A day in Basel with Magda- GirlinBasel
10 MINUTE READMagda, aka @GirlinBasel, blogs about life in Basel, Swiss adventures and is a travel guide author. Alongside your visit to VOLTA Basel, here’s a definitive guide to discover the best of the city. Enjoy the summer just like the locals do.
THINGS TO DO
Rhyschwimme
When in Basel – do like the locals do! Pack your clothes into a Wickelfisch (you don’t have one yet? No problem, you can get it at any Buvette) and simply float with the current through the picturesque Old Town (is there a better way of sightseeing?). It is a super pleasant and cool experience – especially on a hot day. Honestly, it took me two years to finally do it (I wasn’t brave enough I think), but since then, there’s no summer without Rhyschwimme. It’s a must.
A classic: discover the Old Town
Don’t skip main sights like the Munster, Rathaus or Spalentor. Make sure you make time to also wander Basel’s old streets. Explore without a map, walk through each tiny “Gasse” (passage), peek into every hidden Hof (square) - the true magic and atmosphere of Basel is hidden in its little streets. A few not to miss: Heuberg and Unterer Heuberg, Spalenberg, Rittergasse.
HOME OF ART AND DESIGN
Soak up the culture
Basel is rich with an abundance of cultural spots to soak up creativity. From Museum Tinguely and Fondation Beyeler to Vitra Design Museum which is a short trip outside of the city.
The Vitra Design Museum examines design's relationship to architecture, art and everyday culture. In the main museum building by Frank Gehry, the museum shows the exhibition “Transform! Designing the Future of Energy”; in the VitraSchaudepot “Science Fiction Design: From Space Age to Metaverse” is on display during Art Week.
Image courtesy of Vitra Design Museum
GETTING AROUND
BaselCard
The perfect way to get around the city for free. The BaselCard is offered with every booking at a Basel hotel, hostel, bed and breakfast or apartment. The card entitles you to ride on all public transport in Basel for free – including your initial journey to your hotel. The BaselCard also gives discounts on many cultural attractions, including 50% discount on admission to Basel’s museums and on general admission tickets at the VOLTA Basel box office.
Cross the river with a ferry
Cross the river and go back in time for a moment – these wooden little ferries use only the power of the current – have no engine and for a few minutes you feel like you’ve just jumped into medieval times. Plus, you get views over Gross and Kleinbasel from both sides – a super cute way to experience the city. There are four of them: “Wilde Maa”, “Leu”, “Vogel Gryff” and “Ueli”. “Vogel Gryff” is my favourite and in my opinion it’s the best for taking pictures. A ride costs CHF2.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
You may recognize this Basel based duo, Kevin Stuber & Marcus Meyer, from several pop-ups in the city, including Basel Markthalle and the recent Konomi Festival. Bringing a dynamic mix of innovative cooking and fresh ingredients, Meyers- Kever’s Art Restaurant is the perfect spot to recharge with friends over lunch at VOLTA.
Kuni & Gunde
Beautiful open-face sandwiches, seasonal dishes and tasty drinks. Stop for a casual lunch or an afternoon apero with friends overlooking the streets of the old town.
Amber Bar
A rooftop bar with views over the Rhine, delightful atmosphere and expertly crafted. It's a perfect spot to savor your favorite beverage while taking in the breathtaking scenery below.
Kuni & Gunde
Amber Bar
Dan’s Lab
A great find – with their chef reinventing Basel’s culinary scene. Great coffee, delicious sandwiches and hip pastry creations. This café is connected to a boutique, so you can spoil yourself to a shopping session after your delicious break.
Le Rhin Bleu
One of the greatest places to spend a hot summer evening in Basel. The location definitely steals the show, but the food is delicious as well.
Dan’s Lab
Le Rhin Bleu
Fischerstube
My number one for traditional Basler food on the Klein Basel side of the river. It’s always full of locals (that’s always a good sign!) and the food is great. They have tasty seasonal dishes, among their classic you’ll find Suuri Rindsläberli with Rösti or Basler Rindsfiletgeschnetzeltes.
Milo’s Cookies
A small, female-owned spot with the BEST cookies – freshly baked, chunky and chewy + coffee. This is the cutest little spot in town –hidden at Andreasplatz - side street courtyard space with sidewalk tables.
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re booking your trip to Basel and looking for a place to stay, visit VOLTA’s travel partner HotelPlanner for exclusive offers and discounts on hotels in the city.