Top 3 Itineraries in Basel

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Basel.

If you only have a few days, Basel weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Basel offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Basel are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Basel’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Basel offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Switzerland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Basel truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Basel belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Basel are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Basel and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Basel itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Basel for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Basel without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Basel!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Bern, Basel, Genève, Lausanne, and Montreux is one of the best ways to experience Switzerland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Basel can easily be combined with other top destinations in Switzerland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Bern, Basel, Genève, Lausanne, and Montreux by public transport, renting a car in Switzerland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Bern

• Arrival city: Bern
• Accommodation: hotel in Bern, e.g., Valley Hostel
• Sightseeing: Rosengarten Bern

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Bern. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Bern

• Destinations: Bern
• Driving distance: 2.99 km, approx. 40 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bern, e.g., Valley Hostel
• Sightseeing: Zytglogge, Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum, UNESCO - Bern Old Town, and Bear Pit
• Recommended tour: Exploring Swiss Capital City: Private Walking Tour of Bern

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Zytglogge, Bernisches Historisches Museum / Einstein Museum, UNESCO - Bern Old Town, and Bear Pit. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Bern, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Basel

• Destinations: Basel
• Driving distance: 196.8 km, approx. 2 hours and 58 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bern, e.g., Valley Hostel
• Sightseeing: Mittlere Brücke, Tinguely Fountain, Zoo Basel, and Basler Münster
• Recommended tour: Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

Spend the day exploring Mittlere Brücke, Tinguely Fountain, Zoo Basel, and Basler Münster. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Köniz

• Destinations: Köniz
• Driving distance: 221.39 km, approx. 3 hours and 4 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Lausanne, e.g., Royal Savoy Lausanne
• Sightseeing: Gurten Park im Grünen, Blausee, and Naturpark Blausee
• Recommended tour: Vine Stories: Lavaux & Lutry wine walk

Continue your journey through Köniz, where you can explore Gurten Park im Grünen, Blausee, and Naturpark Blausee. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Lausanne.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Lausanne

• Destinations: Lausanne
• Driving distance: 78 km, approx. 1 hour and 38 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: Lausanne Cathedral, AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium, The Olympic Museum, and Esplanade de Montbenon
• Recommended tour: Chamonix and Mont Blanc Day Trip from Geneva

Drive through Lausanne, stopping to visit Lausanne Cathedral, AQUATIS Aquarium-Vivarium, The Olympic Museum, and Esplanade de Montbenon. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Geneva.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Montreux, Corsier, and Le Léman (VD)

• Destinations: Montreux, Corsier, and Le Léman (VD)
• Driving distance: 209 km, approx. 3 hours and 1 minute
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: Chaplin's World, Freddie Mercury statue, Promenade sur les quais de Montreux, Golden Pass Railway, and Chillon Castle
• Recommended tour: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Full Day Guided Tour

Spend time discovering Chaplin's World, Freddie Mercury statue, Promenade sur les quais de Montreux, Golden Pass Railway, and Chillon Castle, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Genève

• Destinations: Genève
• Driving distance: 3.05 km, approx. 40 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: The Flower Clock, St Pierre Cathedral, Jardin Anglais, and The Geneva Water Fountain
• Recommended tour: Gruyères Tour from Geneva With Train, Chocolate and Cheese

Explore The Flower Clock, St Pierre Cathedral, Jardin Anglais, and The Geneva Water Fountain at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Genève

• Destinations: Genève
• Driving distance: 15.95 km, approx. 1 hour and 6 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Geneva, e.g., B&b Hotel Geneva Airport
• Sightseeing: Parc de La Grange, Conservatory and Botanical garden Geneva, Broken Chair, and Bains des Pâquis
• Recommended tour: Fondue and wine private Tuk Tuk tour in Geneva

Continue your road trip through Genève, enjoying the flexibility to explore Parc de La Grange, Conservatory and Botanical garden Geneva, Broken Chair, and Bains des Pâquis and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Gruyères, Pringy, and Lavey-les-Bains

• Destinations: Gruyères, Pringy, and Lavey-les-Bains
• Driving distance: 260.76 km, approx. 3 hours and 22 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bern, e.g., Valley Hostel
• Sightseeing: Château de Gruyères, La Maison du Gruyère, Les Bains de Lavey, and HR Giger Museum

Visit Château de Gruyères, La Maison du Gruyère, Les Bains de Lavey, and HR Giger Museum as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Bern.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Bern

• Departure city: Bern
• Driving distance: 1.41 km, approx. 18 minutes
• Sightseeing: Bundesplatz

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Bern. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1949 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Basel.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Basel for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Basel with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Basel and Basel's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Basel without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Basel

Arrive in Basel and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Mittlere Brücke.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Cargo Kultur Bar is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Basel's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Basel by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic University of Basel Botanical Garden, St. Johanns-Tor, Spalentor, Zoo Basel, and Kannenfeldpark.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Basel. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Basel in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Top Sights in Basel

Use this day to discover more of Basel’s top sights. We recommend visiting Basel Palatinate "Pfalz" Observation Platform, Museum of Natural History Basel, Fine Arts Museum Basel, Wettstein Bridge, and Basler Münster.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Basel in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Basel's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Basel’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Basel

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Fondation Beyeler are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Basel.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Basel. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Switzerland!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Basel

Spend your last few hours in Basel soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Basel in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Basel, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Basel travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Basel offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Basel itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Basel weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Basel

Arrive in Basel around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
• Tip: Book an airport transfer to Basel in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Basel by night.

Day 2 - Discover Basel’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Basel with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Fine Arts Museum Basel early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Tinguely Fountain, stopping by Mittlere Brücke for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Basel and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Basel

Make the most of your last few hours in Basel before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Basel. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Basel itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Basel, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Basel for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Basel in a way that feels truly unforgettable!