Basel for Backpackers: Tips and Tricks

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Basel, Switzerland, often gets overlooked in favour of its more famous counterparts like Zurich and Geneva. But this vibrant city, nestled where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet, is a fantastic destination for backpackers – offering a unique blend of culture, history, and surprisingly affordable options. Here’s a guide to help you navigate Basel on a budget.

Getting There & Around

Basel boasts excellent transport links. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is well-connected internationally, and is served by budget airlines. From the airport, a bus (number 50) will take you directly to Basel SBB (the main train station).

The train is often the most efficient way to reach Basel from within Switzerland or neighbouring countries. Booking in advance through the SBB website (Swiss Federal Railways) can yield significant discounts.

Once in Basel, the city is incredibly walkable, especially the old town (Altstadt). For longer distances, the Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB) operates a comprehensive network of trams and buses. Consider purchasing a BaselCard (more on that later!) which includes free use of public transport. Cycling is also popular, with rental options readily available.

Accommodation: Budget-Friendly Options

Switzerland isn’t known for cheap accommodation, but Basel offers some possibilities for the budget-conscious.

  • Hostels: Backpackers Basel is the main hostel in the city, offering dorms and private rooms. It’s a great place to meet fellow travellers.

  • Airbnb: Look for rooms in shared apartments outside the immediate city centre for better deals.

  • Camping: Camping Jungfrau in Riehen (just outside Basel) is a good option during warmer months, offering a peaceful escape and significant cost savings. It’s easily accessible by tram.

  • Consider Location: Staying slightly outside the Altstadt can save you money. The areas of Kleinbasel and St. Johann are well-connected and offer more affordable options.

Free & Cheap Things to Do

Basel doesn’t require a hefty budget to enjoy. Many of its best attractions are free or low-cost.

  • Walk the Old Town (Altstadt): Lose yourself in the charming, narrow streets, admire the colourful buildings, and soak up the atmosphere. It’s completely free!

  • Basel Minster (Basler Münster): Explore this stunning red sandstone cathedral, a landmark of the city. Entry to the main areas is free, though there may be a small charge for the crypt.

  • Rhine River Promenade: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Rhine, watch the ferries (Wilde Fähre – see below), and perhaps take a dip in the river (popular with locals in summer).

  • Wilde Fähre: These unique, cable-driven ferries are powered by the Rhine’s current and are a fun and incredibly cheap way to cross the river. They cost just a few Swiss Francs.

  • Museums (on certain days/times): Many of Basel’s world-class museums offer free admission on specific days or evenings. Check their websites for details. The Kunstmuseum Basel, for example, has free entry on the first Sunday of each month.

  • Parks & Gardens: Basel has beautiful green spaces like the Botanischer Garten der Universität Basel (Botanical Garden) which is free to enter.

  • Tinguely Fountain: A playful and kinetic sculpture by Jean Tinguely, located in the middle of the city. It’s a fun, free spectacle.

  • Paper Mill Museum (Basler Papiermühle): A fascinating museum demonstrating the history of paper making. Entry is relatively inexpensive.

Food & Drink on a Budget

Eating out in Switzerland can be expensive. Here’s how to keep your food costs down:

  • Supermarkets: Coop and Migros are the main supermarket chains and offer a wide range of affordable groceries, including ready-made meals and snacks.

  • Markthalle: This indoor market offers a variety of food stalls, often with more reasonable prices than restaurants.

  • Picnics: Take advantage of Basel’s parks and the Rhine River for a picnic lunch.

  • Student Cafeterias: If you can find one open to the public, university cafeterias often offer cheap and tasty meals.

  • Happy Hour: Look for bars offering happy hour deals, especially in Kleinbasel.

  • Drink Tap Water: Swiss tap water is excellent quality and perfectly safe to drink, saving you money on bottled water.

The BaselCard: Your Budget Buddy

The BaselCard is a must-have for backpackers. It provides:

  • Free use of public transport: Unlimited travel on trams and buses within the city and surrounding area.

  • Free entry to many museums: Including the Kunstmuseum Basel and the Historisches Museum Basel.

  • Discounts on other attractions: And various services.

You can purchase the BaselCard for varying durations (24, 48, 72 hours) and it’s available online or at the tourist information centre. It often pays for itself with just a few museum visits and public transport rides.

FAQ

1. Is Basel expensive?
Yes, Switzerland is generally expensive, but Basel offers more budget-friendly options than cities like Zurich or Geneva.

2. What currency is used in Basel?
Swiss Francs (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s useful to have some cash for smaller establishments and the Wilde Fähre.

3. What’s the best time to visit Basel?
Summer (June-August) offers warm weather for enjoying the Rhine. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are also pleasant, with fewer crowds. The Basel Carnival (Fasnacht) in February/March is a unique experience, but accommodation prices will be higher.

4. Is it safe to walk around Basel at night?
Generally, yes. Basel is a very safe city, even at night. However, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in less crowded areas.

5. How easy is it to get around without speaking German?
English is widely spoken in Basel, particularly in tourist areas. You should have no problem communicating.

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