Basel, Switzerland: A Rhine River Cruise Gateway Worth Exploring
- Cyndi
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
Why Basel Deserves a Spot in Your Itinerary
When I first started selling Rhine River cruises with AmaWaterways, Scenic, Viking (and more), I didn’t know much about Basel. Now? Since my first visit, I’m officially hooked on its culture and charm!
Whether it’s your cruise embarkation or disembarkation point, don’t skip out on this gem. Even with light rain during our visit, we were swept away by its charm, culture, and accessibility.
Cultural Charm on Every Corner
Basel isn’t just a river cruise hub it’s Switzerland’s cultural capital and 3rd largest city.
Art & History: The Kunstmuseum (with Picasso!) and the Gothic Basel Minster overlooking the Rhine are must-sees.
Old Town Magic: Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and hidden courtyards beg to be explored.
Christmas Market Delight: Visit in late November and you’ll catch twinkling markets in Münsterplatz, Barfüsserplatz, and Claraplatz, with apple fritters (Opfelchuechli!) and handmade gifts galore. We loved the markets here!
Rhine Promenade: Great for a sunset stroll or casual drinks: Fähri ferries: Cross the river using old-school rope boats.
Personal Picks:
Christmas Markets: There were 3 happening while we were there.
Swiss Candles: Unique, handcrafted tealight scenes.
Läderach: Irresistible Swiss chocolate bark—great for gifts (or, let’s be honest, for yourself).
Hasenburg Restaurant: We went full Swiss with rösti, bratwurst, and veal liver.
Cinnamon rolls from Not uniquely Swiss, but my daughter still talks about them.
Where We Stayed
We loved Hotel Victoria. It was just steps from the SBB train station and trams.
Spacious by European standards, modern rooms
Easy tram access (BaselCard transit pass included!)
AmaWaterways coordinated our taxi from the ship so it was just a 10-minute ride from the dock.
Tip: Remember that Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (not Euro), but we barely needed cash—credit cards were accepted everywhere.
What to Do in Basel
Basel isn’t just a stopover. Whether you have a full day or just a few days before your river cruise, here’s how to explore the best of the city.
Museums & Art Lovers’ Paradise: As the Swiss culture hub, there are many museums to explore.
Kunstmuseum Basel: Switzerland’s oldest public art collection, with works by Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, and more.
Tinguely Museum: Home to playful kinetic sculptures on the Rhine.
Basel Historical Museum: Located in a Gothic church, with everything from medieval relics to Egyptian mummies.
Museum of Cultures: An engaging look at global cultures, perfect for families.
Old Town & Iconic Landmarks
Basel Minster (Münster): Climb the towers for a panoramic view of the Rhine.
Rathaus (city hall): Red facade, historic murals, and a must-see in Marktplatz.
Spalentor: A medieval gate with fairy tale vibes.
Mittlere Brücke: Basel’s oldest bridge with lovely river views.
Local Shopping & Markets
Swiss Candles, Läderach Chocolate, and Freie Strasse for gifts, fashion, and sweet treats.
Marktplatz Farmers Market: Fresh produce and ready-to-eat bites in the city center.
Where to Eat
Hasenburg: Traditional Swiss eats like bratwurst and rösti.
Klara: Global food hall for every taste.
Zum Isaak: Elegant local dishes near the cathedral.
Backerei Kult: Excellent for morning pastries.
Private Tour Option
Book a Basel Private Walking Tour for a personalized two-hour intro to the city’s history, art, and charm.
Day Trips from Basel
Basel’s border location makes it the perfect launch pad for day trips:
Switzerland
Lucerne (1 hr) — Private Tour: Lakeside beauty, Chapel Bridge, Mt. Pilatus
Zurich (1 hr) — Museums, lakefront, shopping
Bern (1 hr) — UNESCO-listed Old Town, clock tower
Lauterbrunnen/Interlaken (2 hrs) — Alpine waterfalls and adventure
France
Colmar (1 hr) — Storybook charm and Alsatian wine
Strasbourg (1.5 hrs) — Petite France and cathedral vibes
Mulhouse (30 min) — Car and train museums
Germany
Freiburg (1 hr) — Black Forest gateway, sunny squares
Titisee-Neustadt (1.5 hrs) — Lakeside hikes and boat rides
Baden-Baden (2 hrs) — Thermal spas and upscale charm
Flying Into (or out) Basel for Your Rhine River Cruise
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP)
This airport services this region where France, Germany and Switzerland meets. We flew out of EruoAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Frieburg on our recent AmaWaterways Rhine River Cruise.
Around 4 miles or 15 minutes by car/taxi from city center
Bus Line 50 to Basel SBB (20 min)
Closest and most convenient for European arrivals/departures
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
About 1.5 hours from Basel by train or bus
Ideal for international long-haul connections (more direct options available)
Cruise from Basel with Ease
Let me help you turn your cruise logistics into an unforgettable extension of your journey.
Have questions about planning around your Rhine River cruise? Let’s chat!
About Me
I'm a certified River Cruise Specialist with expertise in pre- and post-cruise planning for families and couples alike. I hold certifications with AmaWaterways, Viking, Scenic, Avalon Waterways, and Riverside Luxury Cruises. I'm also a designated Switzerland Specialist, giving me the tools to help you make the most of your time in Basel and beyond.
From smooth transfers to hidden gem excursions and hotel stays that feel like part of the vacation, I’ll help you travel with ease—and return home with richer memories.
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