Basel, Switzerland 5-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrival & Check-in

Arrive in Basel, make your way to your hotel, and check in.

Settle into your accommodation before beginning your exploration.

Basel EuroAirport (BSL) is well-connected to the city center by bus. Basel SBB is the main train station.

Basel's Old Town Walk

Begin your exploration with a leisurely stroll through Basel's charming Old Town, admiring its medieval architecture and narrow streets.

The Old Town is easily walkable. Look out for hidden courtyards and historic fountains.

Visit Basel Minster

Explore the iconic Basel Minster, a beautiful Gothic cathedral with stunning views over the Rhine from its platform.

Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and the Rhine. Check opening hours for tower access.

Dinner in Old Town

Enjoy a traditional Swiss dinner at a restaurant in Basel's Old Town, sampling local specialties.

Consider trying 'Basler Mehlsuppe' (flour soup) or 'Basler Leckerli' (spice biscuits).

Kunstmuseum Basel

Explore the Kunstmuseum Basel, home to one of Europe's largest public art collections, spanning from the 15th century to the present day.

Allow plenty of time to explore both the main building and the new building, which features contemporary art.

Riverside Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a cafe or restaurant near the Rhine river, taking in the scenic views.

Many options available along the riverfront for a casual meal.

Rheinufer Basel Walk

Take a relaxing walk along the Rheinufer Basel, the banks of the Rhine river.

Watch the boats and enjoy the atmosphere.

A popular spot for locals, especially during warmer months. Consider crossing one of the bridges for different perspectives.

Naturhistorisches Museum Basel

Visit the Natural History Museum of Basel to discover fascinating exhibits on zoology, entomology, mineralogy, and paleontology.

An engaging museum for those interested in natural sciences and local history.

Evening Leisure

Enjoy a casual evening with dinner or drinks at a local bar or restaurant, perhaps exploring a different neighborhood in Basel.

The Kleinbasel area (on the other side of the Rhine) offers a lively atmosphere with many bars and eateries.

Travel to Bern

Take a direct train from Basel SBB to Bern main station.

Enjoy the scenic Swiss countryside during the journey.

Explore Bern's Old City

Discover Bern's UNESCO-listed Old City, famous for its arcaded walkways, fountains, and medieval charm.

Wander through the main streets like Kramgasse and Marktgasse.

Visit Zytglogge

Witness the hourly astronomical clock show at the Zytglogge, Bern's iconic medieval clock tower.

Try to arrive a few minutes before the hour to get a good spot for the animated figures.

Lunch in Bern

Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch in Bern's Old Town.

Options range from cozy cafes to larger restaurants.

Consider a 'Rösti' (potato dish) or a 'Berner Platte' (meat and sausage platter).

Cathedral of Bern & Plattform

Visit the impressive Cathedral of Bern (Münster) and enjoy the serene views from the adjacent Münsterplattform.

The Münsterplattform offers lovely views over the Aare river and the surrounding landscape. The cathedral is Switzerland's tallest.

Parliament Building & Bundesplatz

See the Swiss Parliament Building and explore Bundesplatz, the federal square, often bustling with activity and markets.

If time permits, you can join a free guided tour of the Parliament (check schedule in advance). The Bundesplatz has 26 water jets, representing the Swiss cantons.

Return to Basel

Take the train back to Basel after a full day of exploring Switzerland's capital.

Dinner in Basel

Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Basel, perhaps trying a cuisine different from the previous evenings.

Kunstmuseum Basel

Immerse yourselves in one of Europe's largest and oldest public museum collections, featuring works from the 15th century to the present day.

Book tickets online in advance to ensure entry. Consider checking for special exhibitions.

Basel Minster Visit

Explore the iconic Basel Minster, a former cathedral with stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful views of the Rhine.

Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and river.

Basel's Old Town Stroll

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Basel's Old Town, discovering hidden alleys, historic buildings, and quaint shops.

Enjoy a leisurely walk and soak in the historic atmosphere. Grab lunch at a local cafe.

Riverside Promenade

Take a relaxing walk along the Rheinufer Basel, enjoying the scenic views of the Rhine River and the city.

Perfect for a leisurely afternoon. You might see locals swimming in the river during warmer months.

Dinner by the Rhine

Enjoy a delightful dinner at a restaurant with views of the Rhine River.

Many restaurants along the river offer excellent local and international cuisine.

Natural History Museum

Discover fascinating exhibits on natural history, featuring diverse collections of geology, zoology, paleontology, and anthropology.

A great indoor activity, especially if the weather is not ideal. Check their website for current exhibitions.

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of Basel's many charming cafes, perhaps trying some local pastries or sandwiches.

Look for a cafe away from the main tourist areas for a more authentic experience.

Last-Minute Shopping

Spend some time browsing for souvenirs or local delicacies to take home.

Freie Strasse is the main shopping street, while Spalenberg offers boutiques and artisan shops.

Hotel Check-out & Transfer

Check out from your accommodation and arrange for transport to EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL).

Allow ample time for travel to the airport, depending on traffic. Trams and buses provide good connections.