7-Day Itinerary for Basel

  • Day 1: The Basel Minster
    10 minutes (0.5 miles) from Basel Restaurant Chez Donati

    The Basel Minster is a historic landmark that overlooks the Rhine River. The Gothic cathedral with two towers has stunning views of the city and is home to the world's oldest playable pipe organ.

  • Day 2: Fondation Beyeler
    25 minutes (5.5 miles) from The Basel Minster

    Fondation Beyeler is an art museum located in Riehen near Basel. It is home to works of modern and contemporary art and is set in a beautiful park with sculptures and art installations.

  • Day 3: Basel Paper Mill Museum
    20 minutes (4.5 miles) from Fondation Beyeler

    The Basel Paper Mill Museum is a unique museum that showcases the history of papermaking. The museum has interactive exhibits, workshops, and live demonstrations.

  • Day 4: Rheinufer Basel
    15 minutes (1 mile) from Basel Paper Mill Museum

    Rheinufer Basel is a scenic riverfront promenade that offers stunning views of the Rhine River, the Old Town, and the surrounding hills. This is a great place to relax, jog, or have a picnic.

  • Day 5: Schaulager
    30 minutes (7 miles) from Rheinufer Basel

    Schaulager is a unique museum of contemporary art that functions as a warehouse, exhibition space, and research laboratory. The museum has no permanent collection but rather exhibits artworks that are not currently on display elsewhere.

  • Day 6: Basel Zoo
    25 minutes (5 miles) from Schaulager

    The Basel Zoo is a popular attraction that houses over 600 species of animals from around the world. The zoo has large enclosures that mimic the animals' natural habitats and is committed to animal welfare and conservation.

  • Day 7: Basel Old Town
    15 minutes (1 mile) from Basel Zoo

    The Basel Old Town is the historic district of Basel and is home to many landmarks such as the Town Hall, the Basel Cathedral, and the Spalentor gate. The Old Town also has many shops, restaurants, and cafes where you can buy souvenirs or grab a bite to eat.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • The Basel Minster (1-2 hours, free)
  • Fondation Beyeler (2-3 hours, CHF 25)
  • Basel Paper Mill Museum (1-2 hours, CHF 15)
  • Rheinufer Basel (1-2 hours, free)
  • Schaulager (2-3 hours, CHF 20)
  • Basel Zoo (2-3 hours, CHF 26)
  • Basel Old Town (2-3 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: CHF 106

Transportation

Basel has an extensive public transportation network consisting of trams and buses operated by Basler Verkehrsbetriebe (BVB). A single ride within the city costs CHF 3.50, while a 24-hour pass costs CHF 10. Taxis are available but are relatively expensive, with fares starting at CHF 6.50 plus CHF 3.50 per kilometer. Most attractions in Basel are within walking distance, and the city is bicycle-friendly with many bike lanes and rental options available.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, just across the border in Germany. The campus is home to many buildings designed by famous architects such as Zaha Hadid and Herzog and de Meuron. If you have less time, you can skip one of the attractions on the list or shorten your stay at each location.

Airports

EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP) is an international airport located approximately 6 miles northwest of Basel. The airport is a hub for easyJet Switzerland and serves many European and African destinations. There are regular bus and train connections between the airport and the city center, with a travel time of approximately 20-30 minutes and a cost of CHF 4-5.

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