Basel is a city that rewards curious explorers with its blend of historic charm, vibrant cultural scene, and scenic river views. Unlike many destinations, Basel offers a rich variety of guided experiences that let you see the city from new angles—whether wandering through its centuries-old streets, cycling along the Rhine, or cruising past its impressive architecture. We particularly love the Walking Tour through Basel Old Town for its engaging storytelling and close-up look at landmarks like the Tinguely Fountain and the cathedral. For active travelers, the guided bike tour offers a lively way to cover more ground and explore hidden corners. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Cheese Tasting Tour provides an authentic taste of Swiss dairy traditions.
Below, we’ve compiled the 13 best tours and experiences in Basel, covering everything from cultural strolls to mountain adventures, so you can find exactly what suits your travel style.
1. Walking Tour through Basel Old Town
At number 1 on our list is the Walking Tour through Basel Old Town — a perfect introduction for first-time visitors. This 2-hour guided walk dives into Basel’s past, taking you through winding streets, past the ornate Town Hall, and around Cathedral Hill. The tour is highly rated (4.6/5 from 837 reviews) for its friendly guides and engaging storytelling. Reviewers often mention the knowledgeable guide Marianne, whose enthusiasm makes history come alive. The highlight for many is admiring the Tinguely Fountain, a modern sculpture that contrasts beautifully with the historic surroundings.
Practical and well-paced, the tour provides a balanced overview of Basel’s architecture, culture, and key landmarks. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to the city in just 2 hours. Expect to learn about Basel’s evolution and cultural highlights without feeling overwhelmed. The cost is reasonable at $31 per person, making it a great value for a solid city overview.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a friendly, in-depth introduction to Basel’s historic heart, this tour sets the perfect tone for your visit.
2. The best of Basel: 2.5–3-hour guided bike tour
For those who prefer to explore actively, the guided bike tour is an excellent choice. This 3-hour ride captures Basel’s highlights and hidden spots, all while cycling along scenic river paths. With a 5/5 rating from 32 reviews, it’s praised for its lively pace and local insights. Your guide, Gianna, is both personable and knowledgeable, sharing stories about the city’s long history, art, and modern architecture—like the Roche Tower—and even stopping at a 1,000-year-old building.
The tour includes tastings of Swiss snacks and drinks, plus visits to the market square and the Town Hall. It’s a fantastic way to see more of Basel in less time, especially if you’re comfortable on a bike. The experience costs a bit more, but the opportunity to combine sightseeing, exercise, and local flavors offers good value. Suitable for active travelers who want a fun, rundown with a dash of local culture.
Bottom Line: An energetic, informative tour that appeals to those who enjoy biking and want a blend of history and local flavor.
3. Basel: Sightseeing Bus Tour with Audio Guide
If you prefer to cover Basel’s sights from a comfortable seat, the Sightseeing Bus Tour is a good option. Lasting around 2 hours, this tour takes you past landmarks such as the Basel Cathedral, Tinguely Museum, and the Town Hall—all with the aid of an insightful audio guide. Free WiFi and a traditional hard spice biscuit add a nice touch onboard. This tour is praised for its clear narration and convenient stops, making it ideal for travelers who want a quick, informative overview without much walking.
The itinerary includes stops at notable sites like Markthalle, St. Paul’s Church, and Dreiländereck, with options to hop off and explore. Ratings are solid (4.2/5 from 221 reviews), though some mention that the audio sync can sometimes be inconsistent. Still, it’s a relaxing way to see Basel’s core in a short time, perfect if you’re short on energy or time.
Bottom Line: A comfortable, accessible way to get orientated with Basel’s main sights, especially on a rainy day or when tired.
4. Basel: Fancy a bike tour through 3 countries in 60 minutes?
For a truly unique experience, the bike tour across three countries is hard to beat. In just one hour, you’ll pedal over the Dreiländerbrücke (Three Countries Bridge) and visit the Dreiländereck monument, where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet. This tour captures the urban atmosphere and natural beauty along the Rhine, including stops at Holzpark Klybeck with its alternative culture vibe.
Rated perfect (5/5 from 22 reviews), this quick adventure is great for travelers short on time but eager to see the borders and enjoy impressive viewpoints. It’s especially suited for active travelers who love a quick, scenic ride with a bit of cultural novelty.
Bottom Line: A fun, fast way to experience the tri-border area while enjoying some fresh air and great views.
5. Mt. Pilatus with cruise on Lake of Lucerne Small Group from Basel
Number 5 on our list is the small group tour to Mt. Pilatus. This 8-hour trip combines a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne with a dramatic ascent to the summit of Mt. Pilatus aboard the famous dragon ride aerial cable car. The views from the top are stunning, offering panoramic vistas of the Swiss Alps and the surrounding lakes. The tour is praised for its seamless logistics, with the guide handling all details from Basel to the mountain.
Guests love the experience of the cable car ride and the opportunity to enjoy lunch or hike at the summit. The small-group setup makes it personalized and less crowded. It’s perfect for nature lovers and those wanting a full-day escape from city life. The price reflects the comprehensive experience, but the inclusion of transportation, cableway, and cruise makes it a well-rounded value.
Bottom Line: A top choice for travelers eager to combine mountain scenery with a relaxing boat cruise, suitable for anyone with a day to spare.
6. Basel: Local Cheese Tasting Tour with a Cheese Sommelier
If you appreciate good food, the Cheese Tasting Tour is a must. Lasting about 35 minutes, this experience introduces you to Swiss cheeses, including the famed AOP varieties. Led by a cheese expert, you’ll learn about the origins and production methods while sampling a variety of local cheeses. Guests rave about the knowledgeable host and the opportunity to understand Swiss dairy craftsmanship.
The tour is small and intimate, making it a perfect add-on for food lovers or those interested in Swiss culture through its cheeses. It’s reasonably priced at $24, and the tasting includes interesting insights into the cheesemaking process. If you’re curious about Swiss culinary traditions, this quick but delicious tour offers a tasty bite of local culture.
Bottom Line: A brief, flavorful experience ideal for cheese enthusiasts wanting to deepen their understanding of Swiss dairy.
7. Private Full-Day Tour to Grindelwald Lauterbrunnen Interlaken Mürren from Basel
For those who want a comprehensive Swiss mountain experience, the full-day private tour hits the mark. Over approximately 9 hours, you’ll visit Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls, explore Mürren’s car-free village with views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, and enjoy a scenic walk to Gimmelwald. Your guide handles all logistics, ensuring a relaxed day of sightseeing.
One reviewer called it “an incredible, well-planned day” with personalized touches like a picnic lunch under a waterfall. The tour is suited for travelers who crave in-depth exploration and flexibility. It’s a premium experience, with a higher price point, but offers unmatched comfort and customization.
Bottom Line: Best for serious mountain lovers or families seeking a private, fully customizable Swiss Alps experience.
8. Basel: Self-Guided Food Tour
If you prefer exploring at your own pace, the Self-Guided Food Tour is perfect. It allows you to discover Basel through local recommendations, sampling at four authentic spots. The instructions guide you from one place to another, with options to enjoy snacks and drinks along the way.
Rated 4.5/5 from 58 reviews, travelers appreciate the convenience and quality of the food, although one comment noted a less satisfying last stop. It’s ideal for flexible travelers who want a taste of Basel’s culinary scene without a fixed schedule, especially if you enjoy using apps like Google Maps.
Bottom Line: A flexible way to try Basel’s local flavors independently, perfect for foodie travelers comfortable with self-navigation.
9. Tour of Jakob’s Basler Leckerly Bakery
For sweet lovers, the Bakery Tour offers an authentic peek into the world of Basel’s oldest biscuit maker. This 1-hour tour explores the 270-year tradition behind Jakob’s Leckerli, including a tasting of recipes from three centuries. Visitors enjoy wrapping their own Leckerli as a memorable souvenir.
Rated 4.8/5 from 20 reviews, this tour emphasizes craftsmanship and history. It’s especially suited for those interested in Swiss confectionery and local craft traditions. The price reflects the specialized experience, making it an excellent choice for a sweet cultural indulgence.
Bottom Line: A delightful, educational treat for those interested in Swiss baking traditions.
10. Basel: 1-Hour Group Walking Tour
This quick 1-hour walking tour offers a fast overview of Basel’s must-see sights. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll pass landmarks like the Basel Minster and the historic old town. It’s a budget-friendly option for travelers short on time but eager to get a quick snapshot of the city’s highlights.
Rated 5/5 from 11 reviews, it’s praised for its efficient route and informative narration. This tour suits travelers who want a brief orientation or those arriving late and want to make the most of a limited schedule.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a concise introduction to Basel’s most iconic spots.
11. Tour on the vintage tram
Step aboard the vintage tram for a different perspective on Basel. This 75-minute ride through the city in a historic streetcar offers insights into Basel’s transport history and its development. Rated 4.3/5 from 78 reviews, travelers love the nostalgic experience and the chance to see the city from a unique angle.
It’s a relaxing option for those interested in Basel’s urban evolution and historic transport. The tram ride is suitable for all ages and provides a charming, leisurely way to absorb city sights.
Bottom Line: A nostalgic and scenic experience for those curious about Basel’s transport history.
12. Welcome to Basel: Private Tour with a Local
For a personalized experience, the Private Tour with a Local is ideal. Lasting from 2 to 6 hours, your guide will introduce you to Basel’s hidden spots, practical tips, and local secrets. Rated 4.3/5 from 75 reviews, travelers appreciate how guides like Francis and Levan make the city come alive with personal stories and tailored recommendations.
This tour works well for travelers wanting a flexible, in-depth look at Basel through a resident’s eyes. It’s especially helpful for first-timers or small groups who want a customized experience.
Bottom Line: The best choice for personalized attention and insider tips, perfect for those wanting to get beyond the usual highlights.
13. Homemade Italian Lasagna Experience with a Local Family
Finally, food lovers can’t miss the Lasagna Cooking Experience. Over 3 hours, you’ll learn how to make authentic Lasagne Bolognese using organic Italian ingredients, and enjoy regional Swiss wines. This immersive activity is more than just a cooking class—it’s a chance to bond with a local family and enjoy a meal together.
Rated 5/5 from 9 reviews, it’s praised for its authentic approach and high-quality ingredients. Suitable for foodies eager to take home a new recipe and a taste of Italy in Basel, this experience is a delightful way to spend an afternoon.
Bottom Line: A memorable, hands-on culinary experience ideal for travelers who want an authentic, interactive activity.
How to Choose Your Basel Tour
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you have. If you want an in-depth introduction, the Walking Tour through Basel Old Town or the Private Full-Day Mountain Excursion are excellent choices. For active types, the guided bike tour or the bike across three countries offer dynamic experiences.
Budget travelers may prefer the self-guided food tour or the 1-hour city walk. Those seeking cultural or culinary immersion should consider the Cheese Tasting or the Lasagna Experience.
Booking early is recommended during peak seasons, especially for personalized experiences and mountain trips. Check availability online and consider combining a city tour with a culinary or scenic adventure to get the most out of your Basel visit.
In summary, Basel offers a diverse range of tours that cater to history enthusiasts, active explorers, food lovers, and mountain admirers alike. Whether you’re wandering through its historic streets, cycling along the Rhine, or ascending majestic peaks, you’ll find experiences that deepen your understanding and enjoyment of this Swiss city. We encourage you to book your favorite tours early, especially the small-group and private options, to secure your spot. Happy exploring!