4-Day City Experience Itinerary in Basel, Bern, and Lucerne

Day 1: Exploring Basel

Basel, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Les Tropeziens

Start your day with fresh pastries and a hearty breakfast at this charming café known for its croissants and Swiss cheese.
Located centrally, Les Tropeziens is a short walk from many major attractions.
CHF20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kunstmuseum

Immerse yourself in art as you explore the extensive collection of the Kunstmuseum, featuring masterpieces from the Renaissance to contemporary art.
Walk 10 minutes from the café to reach the museum.
CHF15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Papperlapapp

Indulge in a local lunch menu offering traditional Swiss dishes with a modern twist.
About a 15-minute walk from Kunstmuseum.
CHF30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Stroll through the Old Town

Wander through Basel's charming Old Town with its beautiful medieval buildings, including the Cathedral and Town Hall.
Start at the restaurant and walk towards Marktplatz, around 10-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

River Rhine Boat Cruise

Relax on a boat cruise on the River Rhine, taking in the stunning views of Basel from the water.
Head down to the Rhine River, 10-minute walk from the Old Town.
CHF25, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Tinguely Fountain

Discover the kinetic art of Jean Tinguely at this interactive fountain that delights visitors with its quirky movements.
Walk 15 minutes from the cruise dock.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at St. Alban-Stuben

Enjoy a lovely dinner featuring regional specialties in a cozy setting, just a short stroll from the fountain.
15-minute walk back towards the restaurant.
CHF45, 2 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Bern

Bern, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bäckerei Hug

Fuel up with delicious Swiss bakery goods and coffee before heading to Bern.
Walk to the train station, roughly 15 minutes away, and grab breakfast from the bakery.
CHF15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Bern

Board your train to Bern for a scenic journey through Swiss countryside.
Take the train from Basel SBB to Bern (about 1 hour).
CHF25, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Zytglogge

Admire the famous clock tower and catch the next hourly show of its mesmerizing astronomical clock.
Walk 10 minutes from the train station to the tower.
CHF10, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Lötschberg - Berner Urstadt

Treat yourself to a hearty Swiss lunch in this charming bistro serving classic dishes.
About a 5-minute walk from the Zytglogge.
CHF30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Bear Park

Spend some time at the Bear Park, home to Bern's beloved bears while enjoying spectacular views of the Old Town.
15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Federal Palace

Tour the stunning Federal Palace, where the Swiss Parliament meets, and learn about Swiss politics.
Walk back towards the heart of the town, about 20 minutes away.
CHF10, 1 hour

5:00PM

Coffee at Kaffeekultur

Relax and enjoy a cup of coffee at this cozy café known for its artisan brews.
Walk 10 minutes from the Federal Palace.
CHF8, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Kramgasse 6

Savor a delightful dinner at this local favorite with an excellent selection of Swiss and international cuisine.
Short 5-minute walk from the café.
CHF40, 2 hours

9:00PM

Train back to Basel

Return to Basel after a fulfilling day in Bern.
Walk back to the train station, about 10 minutes away.
CHF25, 1 hour
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Day 3: Lovely Lucerne

Lucerne, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Ville

Start your day with a delightful breakfast of fresh bread and local cheese in this charming café overlooking the city square.
Easy walk from your accommodation.
CHF20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Lucerne

Take a scenic train ride to Lucerne, famous for its stunning lake and mountain views.
Depart from Basel SBB (about 1.5 hours).
CHF30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Chapel Bridge

Walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge and explore the charming old town of Lucerne.
Easy walk from Lucerne train station (5 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Wirtshaus Galliker

Grab a traditional Swiss lunch featuring fondue and other regional specialties in a family-run restaurant.
A 10-minute walk from Chapel Bridge.
CHF35, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Swiss Transport Museum

Discover the fascinating history of Swiss transportation at this interactive museum.
20-minute walk from the restaurant.
CHF32, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Lake Lucerne

Take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Lucerne, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
Head back towards the lake, about a 15-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit the Lion Monument

Pay your respects at the poignant Lion Monument, commemorating Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution.
A quick 10-minute walk from the lakefront.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Fritschi

End your day with a delightful dinner in this traditional Swiss restaurant known for its cozy ambiance.
A 15-minute walk from the monument.
CHF50, 2 hours
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Day 4: Return to Basel & Relax

Basel, Switzerland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Confiserie Schiesser

Enjoy a sweet start with pastries and coffee at this famous confectionery in Basel.
Nearby your accommodation, just a short stroll away.
CHF15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fondation Beyeler

Explore this art museum that showcases modern masterpieces in a beautiful setting adorned with gardens.
Take a tram or bus to Riehen, about 30 minutes from central Basel.
CHF25, 2 hours

11:30AM

Coffee Break at Café Nizza

Take a break and enjoy a coffee or light snack before your next adventure.
Catch the tram back towards central Basel, a quick 30-minute journey.
CHF12, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kloster Dornach

Savor a delicious lunch at the nearby monastery, surrounded by peaceful gardens.
A short tram ride from the café returns you to the town of Dornach.
CHF25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Free Time for Shopping

Enjoy some free time to explore local shops and boutiques in Basel for last-minute souvenirs.
Walk through the city center back towards the market area, around 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Vitra Design Museum

Witness cutting-edge design and architecture at this unique museum situated just outside of Basel.
Take a short train ride to the nearby Vitra Campus.
CHF18, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Les Trois Rois

Indulge in a memorable farewell dinner at one of the most luxurious hotels in Basel, known for its excellent dining.
A walking distance from the museum back to the hotel, about 15 minutes.
CHF80, 2 hours
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