Basel, a Swiss city often overlooked in favour of Zurich or Geneva, is definitely worth a visit. During my ten-day housesitting stint for a gorgeous cat, I discovered that this lovely city has it all – from its picturesque riverside location to its impressive medieval architecture. Located in the northwestern corner of Switzerland, right at the intersection of three countries: Switzerland, France, and Germany, Basel is an important cultural and economic hub. It's the third-largest city in Switzerland and is known for its rich history and stunning medieval architecture. While many come for its museums and art scene, I found that Basel has so much more to offer beyond the gallery walls. From peaceful walks along the Rhine to exploring hidden corners of the Old Town, enjoying local markets and parks, and chilling in the many coffee shops – this city really grew on me. Here are some of the top things to do in Basel that I discovered during my time here: Explore The Old Town (Altstadt) The old town of Basel is full of incredible hidden gems, with small squares, hidden courtyards, and fountains appearing around every corner, as well as some of the historic city's most iconic buildings. As you know, I love to start my visit to a new city with a walking tour. If you want to explore with a guide, there are a number of walking tours available. Alternatively, if you prefer to wander by yourself but want some inspiration, pick up a map from the Basel Tourist office, which offers five different trails around the city. Spalenberg Street Don't miss Spalenberg Street, with its quirky shops, boutiques, and old-world architecture, when exploring the old town. The Hoosesagg Museum (Pants Pocket Museum) is also worth a visit – it's Basel's smallest museum and features a rotating collection of exhibitions displayed in a window no bigger than 2 feet by 2 feet. Street Art Keep an eye out for some cool street art as you explore the city. Basel Town Hall (Rathaus) is another must-visit attraction, with its impressive Renaissance building and wonderful colourful frescoes. In front of the Town Hall, there's a small market selling fruit, veg, and flowers – and you'll find a few street food stalls here too. Basel Minster (Basler Münster) Visit this iconic red sandstone Gothic cathedral and enjoy the stunning views of the Rhine from the Pfalz terrace located behind the Basel Minster. The church has some cool stained-glass windows, and it's a peaceful place to hide when it starts raining – which it did quite often while I was in Basel. Münsterplatz Sit and relax in this lovely square in front of Basel Minster, one of the city's most historic and picturesque spots. I spent a lot of time here, just people-watching and drinking coffee. Peterskirche Take a look inside this 14th-century church, which has a lovely interior. On Saturday mornings, in front of the church in Petersplatz, there is the Flohmarkt Petersplatz – a flea market that's quite fun to wander around. Spalentor Just a short walk from Peterskirche is this beautifully preserved medieval city gate, a symbol of Basel's history. Mittlere Brücke (Middle Bridge) connects Grossbasel and Kleinbasel and offers excellent views of the Rhine – as you cross the bridge, look for the Käppelijoch Chapel, a small, modest chapel on the Middle Bridge. Mittlere Brücke This historic bridge is also home to the Käppelijoch Chapel, which served as a public site for punishment during the Middle Ages. Women accused of crimes such as theft, adultery, witchcraft, or infanticide were chained and cast into the floodwaters of the Rhine – men faced similar punishments if accused of bigamy or mistreating their parents. Neighbourhood Of St. Alban St Alban was my favourite area in Basel – it's a charming, leafy neighbourhood where chestnut trees line the Rhine and part of the old city wall still stands. The highlight here is the Basel Paper Mill Museum, a medieval mill demonstrating traditional papermaking techniques. Dreiländereck (Tri-Border Point) It's not the most exciting part of Basel, but the Dreiländereck monument is the point where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet – it's about a 30-minute walk along the river to get there. While you might not be missing out if you don't go, visiting this spot can still provide some interesting insights into the city's history. Swimming in the Rhine Yes, you know I didn't do this – but floating down the Rhine like a local during the summer is a Basel tradition. If you're feeling adventurous, take a dip in the river and experience the city from a different perspective. Easy Day Trips From Basel For some inspiration for day trips from Basel, consider visiting the Roman Ruins at Augusta Raurica – just 17 km east of the city, there's an ancient Roman site that features scattered ruins, including one of Central Europe's best-preserved Roman theatres. To reach Augusta Raurica, take the S-Bahn (S1) from Basel to Kaiseraugst and walk for 10 minutes following the signs. Colmar, France But if you only have time for a one-day trip, I highly recommend Colmar – just a short 45-minute train trip from Basel, this charming French town is renowned for its picturesque canals, colourful half-timbered houses, and rich Alsatian history. Wandering its streets feels like stepping back in time – check out my detailed blog post on making the most of a Colmar day trip from Basel! Finding Out What's Happening In Basel For events happening when you're in Basel, check this site. Markthalle Basel This lively indoor market is fun for food lovers – it features fresh produce, local foods, and diverse international cuisine. I highly recommend authentic Thai food – it's flavorful and true to tradition, and ordering food in Thai is a lot easier for me than in Swiss German. La Manufacture This is an excellent breakfast choice with a welcoming, vegan-friendly menu. It offers many fresh options, making it a great spot to start your day – and the atmosphere is always lively and friendly. 11 Coffee & Bar L Located near the theatre, this trendy coffee shop doubles as a bar and offers a laid-back vibe. It's a cosy stop with great coffee and a stylish atmosphere – perfect for a light breakfast or just a quick pick-me-up. Cafe Bar Elizabethan Tucked into the corner of a church near the theatre, Cafe Bar Elizabethan serves outstanding coffee in a charming setting. It's a must-visit for a relaxed coffee experience – and the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming.
