Winter Magic in Basel, Switzerland: A Festive Travel Guide

• Basler Munster — The Basel Minster is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, with a rich history that dates back over a thousand years! The site of Basel Minster originally housed a church built in the 9th century under the Carolingian dynasty.

• Basel Historical Museum — For those looking to learn more about the history of Basel, Switzerland, I highly recommend visiting this museum.

• Munsterplatz - This is the main square area of the city, and a great place to people watch, see live musicians and take in the sights and sounds of the city. This is also the sight of one of the magical Christmas markets within Basel.

• Rathaus Des Kantons Basel — This is the Town Hall of the city, and features an iconic red exterior and stunning architecture. Make sure to poke your head inside, during Christmastime there is a huge Christmas tree that gives off an extra festive atmosphere. This building makes for a great place to capture a photo or two of your time spent in Basel. Additionally, visitors can sign the visitor's guestbook to make a note of their journey to Basel.

• Christmas Markets — There are two main Weihnachtsmarkt (the German word for Christmas Market) in Basel. The first can be located near Basel Minster Cathedral. The second is located a short walk away near Barfussergasse Street. ‌The market near Basel Minster is smaller, but features some great stalls with handmade items to peruse. The market near Barfussergasse is much bigger, with lots of stalls featuring all sorts of local foods and treats. The market near Barfussergasse tends to be busier. For this reason, I recommend visiting early in the evening or later in the evening.

• Spalentor Basel — A regal 15th-century gateway that is a great place to take pictures and take in the beautiful architecture of Old Town Basel.

• BAIUSHKI - A great place to do some shopping and souvenir hunting. This beautiful shop features jewelry and locally made items.

• Läckerli Huus AG - An iconic shop to pick up locally made Swiss chocolate. Who can resist a sweet treat after a winter day exploring a beautiful city?

Day trips

Nestled at the crossroads of France, Germany and Switzerland, Basel is a city where cultures converge and borders dissolve. This unique location makes it a gateway to exploring the best of three countries, all within easy reach. From the fairy-tale villages of Alsace to Germany’s Black Forest and Switzerland’s alpine beauty, Basel offers endless opportunities for unforgettable day trips. Its rich history as a trade hub adds to the charm, making it a perfect starting point for a journey through Europe’s heart.

Breakfast:

• La Boulangerie — This great little local cafe is located very close to the Volkshause Basel boutique hotel and is a great place for breakfast and lunch. Offering both sweet and savory fares, this cafe is sure to set you up well for a full day of exploration in Basel.

• Avant-Gouz — If you are looking for a relaxed and delicious sit-down meal to break your fast, this is one of our favorites!

Lunch & drinks:

• Ufer7 Basel - Looking for a great restaurant on the banks of the Rhine River? This is a great spot featuring casual offerings.

• 1777 Restaurant-Kaffee-Bar — This relaxed eatery features a terrace where visitors can enjoy classic Swiss fare, burgers and Mediterranean options for their afternoon meal.

• Bibliothek Cocktail Bar — Library-themed bar with a great selection of drinks and tasty bites.

Dinner:

• Baracca Zermatt — For a truly cozy and atmospheric dinner, we recommend this fondue-style restaurant. This venue brings a taste of the Swiss Alps to the city with its cozy, chalet-style ambiance and authentic Valaisan cuisine. This restaurant is modeled after a traditional mountain hut. Complete with wooden decor, warm lighting and an inviting rustic atmosphere that transports visitors to the heart of the mountain town of Zermatt. Specializing in classic Swiss dishes, Baracca Zermatt is best known for its delicious cheese fondue and raclette, made with rich, high-quality cheeses. This menu also features hearty Alpine specialties such as Rösti, cured meats and mountain sausages, all of which reflect the flavors of Swiss mountain cheese. We are sure you will love this Swiss mountain retreat in the heart of Basel City!

• Roots - Looking for a place to celebrate an extra special occasion? Roots is a fantastic, elevated Michelin Star restaurant that is sure to impress. Featuring only local ingredients, this restaurant strives to deliver the best possible dining experience to guests. This restaurant is located on the banks of the Rhine River, and it is known for its innovative approach to modern European cuisine. Roots prides itself on using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients to create artfully presented dishes that blend tradition and contemporary techniques.

• Restaurant Hasenburg — Another great local restaurant, this venue also features many traditional Swiss fare and offerings. With both indoor and outdoor dining available, this restaurant is sure to please diners.