Ana Maria's Travel Blueprints

Basel is one of those cities you can truly comfortably see in a single day. It’s not essential on a Switzerland itinerary, but the airport usually has some of the cheapest fares (at least from Madrid). Plus, it’s where France, Germany and Switzerland meet, and if you’re doing an Interrail trip, there’s a good chance you’ll be changing trains here anyway. Might as well make the stop count.

This Basel guide is part of my 15-day Interrail trip through Amsterdam, Switzerland, Slovenia & Vienna, so make sure to check it out if you’re interested!

All prices, schedules, and reservation requirements in this itinerary are accurate as of 2025 (please please please double-check official websites before your trip).

Index

🗺️ Overview Map

All the key stops you can easily fit into a day.

✨ Need to know

⏱️ How many days to see Basel

One day is perfect. Basel isn’t huge and its must-sees are spread out but manageable. I wouldn’t go out of my way just for the city, but it’s ideal if it’s already on your route.

📅 Best time to go

Anytime works. It follows the usual European rhythm: summer crowds, winter markets, and quieter shoulder seasons. I went in summer and the streets were surprisingly empty.

🚌 Getting around

Public transport is good, with both buses and trams to get around. Most hotels and hostels also include a free public transport pass with your stay!

🛏️ Where to stay

I stayed at Basel Backpack for one night. It cost me 50€, which is expensive for a hostel, but this is Switzerland we're talking about. It was well-reviewed and located in an industrial complex turned creative/community space. It’s outside the main tourist area, but Basel is small and the transport pass makes everything easy.

📌 One-Day Itinerary

Offene Kirche Elisabethen

Tinguely Fountain

Basler Münster

Bischofshof

Basler Pfalz

Basel Town Hall

St. Peter Church

University of Basel Botanical Garden

Spalentor

Mittlere Brücke

Border Triangle Basel

1. Offene Kirche Elisabethen - One of the city’s main landmarks (but it was partially under construction during my visit).
2. Tinguely Fountain - Moving machines mixed with water resulting in a unique fountain. Quick stop but definitely worth a visit!
3. Basler Münster - Free to visit. Going up the tower is 6 CHF and apparently you can’t go up on your own! At least two people every time.

   ⏰ Mon-Sat 11:00-16:00 | Sun 11:30-16:00
   I arrived too late to visit inside, but it’s worth prioritising if your timing works.

4. Bischofshof - Right next to the Münster. Free and always open. Small but interesting historical courtyard.
5. Basler Pfalz - Terrace behind the Münster with a great view over the Rhine.
6. Basel Town Hall (Rathaus) - Bright red facade and ornate details. Definitely stop by.

   ⏰ Mon-Fri 8:00-12:00, 12:30-17:00

7. St. Peter Church - Free to enter and easy to pop into while passing through the area.
8. University of Basel Botanical Garden - Free entry and lovely if you enjoy looking at different varieties of plants. The lily pads alone are worth it. I arrived at opening time and had the place to myself.

   ⏰ Mar-Oct daily 8:00-18:00 | Nov-Feb daily 8:00-17:00 (greenhouses open at 9:00!!)

9. Spalentor - A medieval city gate leading into narrow, small-town-feeling streets.
10. Mittlere Brücke - The classic Rhine River view.

    Cross to the other side to get on the bus to the next stop!

11. Border Triangle Basel - Where Switzerland, France and Germany meet. Underwhelming but a fun “I’ve been here” stop if you have time. It’s a short tram plus a walk through an industrial area. Don’t expect views and don't go out of your way to see this, but if you have time and nothing else to do, it's an interesting side quest.

🎯 TL;DR (Trip At a Glance)

⛪ Offene Kirche Elisabethen
⛲ Tinguely Fountain
⛪ Basler Münster + Bischofshof + Basler Pfalz
🏛️ Basel Town Hall
✝️ St. Peter Church
🌿 University of Basel Botanical Garden
🏰 Spalentor
🌉 Mittlere Brücke
📍 Border Triangle Basel

Click on the map image for the Google Maps list with all locations.

🚂 Interrail Trip Details

If you’re following my 15-day Interrail itinerary, you arrive in Basel at 16:00. That means you won’t catch the Münster before it closes. Either wait until it opens at 11:00 the next morning or skip it and continue to your next stop.

I did the Botanical Garden and Spalentor the following morning before catching the train to Bern.

Day 1

Arrive at 16:00 → check in → pick up free transport pass

Route: Offene Kirche Elisabethen → Tinguely Fountain → Basler Münster → Bischofshof → Basler Pfalz → Basel Town Hall → Mittlere Brücke → Border Triangle Basel

Day 2

Leave luggage at the hostel

Route: St. Peter Church → University of Basel Botanical Garden → Spalentor

Pick up luggage → train to Bern