With a whole host of museums, stylish cocktail bars and the River Rhine on your doorstep, there’s so much to do on a city break to Basel.
City beaks to Basel
Tucked up in the Northwest of Switzerland, along the River Rhine between the German, French and Swiss borders, sits the charming city of Basel. This place is a cultural hub, with a long list of annual events and festivals like the annual street parade. But the most famous is Art Basel, where the best contemporary art is showcased. Don’t stress if you’re not here for the big events thought – Basel has lots more on offer. There’s a tonne of museums – 40 to be exact – and Basel is also home to Switzerland’s oldest Zoo. Art lovers are taken care of too, with the likes of Kunstmueum, the Foundation Beyeler and the Tinguely Museum. But a break here doesn’t just centre around culture – you can hop on a boat ride across the Rhine or nibble your way through the city, sampling what Switzerland is best known for – chocolate. And speaking of the Rhine, it's worth noting that a dip in the famous river is Basel’s most popular summer sport. Throw your clothes in a Wickelfisch – a colourful waterproof bag – and float along with the gentle current, passing the picturesque scenes of the city. It’s recommended you start your journey at the riverbank below Museum Tinguely. If you start here, you can float three kilometres down the river.
Best time to go to Basel
When you visit Basel really depends on your plans and preferences. But the most popular time to visit Basel is the period between May and September. This is when the weather is at its best, peaking in the height of summer, where the temperature averages in the late-twenties, but can reach mid-thirties. This is the busiest time of year, so to avoid the crowds you can plan your trip in the Spring or Autumn when temperatures are still comfortable for exploring. The winter season here, is December through to March and experiences milder weather than other areas of Switzerland. This time of year is popular for the Christmas markets in December and the Carnival of Basel which is normally around the end of February.
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