24 hours in BASEL

I always try to book the cheapest flights. This often involves at least one layover, frequently lasting several hours. Hence, my many long layovers in major hub cities like Paris, London, Lisbon, and others have inspired my series 24 Hours in…. There, I offer fellow travellers suggestions on how to transform those unproductive hours into a mini-vacation.

Now, Basel’s airport isn’t one of the most frequented hubs. Nevertheless, due to the city’s location at the tripoint of Germany, France, and Switzerland in the heart of Europe, it often lies on the globetrotter’s route, especially if you travel by train or long-distance bus across the continent. And also my road trip through Europe brought me back to Basel – and enabled me to put together this 24-hour itinerary for this often underrated and overlooked art hub.

Welcome to Basel

Whether you fly into Basel or arrive by train, you’ll land at the SBB train station in the city center, which is a good thing. Not only do all the trams depart from the station square, but the Mövenpick Hotel Basel* is also just a stone’s throw away. And as soon as you’ve checked in, you’ll receive the BaselCard. The BaselCard is a complimentary city pass provided to anyone staying overnight in a hotel, hostel, or even Airbnb. It covers public transport and grants discounts on various attractions.

To my knowledge, it’s unique that you automatically get such a fantastic deal with your overnight stay in a city.

So, as soon as you’ve dropped off your luggage at the hotel, you can get started right away.

Local Currency

Swiss Franc / 1 CHF = 1.25 US$ as of July 2026. However, make sure to check the current rate.

Emergency Contacts

Police 117
Fire Department 118

National Airline

Swiss

Airport

EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg / IATA-Codes: BSL, MLH, EAP

Tourist Info Online and Onsite

Basel Tourismus
Steinenberg 14
4051 Basel
Phone: +41 61 268 68 68
Email: info@basel.com

Getting Downtown and Back

Basel is located in the border region of Switzerland, Germany, and France and is therefore very well connected to the European transport network. The city is easily and quickly accessible from many directions.

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is only about 20 minutes from the city center. From there, bus #50 takes you directly to Basel SBB, the main train station.

Yet, keep in mind that the city has three train stations: Basel SBB, Basel Badischer Bahnhof, and Basel SNCF, which are closely interconnected and offer fast connections to the city center.

Morning Activities

Even though the city of Basel generously provides you with a BaselCard, the city center is perfectly walkable in good weather, and the Mövenpick Hotel* is ideally located for this.

From here, it’s only about a ten-minute walk to one of the city’s most important landmarks, the Tinguely Fountain.

Created in 1977 by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, its moving, metal figures are powered by water, giving the fountain a lively, playful appearance.

From the fountain, it’s just a five-minute walk to the first viewpoint.

The Lohnhof area above the central Barfüßerplatz combines historic architecture with a special atmosphere and is one of the most charming spots in the old town. From here, you have a sweeping view of the Rhine, the city’s rooftops, and the surrounding countryside. And even though the lanes leading up are steep, the path is so picturesque that it’s well worth the effort.

For more majestic views, head down and then back up again towards the Basel Minster.

It is one of Basel’s most important landmarks, and with its red sandstone walls and two towers, it dominates the city skyline on the Rhine.

Even more iconic is the Minster’s terrace, also known as the Pfalz, located behind the church. From here, you’ll have arguably the most scenic view of the Rhine and so-called Kleinbasel on the opposite bank.

From the Pfalz, an idyllic stroll then leads along Augustinergasse and Rheinsprung alongside beautiful rows of historic houses.

Turn left into Archivgässlein. This picturesque alley will take you to another iconic building, Basel’s town hall. With its bright red facade, richly decorated frescoes, and distinctive tower, the town hall is one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. Built in the early 16th century, it remains the seat of Basel’s government to this day.

By now you’ve probably worked up an appetite. So let’s head to our lunch spot.

To get there, cross the so-called Mittlere Brücke. By all means, don’t forget to keep glancing back at the old town while crossing, as the bridge offers the very best views.

And one more tip: at the bridgehead on the opposite bank, there’s a fantastic sculpture. Helvetia, an allegorical female figure symbolizing Switzerland, gazes out over the Rhine. She’s laid down her suitcase, shield, and cloak to rest after her journey. The artist Bettina Eichin truly created a masterpiece here.

Morning Activities

A rainy day is no biggie in a city known for its outstanding museums, and the complimentary BaselCard will get you everywhere without getting your feet wet.

From the SBB station, take either tram #2, #8, or #11 to Wettsteinplatz, where you can hop on bus #31 or #38, which stop right in front of the museum.

Perhaps you already spotted the first work of Jean Tinguely at the airport. If not, then you’ll have ample opportunity to discover the works of this extraordinary artist at the Museum Tinguely.

Tinguely’s work thrives on the idea that art doesn’t have to be static. His machines rattle, turn, and sometimes seem almost defiant. This is precisely where their poetry lies. A particularly accessible place to experience this is the Museum Tinguely, obviously. The building, designed by Mario Botta, houses works from all phases of his career. Here, you can marvel at his playful wonder machines from Tuesday to Sunday between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Thursdays until 9 p.m. for an entrance fee of 18 CHF.

Out of Basel

If you still have time and energy after your Tingueley experience, you should visit the famous Fondation Beyeler before lunch. It’s worth it not only for the art on display, but also for the idyllic setting in the village of Riehen.

Although Riehen is technically no longer part of the city of Basel, you can reach it by public transport in under half an hour. Simply take bus #31 or #38 back to Wettsteinplatz, where you can transfer to tram #2. It will take you directly to the venue.

The museum, which opened in 1997, is based on the private collection of Basel gallery owners Ernst and Hildy Beyeler. They built an internationally renowned collection of classical modern and contemporary art over decades. Yet, the Fondation Beyeler is particularly known for its temporary exhibitions. The experience, therefore, depends largely on what kind of art you prefer. 

Architecturally, the building was designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. It is set within a spacious park with meadows, trees, and ponds. Large glass fronts seem to create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces.

The Fondation Beyeler is open 365 days a year from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. The general entrance fee is 25 CHF.

Lunch

The upscale food court Klara is an excellent choice for a simple, relaxed, and varied lunch when you don’t want to waste much time. Thanks to its modern concept, there’s something for everyone. They offer regional specialties and international dishes. Of course, its convenient location is also a major plus. You can walk there from the old town center when the weather is nice. If you don’t feel like walking, or if the weather isn’t cooperating, simply take one of the trams or buses that go to the Claraplatz transport hub.

If you are coming from the Fondation Beyeler, just take tram #6 to Claraplatz.

Klara is located at Clarastraße 13, and they serve food every day from 11 a.m. until around midnight.

Afternoon Activities

After lunch, walk back across the bridge to the Schifflände boat landing. From there you can leisurely cruise across the Rhine to the St. Alban landing.

St. Alban is one of Basel’s most charming neighborhoods and is often called Little Venice.

This nickname becomes immediately apparent as you stroll along the small canals and past historic buildings. Small bridges, winding alleyways, and the gentle lapping of the water create an almost fairytale atmosphere.

Of course, relaxing with a drink in the neighborhood or taking a stroll along the Rhine promenade under the plane trees is a great option.

But I have a special tip for you: an afternoon spent enjoying a mini-summer vacation at the Rheinbad Breite!

Rheinbad Breite is one of Basel’s most beautiful river swimming areas right on the Rhine.
Didn’t bring your swimsuit? Besides access to the Rhine, the historic bathing facility offers spacious sun decks and loungers. Here you can relax and linger by the water, and they also have a restaurant and a kiosk.

Afternoon Activities

A rainy afternoon is perfect for learning about an old craft. The Basel Paper Mill is an interactive museum where visitors can experience traditional papermaking and printing firsthand and get creative. Yes, at their hands-on workshop, you can create your own paper. What a unique souvenir!

The Basler Papiermühle is located at St. Alban-Tal 37 in Basel’s St. Alban neighborhood. To get there from the restaurant, take tram #8 or #11 and get off at the stop Kunstmuseum. However, from there it’s still a ten-minute walk.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturdays, they open only at 1 p.m. The general entrance fee is 20 CHF.

Dinner and Nightcap

To get to the most impressive dinner place, take tram #3 from St. Alban-Tor and get off at Aeschenplatz. From there, it’s just a couple of minutes to the B1 Rooftop Bistro.

The bar may have a rather small snack menu, but so far everyone has left satisfied. They also have a huge selection of drinks, and the sensational view over the city more than makes up for everything.

B1 Rooftop Bistro is located at St. Alban-Anlage 26. They are open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Accommodation

Especially if you are on a layover and need to get back to the airport in the morning, or you have to catch an early train, staying close to the main station is crucial. Luckily, the Mövenpick Hotel* is not only one of Basel’s most comfortable hotels, but it is also located in the perfect spot just minutes from the main station.

However, if it should be booked out, you can look for accommodation that suits your expectations, needs, and budget on this map*:

Map

This map should help you to easily find all the wonderful places I’m introducing in this post. To switch between the itineraries for a sunny and a rainy day, just open the legend at the top left corner, and you can hide or unhide the respective layer as you wish. This way, the map will show only the section you really need and be clearer.

Pinnable Pictures

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Disclaimer: I was invited to stay at the Mövenpick Hotel Basel. Also, Basel Tourismus supported my blogger trip by supplying me with a Museum Card.  However, all opinions on these services are mine and weren’t by any means influenced by my cooperation partner.
*This is an affiliate link. If you book through this page, not only do you get the best deal. I also get a small commission that helps me run this blog. Thank you so much for supporting me!

Icons: money bag by Roundicons from www.flaticon.com, police car, train, sun, glass, and bed by Freepik from www.flaticon.com, takeoff plane and board made by ultimatearm from www.flaticon.com, info made by Roundicons from www.flaticon.com, umbrella made by Kiranshastry from www.flaticon.com, food plate by Vectors Market from www.flaticon.com