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Basel Walking tours

Our most recommended Basel Walking tours

Walking Tour through Basel Old Town

1. Walking Tour through Basel Old Town

Basel is situated in the heart of Europe, on both sides of the Rhine River. The city is the center of the idyllic border triangle of France, Germany, and Switzerland, nestled between the Swiss Jura, Germany's Black Forest and the Vosges in Alsace. Describing Basel in one word is not easy. Sometimes known as the cultural capital of Switzerland or as a university city, Basel boasts a wealth of cultural, historical, leisure, and enjoyment experiences. This traditional tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Basel as well as visitors who already know the city but want to learn more. During the 2-hour walk you will follow the traces of a very eventful past, from the tranquil Tinguely Fountain to Cathedral Hill, the town hall, and through the winding streets of the well-preserved old town. In addition to the public city tour, many other interesting, exciting, and thematic tours are offered.

Welcome to Basel: Private Tour with a Local

2. Welcome to Basel: Private Tour with a Local

Transform the way you travel and make it as much about the people you meet as the places you see. Get a welcome to Basel from a local eager to share all the tips to help you make the most of your stay. Meet at your hotel or accommodation and get familiar with the neighborhood. Learn insider tips, such as the best places to eat, buy groceries and the easiest ways to get around. Alternatively, arrange to meet at a central landmark or intersection to start your walking tour. Hear about the top things to do, customized to your interests. By the end, you will feel more comfortable navigating the city with all the information you need.

Basel: Nighttime Walking Tour in German

3. Basel: Nighttime Walking Tour in German

Explore the third largest city in Switzerland with the night watchman Rudolf Streiff and wander through the street and alleys of the fabled suburb St. Alban at nighttime. Follow in the footprints of the people who lived there in the 18th century and learn about the adventures and stories of times long gone. Listen to anecdotes about life in the St. Alban-Valley ‒ Basel's "Little Venice", learn about Streiff's unfulfilled love, who still crosses his path there from time to time, and more. The actors turn this scenic walking tour into a vivid experience and also lead you to the famous Zschokke-fountain, the time-honored house "Zum Sausewind" as well as the St. Alban-gate.

Basel History Tour for Groups

4. Basel History Tour for Groups

Through an interesting tour of the city, discover Basel's romantic winding alleyways and well-preserved Old Town. Immerse yourself in the city's history and admire the imposing structures, cozy squares and many more highlights. Beginning at the Tinguely Fountain at Theater Basel, make your way through the Basel oppidum, known as Basel-Münsterhügel, to the Rotes Rathaus (Town Hall), which dates back to the 16th century. Pass Basel Minster and "Barfüßer Kirche," a former church that now houses the Basel Historical Museum, as well as other sites capturing the spirit of the city. See the most beautiful sights in Basel and let a friendly tour guide teach you all about the history and landmarks of the breathtaking Swiss city.

Basel: 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour

5. Basel: 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour

Discover Basel's vibrant history with a passionate local tour guide on a walking tour. Begin your tour at the iconic Marktplatz and embark on a journey through various time periods and their corresponding architectural styles as you discover some of the city's most important buildings. Learn more about how Basel has changed over time and get off the beaten track as you visit churches and the city hall. Discover sites that a normal tour group would not visit and even get the opportunity to cross the oldest bridge in town.  During the tour, benefit from the knowledge and experience of a local guide who will share with you insider tips and the city's best-kept secrets. Feel free to inform your guide of any particular interests or desires you may have as they will be happy to adjust the itinerary to your requirements.

Basel: Exclusive Private Architecture Tour with a Local

6. Basel: Exclusive Private Architecture Tour with a Local

Immerse yourself in Basel's rich history and impressive architecture on this private tour with a local guide. Discover the most impressive buildings in the city and learn about the history behind each of those historical buildings and structures on this invigorating architectural walk. Join your guide on this adventure to discover the beauty and history of the city’s most significant buildings and find out a bit more about the local culture in Switzerland from a local perspective. During your tour, become better acquainted with the local architecture and learn how it has changed over the years while still retaining its unique character. You will also get to learn about world-famous architects such as Richard Meier and Frank O. Gehry, and gain an insight into how Basel came to be a melting pot of architectural wonders.

Basel: Theatrical Jailbirds, Butchers, and Elegant Ladies

7. Basel: Theatrical Jailbirds, Butchers, and Elegant Ladies

Basel, 1850. Traugott and Irma von der Mühll would never have imagined that two escapees from the Lohnhof prison would drop in on the day of their memorial celebration for Uncle Friedrich. Be bold and embark on a different kind of walk. Along with the jailbird and his accomplice, you'll wander through a part of Basel that has quite a lot of history to tell. Find out why stags graze on the Stadtgraben, and hear about bits of bacon during a church service and where trousers and gingerbread are welcomed as a means of payment. You will also meet Rector Thurneysen, who provides an address in Latin, as well as the police, or the eccentric Ms. Ochsenfuess. Finally, your tour will conclude with you enjoying the special views from Spalentor Gate.

Basel: 1-Hour Group Walking Tour

8. Basel: 1-Hour Group Walking Tour

Discover Basel in just 1 hour and see all the highlights of the city on a short walking tour. See the architecturally-significant buildings, lively squares and impressive places. Take a look at the lovely sculptures decorating the Basel Minster and learn about the whimsical decorations on the Tinguely fountain. On the way, hear an overview of the history and founding of Basel. Get an incredible overview of the famous landmarks and history of the Swiss city in just one hour during a tour of the old city by a professional and friendly tour guide.

Express Walk of Basel with a Local

9. Express Walk of Basel with a Local

Discover Basel during a short but sweet excursion during which you will learn the most intriguing facts about the history, local lifestyle, and contemporary transformation of the city. After meeting your local guide at St. Albans Tor, start the stroll and 1-hour sightseeing tour where you are sure to fall in love with Basel. See the city through the eyes of a local, discover what the everyday life looks like, and find out where the city gets its characteristic ambience. While walking through Basel, you will discover its parks, monuments, and historical architecture with the chance of getting insider tips about the best cafes, restaurants, and bars to visit during your time here. Make the most of your visit and enjoy an experience perfect for someone visiting for the first time, or for someone who wants to rediscover the city.

Basel’s Art and Culture revealed by a Local

10. Basel’s Art and Culture revealed by a Local

Discover why Basel is known as the City of Art on a private tour with a local guide and learn what it is that attracts thousands of art lovers from all over the globe to visit the city each year. This tour is perfect for both first-time visitors to Basel and returning tourists who want to go beneath the surface of the city. As you wander around the streets of the city, admire impressive street art and learn more about the city’s galleries and museums as well as hearing about several local artists. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the most significant cultural and historical details of the colorful and multi-faced Basel while you dive into the art and culture of the city from a local perspective.

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Frequently asked questions about Basel

What are the best day trips and excursions from Basel?

The best day trips and excursions from Basel are:

Lucerne

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Other Sightseeing Options in Basel

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What people are saying about Basel

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 198 reviews

Our Guide, Anna was very knowledgeable and took us to many sites in Basel! We had a chance to see many view points from different areas and heard a great amount of history. Anna made the tour very personable and relate able to the whole all from different parts of the world. It was easy to tell how proud Anna is of her adopted country and it made it so pleasurable for all of us! We covered a lot of area a Very Good walking tour!

We had a great time with Francis! She was entertaining, thorough and very informative. It was a great way to see the sights and helped us decide how to spend the rest of our weekend. I would definitely recommend the experience!

It was an all-round recommendable tour with a lot to see and hear. The multilingual guide also mastered the special challenge of the Basel fair/fair and the necessary detours on that date.

The visit was bilingual German-English. To benefit from it, you must understand at least one of the two languages orally.

Caroline was a great guide with her kindness and curiosities of the city.