free walking tour basel deutsch

Want to share your culture with travelers from all the world?

Free walking tour near basel, others cities to visit after basel, find other guruwalks in basel, where are you traveling to.

Free Walking Tours Basel

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Free Walking Tours Basel - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Free Walking Tours Basel

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Free Walking Tours Basel - Things You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Free Walking Sightseeing Tour #1 in Basel, Switzerland

Guided free walking tours.

Book free guided walking tours in Basel.

Guided Sightseeing Tours

Book guided sightseeing tours and activities in Basel.

Explore Basel in Switzerland with this free self-guided walking tour . The map shows the route of the tour. Below is a list of attractions, including their details.

Sight 1: Gemeindehaus Oekolampad

The Oekolampad parish hall is a Protestant Reformed church in the city of Basel, which has been converted since 2011.

Wikipedia: Oekolampad-Kirche (DE)

Sight 2: Pauluskirche

St. Paul's Church is a Reformed Church in Basel, Switzerland, part of the Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton Basel-Stadt. The church was constructed between May 1898 and November 1901 by Karl Moser (1860–1936) and Robert Curjel, and features a Neo-Romanesque architectural style. The apse is fitted with a stone pulpit that is raised behind a stone communion table. The apse also features a gallery, with a central arch behind the pulpit, in which the organ and choir are placed. It features artwork in Art Nouveau style including relief work on the church exterior above the main entrance by sculptor Carl Burckhardt (1878–1923), mosaics on the inner front wall by Heinrich Altherr (1878–1947) and stained glass windows by Max Laeuger (1864–1952).

Wikipedia: St. Paul's Church, Basel (EN) , Website

Sight 3: Basel Historical Museum – Haus zum Kirschgarten

The Haus zum Kirschgarten is a city palace on Elisabethenstrasse in Basel, Switzerland. The building is used by the Basel Historical Museum.

Wikipedia: Haus zum Kirschgarten (DE) , Website

Sight 4: Elisabethenkirche

The Elisabethenkirche, or Offene Kirche Elisabethen, is a 19th-century church building in the centre of Basel, next to the Theater Basel, in Switzerland. It is a well detailed example of Swiss Gothic Revival style churches. It has a 72 metres (236 ft) tall bell tower and spire. The tower has internal stairs.

Wikipedia: Elisabethenkirche, Basel (EN) , Website

Sight 5: Theater Basel

Theater Basel is the municipal theatre of the city of Basel, Switzerland, which is home to the city's opera and ballet companies. The theatre also presents plays and musicals in addition to operas and operettas.

Wikipedia: Theater Basel (EN) , Website

Sight 6: Tinguely Fountain

The Fountain of Fasnachts is a fountain created by artist Jean Tinguely and is located in the Theaterplatz in the Swiss city of Basel. It was built between 1975 and 1977 on the stage of the old, aborted city theatre and was a gift from the 50-year-old trade cooperative Migros to the city of Basel. It is a new landmark for Basel, but it is not protected by monument.

Wikipedia: Fasnachts-Brunnen (DE)

Sight 7: Basel Historical Museum – Barfüsserkirche

The Basel Historical Museum is one of the largest and most important museums of its kind in Switzerland and a heritage site of national significance. It opened in 1892. The museum is divided into three buildings within the city of Basel: the Barfüsserkirche, Haus zum Kirschgarten and Musikmuseum.

Wikipedia: Basel Historical Museum (EN) , Website

Sight 8: Stadtcasino Basel

Stadtcasino Basel is a concert hall in Basel, Switzerland.

Wikipedia: Stadtcasino Basel (EN)

Sight 9: Baseldytschi Bihni

The Baseldytschi Bihni isch e Chlaitheater in the Lohnhof in the Swiss city of Basel. It is organized by the association «Baseldytschi Bihni».

Wikipedia: Baseldytschi Bihni (ALS) , Website

Sight 10: Leonhardskirche

St. Leonhard's Church is a Protestant Reformed church in the city of Basel, Germany. The Gothic town and collegiate church is dedicated to St. Leonhard and is located in the old town of Grossbasel on Leonhardskirchplatz.

Wikipedia: Leonhardskirche (Basel) (DE)

Sight 11: Martinskirche

St. Martin's Church is a Protestant Reformed church in Basel, Switzerland.

Wikipedia: Martinskirche (Basel) (DE)

Sight 12: Staatsarchiv des Kantons Basel-Stadt

The State Archives of Basel-Stadt in Basel have the legal task of taking over, indexing, securely storing and making available for use the archive-worthy documents of the canton's public bodies. It supports the research and publication of archival material. Organizationally, the State Archives belong to the Presidential Department.

Wikipedia: Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt (DE)

Sight 13: Museum Kleines Klingental

The Museum Kleines Klingental in Basel is located in the founding building "Kleines Klingental" of the former nunnery Klingental from 1274 and was founded in 1938/39 as the "City and Minster Museum". The museum houses the collection of original sculptures from Basel Cathedral, which were replaced by copies during restorations at the cathedral. The museum also houses a model of the city of Basel as it looked in the 17th century and a model of the Klingental Monastery in the 16th century. The museum is managed by the Cantonal Monument Preservation Office of Basel-Stadt.

Wikipedia: Museum Kleines Klingental (DE) , Website

Sight 14: Clarakirche

The Church of St. Clara is a Roman Catholic parish church in the Swiss city of Basel. It is located in the Clara district of Kleinbasel and dominates Claraplatz.

Wikipedia: St. Clara (Basel) (DE)

Sight 15: Weisses Haus

The Blue and The White House are two town mansions in the city of Basel.

Wikipedia: The Blue and The White House (EN)

Sight 16: Naturhistorisches Museum Basel

Natural History Museum Basel is a natural history museum in Basel, Switzerland that houses wide-ranging collections focused on the fields of zoology, entomology, mineralogy, anthropology, osteology and paleontology. It has over 11 million objects.

Wikipedia: Natural History Museum of Basel (EN) , Website

Sight 17: Museum der Kulturen

The Museum of Cultures in Basel is a Swiss museum of ethnography with large and important collections of artifacts, especially from Europe, the South Pacific, Mesoamerica, Tibet, and Bali. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

Wikipedia: Museum of Cultures (Basel) (EN) , Website

Sight 18: Basel Münster

Basel Minster is a religious building in the Swiss city of Basel, originally a Catholic cathedral and today a Reformed Protestant church.

Wikipedia: Basel Minster (EN)

Sight 19: Kunstmuseum Basel | Neubau

The Kunstmuseum Basel houses the oldest public art collection in the world and is generally considered to be the most important museum of art in Switzerland. It is listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.

Wikipedia: Kunstmuseum Basel (EN)

Sight 20: Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Basel (Switzerland) opened in 1980 as the first public museum in Europe exclusively dedicated to the production and practice of contemporary art from the 1960s to the present. It is a heritage site of national significance.

Wikipedia: Museum of Contemporary Art (Basel) (EN)

Disclaimer Please be aware of your surroundings and do not enter private property. We are not liable for any damages that occur during the tours.

GPX-Download For navigation apps and GPS devices you can download the tour as a GPX file .

• Did You Know? Archive
• Beyond Basel
• Sports & Recreation
• Life in Basel
• Culture & Traditions
• Advertising
• Partnerships
• Sponsors & Donations

Free Walking Tour — Downtown Basel

Free Walking Tours Basel is an independent nonprofit association offering free tours in Basel to visitors and locals in English. On this day, there will be a tour of downtown Basel. This tour includes the old town of Basel with sights like the Tinguley Fountain at Theaterplatz, Münsterplatz, Marktplatz with its Rathaus (city hall), Mittlere Brücke, and the Spalentor. It will take you to the most famous sights and provide some background information. They don’t want to cover only the history (which is something you can hardly escape in Basel), but also culture and everyday life. The philosophy of Free Walking Tours is that a good city tour is priceless, so it is up to you to decide how much you want to pay. The guides work on a tip basis, which incentivizes them to give you their best, and at the same time makes it possible for everyone to enjoy the tours, whatever your budget may be. If you are interested in joining one of the scheduled tours, there is no need to sign up! Just check the website, show up at the given time and location, and enjoy the tour. Meeting place for this tour is at the Tinguely Fountain by the Theater Basel. Contact: [email protected] ; phone 077-405-8966

Website freewalk.ch/basel/downtown-tour-basel.php

Where Tinguely Fountain Klostergasse 7 4051 Basel

Advertisement

The 10 BEST Free Walking Tours in Basel-City

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

Basel, located in the northwest region of Switzerland, is a picturesque city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. While there are several ways to explore this beautiful city, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in its charms is through walking tours. Whether you are a history enthusiast, art lover, or simply enjoy strolling through charming streets, Basel offers an array of walking tours to cater to every interest. In this post, we will guide you through some of the most fascinating walking tours in Basel-City.

1. Old Town Basel Tour

Begin your journey through Basel by exploring its historic Old Town. This walking tour will take you on a journey through centuries-old streets, revealing the city’s rich heritage. Start at Marktplatz, the central square bustling with activity. Admire Basel’s stunning town hall, Rathaus, with its vibrant red facade and intricate details.

From there, make your way to Basel Minster – the city’s iconic cathedral. Climb up the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Rhine River. As you wander through the winding streets of the Old Town, you’ll also discover hidden gems like ancient fountains, picturesque squares, and charming half-timbered houses.

2. Art Basel Walking Tour

Basel is renowned for its flourishing art scene, and a walking tour focusing on its art offerings is a must for any art lover. Start your art-centric journey at the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of the oldest public art collections in the world. Explore its impressive collection of fine art, including works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet.

Continue your art tour by visiting the Fondation Beyeler, a modern and contemporary art museum housed in a stunning building surrounded by beautiful parkland. Take in the works of iconic artists like Warhol, Pollock, and Rothko. For a unique street art experience, head to St. Johann neighborhood, known for its vibrant murals adorning the buildings

3. Rhine River Promenade Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine River and soak in the beauty of Basel’s waterfront. This walking tour offers scenic views and a chance to relax amidst nature. Start at Mittlere Brücke, the city’s oldest bridge, and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the river and the city skyline. Cross the bridge and wander along the promenade, lined with charming cafes and restaurants.

As you walk, you’ll come across various architectural marvels like Tinguely Fountain, a kinetic sculpture composed of whimsical moving parts. The Rhine River Promenade is also the perfect spot for a picnic or a peaceful break, surrounded by the calming waters and the picturesque surroundings.

4. Basel Food Tour

No visit to any city is complete without indulging in its local cuisine, and Basel is no exception. Embark on a culinary adventure through Basel’s vibrant food scene with a food tour. Start by exploring Markthalle, a bustling indoor market offering a wide range of fresh produce, local specialties, and international delicacies.

Next, follow your taste buds to the Läckerli Huus, a traditional Swiss bakery, and sample their famous Basel Läckerli, a delicious spiced honey cake. Don’t forget to try traditional Swiss cheese at one of the local fromageries along the way.

End your food tour with a visit to one of Basel’s cozy cafes and savor a cup of rich Swiss hot chocolate or indulge in a slice of decadent Swiss chocolate cake.

5. Basel Night Walk

For a different perspective of Basel, consider taking a night walk through the city. As dusk falls, the city comes alive with enchanting illuminations and a unique atmosphere. Begin your night walk by admiring the beautifully lit buildings in the Old Town.

Make your way to the Tinguely Museum, known for its interactive mechanical sculptures that come alive with light. Explore the narrow alleys and see the city’s landmarks glow under the night sky. End your walk at the vibrant Rhine River promenade, where the city lights reflect on the water, creating a magical ambiance.

Basel-City in Switzerland offers a plethora of walking tours that provide a deeper understanding of its culture, history, art, and culinary delights. No matter which tour you choose, walking through Basel will allow you to appreciate its beauty, engage with its vibrant atmosphere, and uncover hidden treasures that might go unnoticed when exploring by other means of transportation. So put on your walking shoes and get ready to discover the wonders of Basel on foot!

Table of Contents

Related Posts

Duna Corso Budapest Sightseeing Boat: Explore the Beauty of Budapest from the Water

Budapest, the breathtaking capital of Hungary, is famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. One of the

How Long Does it Take to Reach Sachsenhausen from Berlin?

If you are planning a trip to Berlin, Germany, you might be interested in exploring the nearby historical site of

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Check out our other cities

Berlin tours.

• Original Berlin Tours
• Berlin Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Berlin
• Free Berlin Tours
• More Berlin Tours
• Cold War Tour Berlin
• World War Tour Berlin
• Sachsenhausen Tour

Barcelona Tours

• Free Barcelona Tours
• Barcelona Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Barcelona

Budapest Tours

• Free Budapest Tours
• Budapest Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Budapest

Madrid Tours

• Madrid Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Madrid
• Nice Pub Crawl
• Nice Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Nice

Amsterdam Tours

• Amsterdam Pub Crawl
• Bar Crawl Amsterdam

Paris Tours

• Pub Crawl Paris

Dublin Tours

• Pub Crawl Dublin

Warsaw Tours

• Pub Crawl Warsaw

Stockholm Tours

• Pub Crawl Stockholm

Other Links

• Original Pub Crawls
• Be Original Tours
• Original Free Tours
• E-Ticket Trail

13 Best Free Things To Do In Basel

As one of the largest cities in Switzerland, Basel is a popular destination among tourists in the Alpine country. But it’s an expensive place, just like virtually everywhere else in Switzerland, so you’ve got the right idea if you’re looking for free attractions in Basel. And you don’t have to look elsewhere, because this detailed guide covers all the top landmarks and things to do.

From the best historic landmarks to the popular botanical gardens with free entrance – Basel offers a surprisingly large number of attractions you can visit without spending any money. And because it’s the cultural capital of Switzerland, many of its art museums can be toured for free on specific days. So, let’s dive into all the best free things to do in Basel!

Table of Contents

Take Advantage of the Basel Guest Card

The Basel Guest Card is available to all tourists who stay in an eligible accommodation in the city. If your hotel or apartment is registered with the Basel Tourism Board, you will receive the guest card in an email.

Benefits of the Basel Guest Card include free public transport (trams, trains, and buses) and Wi-Fi access, as well as discounts for city attractions with a paid entrance. Tickets for the museums, zoo, and even the theater are half the price with the Basel Guest Card, so make sure you pick this up if you want to visit some of the city’s paid attractions.

Walking Tour of Basel Old Town

A tour of the old town is the first thing to do in any new city. As soon as you unpack and leave your hotel, head to the old town of Basel to start exploring.

Guided tours are available for tourists and they’re even discounted with the Basel guest card. But you can easily do a self-guided tour and cover all the top attractions in the city. See the city gates, the city squares, and the Basel Minster, and don’t forget to cross the bridge to Altstad Kleinbasel, and walk along the riverfront promenade.

In December, the Christmas market stalls are set up on Bafusserplatz and Munsterplatz. The city has one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland, and visiting the squares is one of the best free things to do in Basel in winter.  

Visit Basel Minster

Basel Minster is the most important religious building in the city. It used to be a Catholic Cathedral, but today it is a Reformed Protestant church. Access to the church is free of charge, and anyone can just walk in to see the interior. The stained glass windows are noteworthy, as well as the expansive courtyard.

In the summer months, the crossing crypt is also accessible for free. It’s run by the Archaeological Soil Research Basel-Stadt and offers some interesting information on the items uncovered during excavations at the site of the church.

One thing to note is that climbing the cathedral’s towers isn’t a free activity. There’s a fee of 7 CHF to admire the view from the top. If you ask me, I think it’s worth the money because it’s one of the best views in Basel.

See the Tinguely Fountain

Stand in front of a fountain and watch the sculptures inside dance. It’s one of the most unusual things to do in Basel, but it’s fun and free! The Tinguely Fountain is situated next to the Basel Theater and it represents an homage to the old Basel Theater Company.

The fountain is lined with black concrete and it features mechanical sculptures of theater equipment, which look as if they’re playing around in the water. It’s a fascinating landmark and a must-see for all lovers of theater and art.

If you want to see even more of Jean Tinguely’s works, head to Museum Tinguely . The entrance to the museum is free on Thursdays after 6 PM. 

Stroll Down Rheinpromenade

Strolling down a waterfront promenade is always a great experience in a new city. Basel is no exception because the promenade along the north bank of the Rhine River offers wonderful views of both sides of Basel’s Old Town.

I recommend walking down the promenade right after you’ve crossed the Middle Bridge. To your left will be the colorful houses of Altstadt Kleinbasel, while a view of Altstadt Grossbasel and the River Rhine with its bridges stretches on your right.

Along the way, you’ll come across plenty of places where you can go for a swim if you like.

Discover Tropical Plants at the University of Basel Botanical Garden

Situated just outside the Basel Old Town, near the Spalentor city gate, the University of Basel Botanical Garden is one of the best places you can visit for free. It’s open every day from 9 AM until 5 PM, and easily accessible by trams and buses.

The centerpiece of the 16th-century botanical garden is the Victorian-era greenhouse. It houses all the plants that don’t stand a chance in the harsh climate of northern Switzerland, so cacti, palm trees, and even agave trees, among many others.

It’s a small garden, but you could easily spend an hour here walking around and discovering all the wonderful trees and flowers. This is one of the best-hidden gems in Basel, and a place everyone who comes to the city should visit at least once. 

See the Painted Facade of Basel Rathaus

The Basel City Hall sits at the center of Marktplatz attracting looks from the passerbys. It’s the most prominent building on the square thanks to its bright red facade adorned with paintings. Anyone can walk into the courtyard of the Rathaus for free, and see even more gorgeous paintings.

But you can’t go inside the building, at least not for free. The building is used by government officials, and guided tours in English (and other languages) take place only on Saturdays. They have a fee of 5 CHF, which is practically free for Switzerland, and allow entrance into the various government rooms.

Be In Three Places At The Same Time At Dreiländereck

Dreiländereck is a monument marking the convergence of borders between Switzerland, France, and Germany. Just standing here is a fascinating experience because you’re simultaneously looking at three different countries. And if you unnaturally contort your body, you can technically be in three countries at the same time.

It’s an experience to cross off your bucket list, and the beautiful cityscape is a sight for sore eyes. Dreiländereck is a bit far away from the Basel city center, but it’s easily accessible by (free) public transport. You can take a tram to Kleinhüningen, and from there, it’s only a 15-minute walk to the iconic monument.

Cross Mittlere Brücke

The River Rhine splits Basel Old Town in two. Altstadt Kleinbasel is on the north bank, Altstadt Grossbasel is on the south bank, and several bridges allow for easy passage from one part to the other. The most famous of those bridges is Mittlere Brücke , a historic 13th-century bridge with a charming chapel in the middle.

Walking along the bridge and admiring the scenic views is one of the most romantic free things to do in Basel for couples. In theory, it takes only three minutes to cross the bridge on foot. But in reality, it takes at least ten minutes because the views along the way are so mesmerizing.

This is also a great spot for photographs in Basel. Whether you like to take photos of cityscapes or are looking for Instaworthy backgrounds, Mittlere Brücke is a destination you cannot miss.

It’s even more special after dark when all the street lights turn on and you can see their reflections in the river. Walking down the bridge and snapping photographs is one of my favorite free things to do in Basel at night.

Visit Merian Gärten

Merian Gärten is one of the best attractions outside of Basel’s historic center. It’s only 25 minutes by tram from the old town of Basel, and you can use public transport for free thanks to the Basel guest card.

The public park is a vast green space that features botanical gardens and an 18th-century villa. Access to the botanical gardens is free of charge and offers the opportunity to see some beautiful and unique flowers. With more than a dozen different spaces in the botanical gardens, attractions here range from a Rhododendron Valley to an English garden.

The park also boasts an apiary and Europe’s largest collection of bearded Irises. Merian Gärten is best experienced in the spring, but thanks to a wide variety of plants in the garden, there’s something interesting to see here any time of the year.

Swimming in the Rhine

Going for a swim in the Rhine is practically a rite of passage in Basel. The locals do it so often that they’ve invented ​​Wickelfisch – a waterproof swim bag that can keep all your other belongings dry while you’re in the water.

When the temperatures rise in Basel, it’s tradition for the locals to go swimming in the Rhine after work. Many will even swim instead of walking home or taking the bus because it’s often faster. So, if you’re traveling to Basel in the summer, make sure to pack a swimsuit and jump in the river to feel like a local.

One thing to note is that this activity is suitable only for confident and experienced swimmers because of the strong river currents.

Old City Gates

The historic center of Basel is encircled by ancient city walls. Once upon a time, the city had both an Inner Wall and an Outer Wall, both of which were constructed in the Middle Ages. But in the 19th century, the Inner Wall was entirely demolished, and only a few pieces of the Outer Wall are still visible in the city today.

The Saplentor gate is a remnant of the Outer Wall and a top historic landmark in the city of Basel. The 15th-century gateway is one of only three remaining city gates and by far the most famous of them all. It’s close to the University of Basel and directly accessible by public transport.

St-Alban City Gate is another remnant of the medieval wall, situated on the northeastern edge of Basel’s historical center. And finally, the Gate of Saint John marks the northwestern edge of Basel’s old city walls.

Free Museums in Basel

As the home of Art Basel , it’s no surprise that the Swiss city has some of the best art museums in the country. And what’s even better is that many of its museums can be visited free of charge. Free museum Sunday is a thing in the city – on the first Sunday of every month, anyone can visit the museums for free.

The Historical Museum Basel, Kunstmuseum, and the Natural History Museum are all free to visit on the first Sunday of the month. Many other museums have free entrance on specific days, usually in the afternoon. Visit Basel’s official website for a detailed list of the museums that can be visited for free.

Map of Basel Attractions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is basel famous for.

Basel is most famous for its thriving art scene. It’s the home of Art Basel, and with too many art museums to count, it’s no surprise that the city is dubbed the cultural capital of Switzerland. 

Is one day enough in Basel?

One day can be enough in Basel if you do a speedrun of the best landmarks in the city. But if you want to truly have fun in the city and enjoy yourself, it’s best to stay in the city for 2-3 days. 

What to do alone in Basel? 

Museum visits, old town tours, and swimming in the Rhine are the top things to do alone in Basel. The city is fun for everyone, and solo travelers are no exception. 

Is Basel worth visiting?

Yes, Basel is worth visiting. The Swiss city boasts beautiful architecture, river views, and the best art museums in the country, many of which can be visited for free. 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get Our Free Swiss Tips Guide

Popular destinations, important pages, on social media, travel planning, certified swiss travel expert.

• Destinations

Free tours in Switzerland

• Switzerland

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by

HISTORICAL BASEL TOUR (FREE)

The dawn of the city of basel.

• Every now and then, please check our calendar (all dates here )
• Approx. 2 hours tour
• We’ll cover classical sights such as the Münster and the town hall but also come across less obvious sights

Free Walk Basel does not take any liability for accidents, thefts or any other damage during the walk. © (copyright) by Free Walking Tours Switzerland. Free Walking Tours Switzerland is a non-profit organization registered as an association under Swiss law. Free Walking Tours Basel is part of Free Walking Tours Switzerland. Impressum .