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A Hidden Gem on the Rhine: Discovering Basel, Switzerland

Travel Queen
Feb 117 min read

Last November, I had a wonderful opportunity to experience the Avalon Waterways cruise through the romantic Rhine. Since the cruise began in Basel, I decided to spend two nights in the charming city and discover what it has to offer. 


While I initially thought Basel would be a sleepy town with not too much going on, I couldn’t have been more wrong. What surprised me most about Basel? It boasts the highest square footage of museums in all of Europe. That’s part of the reason why I fell in love with it and will be coming back!


So, what should you do while visiting the beautiful city astride the mighty Rhine? Where to go for your daily dose of culture? Here’s a recap of my two days in Basel!


Getting to Basel

Although Basel is served by three airports (interestingly, one of them – the EuroAirport – has two zones – one Swiss and one French), most travelers will find it easier and less expensive to fly into Zurich instead. This way, you can kill two birds with one stone: save money and, most importantly, spend time in beautiful Zurich! Switzerland’s largest city is one of my favorite European destinations, so I was happy to land there instead.


So, what can you do with your free time in Zurich? The answer is – everything! The city has pretty much all the things that make it a fantastic vacation spot – churches, castles, museums, and many fun activities to try. While I’m a sucker for guided tours, Zurich is easy to walk around and explore on your own. For some inspiration and tips on what to do while there, check out my Switzerland winter vacation recap.



Before boarding the train to Basel, I had time to stop by my favorite restaurant, Le Delzaley, and treat myself to their mouthwatering fondue. Highly recommended! 


The journey from Zurich to Basel is quite easy. The train ride takes around an hour (sometimes less), with departures every 30 minutes. If you’re staying in Paris, you can also consider putting Basel on your itinerary, as the city is only a 3-hour train ride away.


Accommodations


During my visit, I spent two nights at a hotel that didn’t meet my expectations. However, I was lucky enough to have taken a tour through Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois and adored it! If I ever come back to Basel, this will certainly be the hotel I’ll be staying at, and here’s why.


While many hotels pride themselves on their hospitality, only a few live up to the standards of Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. Since its opening in 1681 (with some upgrades throughout time), the iconic hotel has been visited by big names like Pablo Picasso, Bob Dylan, and even Napoleon Bonaparte (yes, you read that right).


What makes this hotel so special is that instead of trying to incorporate ever-changing trends, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois (the only five-star hotel in Basel) focuses on its classic elegance. It’s hard to shortlist only one reason why this riverfront hotel should be your Basel stay, but if I had to – its city-center location comes high on top. You’ll have the best of Basel at your feet, plus warm hospitality that’s rare to experience!


Rooms and Suites


  • The hotel features 11 room categories and 73 rooms. However, after renovations in 2025, there will be two additional room categories and three new suites.

  • Of the rooms I inspected, my favorite was River Suite, which offers stunning views over the Rhine River and has plenty of space to relax and recharge. Like all the other rooms, this one features beautifully patterned wallpaper and polished wood furnishings. At the same time, it has discreet modern touches to make your stay comfortable without ruining the aesthetic. My personal favorite: When the weather is fine, you can enjoy the stunning views from your own balcony.

  • A highlight of the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is the Napoleon Suite. Although Napoleon didn’t stay here, he once enjoyed lunch at the hotel. According to legends, people wanted to work at the hotel just to serve him.

  • A fun fact about the rooms: Many walls at the hotel are hand-painted, which takes around five to six hours for one meter.


Entertainment

  • Here, every detail matters. From October to April, a pianist performs in the hotel lobby each evening.

  • Each year, from February to March, Basel hosts Switzerland’s largest carnival, The Carnival of Basel. Although it’s fun to witness, you might want to book your visit for another time if you don’t like noise and too much going on.

  • At the hotel, you can try your hand at mixology by joining a class taught by Chef de Bar Thomas Huhn. If you’ve ever wondered what are the essentials for stocking the perfect bar, you’ll find your answers here!

  • In June 2025, the hotel will be adding a spa and a rooftop.


Food and Drinks


  • The hotel features two restaurants: Brasserie Les Trois Rois and the 3-star Michelin Cheval Blanc.

  • Cheval Blanc, with its artfully presented French cuisine, is a destination in itself for many foodies. In fact, the world’s best sommelier works here!

  • With its beautiful art-lined walls, the Brasserie is more laid-back but still fantastic. Here, you can enjoy a seasonally changing menu of French and Swiss foods. I recommend trying the Wiener Schnitzel, Foie Gras, and Crepes Suzette.

  • Hotel guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast.


Things to See and Do

Go On a Museum Crawl

Basel is the city where Art Basel got its start, which is why it doesn’t come as a surprise it has a wealth of galleries and museums. Consequently, one of the best ways to spend a day in Basel is to go on a museum crawl. My tip is to start with Kunstmuseum Basel, where you’ll find works by renowned artists like Edvard Munch, Vincent Van Gogh, and Paul Cézanne. Afterward, head to Kunsthalle Basel, Switzerland’s oldest contemporary art museum.


If you want to see something quirkier, a fun place to visit is Tinguely Museum, dedicated to the Swiss sculptor whose trademark was kinetic art sculptural machines. Another local favorite is Fondation Beyeler, an internationally recognized museum for its high-caliber exhibitions.


In Basel, art is everywhere – sometimes, all you need to do is look up to discover a masterpiece.


Take a Stroll Through Basel’s Old Town

While visiting Basel, you must take a stroll through its impressive Old Town (I recommend joining a walking tour), which has a surprising architectural diversity. Here, you’ll find the Basel Cathedral, which has stood above the city for over 800 years. Make sure to climb the 250 steps to the top of the towers because the view is worth it!


Another building that deserves your attention is the richly ornamented Town Hall.


Visit Farmers’ Markets


A little shopping never hurts, right? As you walk around Basel, you’ll most likely stumble upon the Marktplatz, a great place to sample local delicacies and get your pick of the diverse regional products.


If you’re staying for the weekend, stop by the Matthäusmarkt, which has a variety of homemade produce from the Kleinbasel region.


Visit the Botmingen Castle

If you’re spending more than a day in this city, you can check out the Botmingen Castle, located just on the outskirts of Basel (with an e-bike, it’s just 18 minutes away). The 13th-century building has been completely restored and will be a real treat for history buffs. 


On the way, consider stopping at the Basel Zoo, Switzerland’s oldest and largest.


See the Pharmacy Museum

Today, Basel is widely recognized as a global center for the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, brands like Novartis and Roche have their headquarters here! The perfect place to learn more about Basel’s connection to pharmacy is the Pharmacy Museum. Here, you’ll find one of the largest and most important collections on the history of pharmacy, which includes European and non-European medicines, amulets, instruments, books, and more.


Go to Baseler Herbstmesse

Autumn is fair season, so during my visit to Basel, it only made sense to stop by Switzerland’s largest annual fair. The festival, which takes place every October and November, is broken into four sections throughout the city and has something for everyone – whether you prefer thrilling rides or enjoying culinary delights.


I especially loved the fair near Messeplat stop, which offers a great mix of food and shopping.


Pro Tip: While wandering through the fair, try mulled wine, chocolate strawberries, sausage, and Chasbangel (cheese fondue sandwich).


Final Thoughts

If it weren’t for the Rhine River Cruise, I most likely wouldn’t have visited Basel, but I’m so glad I did! This small yet mighty city has everything you want for your next weekend getaway. 


So, if, like me, you’ve done the classics: the capital cities and cities with their own Netflix show (hello Emily in Paris!), know there are many incredible European spots getting overlooked. In fact, there’s never been a better time to think outside of the box for your travels!


 

Wish to plan a Switzerland adventure? Let our expert planners at Travel Queen LCC help you! As experts in all things Swiss, we know what it takes to create the ultimate vacation. Reach out to our team, and we’ll ensure you have the trip of your dreams!


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