Basel City Breaks

Q: What should I try to eat in Basel City?

You can't leave Basel without tasting the city's traditional honey cake. The best place to sample it is the ever-popular Läckerli Huus.

Q: What's the language spoken in Basel City?

The most common language spoken in Basel is Swiss German, but you'll also hear French, Italian and Romansh which are also have official status.

Q: Where's a good place to go at night in Basel City?

For a fun night out head to Kleinbasel (little Basel) for your pick of bars, beer and good vibes.

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The Swiss culture capital

World-class food, unforgettable festivals and a capital of culture – Basel is a city that likes to impress. Folklore, medieval customs, world-class museums and a hodgepodge of different cultures best sums up Switzerland’s second largest city, Basel. Sat on the border with Germany and France, this city used to be an important trade route back in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today it’s a tourist Mecca of medieval buildings, Gothic churches and bucket loads of charm. The Old Town is the usual Swiss mix of riverside views, leafy courtyards, Romanesque cathedrals and enough chic boutiques to leave your credit card trembling. When it comes to dinner time, Basel’s restaurants will leave you spoilt for choice. Expect a delicious combination of Swiss, Italian and French cuisine that is sure to excite the tastebuds.

Best things to do

Walk around the Old Town
Explore the Old Town on foot, visiting the venerable red town hall in Market Square and the city's most famous landmark, the Basler Münster Cathedral.
See the city from the water
Hop into a water taxi and see the city from the River Rhine. Feeling adventurous? Join the locals for a summer float on an inflatable.
Fasnacht Carnival
Taking place on the first Monday after Ash Wednesday, Fasnacht carnival sees the city take to the streets for parades and partying over three days.