Things to do in  Basel

Yes, Basel is one of Switzerland’s largest cities and has lots to offer, including an international art scene, cool architecture, and a multicultural vibe. It’s also accessible: High-speed rail links make Basel both a day trip destination and a base for explorations beyond the border— France and Germany are nearby.

Basel is known as Switzerland’s Culture Capital for good reason: The city hosts the Art Basel fair each year and is becoming a contemporary architecture hotspot with buildings by Renzo Piano and Richard Meier. Basel also is known for its links to the philosopher Erasmus and tennis ace Roger Federer.

It can be. Basel is big, so one day will allow you to scratch the surface of the city. Base your morning around Grosselbasel, admiring the medieval old town and Münster Cathedral, and then cross the River Rhine to the modern Kleinbasel district for fun at riverside restaurants and bars.

Yes, Basel is walkable if you stick to must-sees around the old town and wider Grosselbasel district. In efficient Swiss style, there are color-coded walking routes that loop around the old town, and you can cross the River Rhine to Kleinbasel on foot easily via the Middle Bridge (Mittlere Brücke).

The Basler Läckerli is a gingerbread-style cookie that hails from the city. Made with a secret spice blend along with honey, nuts, candied citrus peel, and kirsch liquor, these cookies are dense and chewy and deliciously Swiss. They also last well, and make a good gift to take home.

A typical breakfast Basel is what many western hotels would call “a continental,” with bread, preserves, fruit, cheese, ham, and cereals or muesli with milk or yogurt. Keep in mind that Swiss breakfasts often vary by region; for example, in Italian-speaking Ticino, an espresso with brioche is the go-to breakfast.