hall with golden details is perfect for pictures.
For lunch, grab a Flammkuchen (Alsatian-style flatbread pizza) at Klara food court or eat by the river. Price: around CHF 10–20.
🎨 Day 2: Art, Culture & the Rhine
You hop on a tram (they’re punctual, super clean, and part of your free BaselCard) and head to…
- 🖼️ Fondation Beyeler – An incredible modern art museum in a peaceful park setting (discounted entry with your card, around CHF 15).
- 🎭 Kunstmuseum Basel – Switzerland’s oldest public art collection. You’ll find Picasso, van Gogh, and modern Swiss artists.
🛶 Rhine River fun: Take a Fähri, a traditional boat that crosses the river using only the current and a cable (unique and free with your card!).
In the evening, go for dinner at Volkshaus Basel – try local dishes like:
- Rösti (potato hash with toppings)
- Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (sliced veal in creamy mushroom sauce)
Dinner costs: around CHF 30–45 per person with a drink.
🌳 Day 3: Nature & Cross-Border Adventures
Morning coffee and Basler Läckerli (spiced biscuit) at Confiserie Bachmann – a must-try!
Then take a short tram ride or even rent a bike (some hotels offer them for free or cheap) and go:
- 🏞️ Merian Gärten – a peaceful botanical garden and green oasis.
- 🛍️ For fun, hop across the border to Weil am Rhein (Germany) to visit Vitra Design Museum (20 minutes by tram).
For lunch: try something light at Markthalle Basel, an indoor food court with international food stalls.
🍫 What to Buy?
Läckerli from Jakob’s Basler Leckerly
Swiss chocolates – Sprüngli or Läderach
Artistic souvenirs from the museums
Natural cosmetics from Müller or Apotheke shops
🚌 Public Transport Tips
Basel’s transport system is excellent:
- Trams and buses cover the whole city and beyond.
- You can get to Germany and France in under 30 mins!
- Without the BaselCard, a day pass costs around CHF 9–12.
- Taxi prices are high (short rides: CHF 25–40), so stick to public transport or walk – it’s a very walkable city.
💡 Budget Tips
🛏️ Hotels: CHF 100–200/night
🍴 Meals: CHF 10 (budget) to CHF 50+ (restaurant)
🚌 Public Transport: Free with hotel stays
🎟️ Museums: CHF 15–25 (discounted with BaselCard)
🛍️ Souvenirs: CHF 10–50
✨ Final Words
As you sit by the Rhine at sunset, watching locals swim and float down the river with their waterproof Wickelfisch bags, you feel like part of Basel’s story. It’s a city where you don’t need to rush — just breathe in the culture, the calm, and the charm.
✈️ Special Easter Offer: London to Basel from Just $82!
There’s never been a better time to explore the charm of Basel than this Easter! With round-trip flights from London to Basel/Mulhouse starting at just $82 (April 20–27), you can enjoy a springtime getaway full of Swiss culture, lakeside castles, Easter markets, and scenic train rides through the Alps — all without breaking the bank. Book your ticket early to take advantage of this seasonal deal and experience Basel’s Easter spirit with blooming gardens, festive treats, and riverside strolls!
🛫 Tip: Flights arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse, just 20 minutes from the city center by bus. Public transport is smooth, punctual, and included with many hotel stays via the BaselCard!
