Hello Guys, finally I am on Day Six of the Switzerland trip and guess what, I would be sharing on the city I got first introduced to Switzerland, Basel. Travel in Basel is very smooth can be well managed either walking your way around or in the public transport system.
Quick Facts of Basel, Switzerland
Basel also known as Basle holds a very important place in my heart as I have been here for more than three times since 2012.
Basel is a city of culture, art and more importantly Museums depicting its rich culture as it also boasts is the third most populous city in Switzerland.
The Switzerland border at Basel is shared with France and Germany which have a important influence on the culture to a large extent.
Interesting Fact: Basel has a population of 175,000 as of 2017 out of which 2.9% consists of Indians who have settled here
Basel is a industrial hub and is a dynamic economic region of the country as well as a chemical industry hub.
Did you know that the tri-border region is called Dreiländereck
Major Attractions in Basel, Switzerland
Basel is a wonderful city that is best explored on foot or a bike. Having said that, Basel has a wonderful public transport connectivity with Trams and buses that can take you to most of the areas within the city.
Switzerland and Basel in particular lay much emphasis on Art and this is very evident in the number of museums they have in this country which talks about the art and rich culture brought to the fore for tourists visiting this beautiful country.
Do not miss the below:
Marktplatz
Having one or all of the walking tours that you can take in the Basel city
Interesting Fact: Should you wish to see Basel in its best form, do plan a visit during Basel Fasnacht and you would not regret this decision. Basel Fasnacht for 2019 is scheduled for 11-12-13 March 2019
Did you read my Travel story to Lavaux, Vaud Region? Read it Here
Things to know:
Plan your day in advance, most of it though and allow for small tweaks taking the weather into consideration
Ask your hotel / home-stay to provide you with a Basel Card (Tram card that would come handy should you need to move around the city with a pass)
While in Switzerland, definitely opt for a Swiss Travel Pass for economical, cheaper travel options, these passes are accepted on all public transport systems – Trams, buses, trains and ferries while generous discounts are available for mountain trains
Basel shopping closes around 1800 hrs (local time) so do plan to start early and finish early to settle for a pint of beer to enjoy the evening
Where to Stay:
I have traveled to Basel multiple times and have stayed in Boutique hotels and ApartHotels. I would strongly recommend Apart Hotels for anyone visiting, you would have Co-Op’s closeby where you can buy grocery should you want to cook a lovely meal to enjoy with some wine / beer over the evening.
My recommendation for a stay is Adagio Hotel, in Hammerstrasse or Apartmenthaus near Hotel Basel near Marktplatz.
Weather in Basel and Best time to Visit
Best time to Visit most of Switzerland and Basel is between June to August which is the summer time around Europe. You could also look at April – May where it is low season as the summers start to kick-in a couple of months from then.
June to August would be warm months in Basel with the winters starting from November until March of the year and early spring in March.
Rathaus Town Hall & MarktplatzMarket during daytime at MarktplatzMiddle Bridge, BaselWalking in Basel is funNear MarktplatzA College beside River RhineA College beside River RhineRiver RhineTram station on River RhineBasel SBB Railway StationSnow clad tree near our AparthotelSnow on the day we were leaving Basel
2 responses to “Day Six: All about Basel, Switzerland”
That’s a detailed and informative post and I simply loved the pics. Would be useful for planning a trip.
Thanks, Switzerland has been mostly work related trips n exploring a bit when I get time… A good destination to visit…