Basel is a city that rewards curiosity and loves a good hands-on experience. Whether you’re interested in learning how to make authentic Italian pizza, capturing stunning photos of the city, or creating your own Swiss chocolate, Basel offers a variety of engaging workshops that turn visits into memorable stories. We particularly like the Family-Style Italian Pizza Cooking Class for its warm atmosphere and the chance to take home a piece of 7-year-old sourdough, and the Basel: Graffiti & Urban Art Workshop for its creative team-building vibe. These experiences offer more than sightseeing — they give you a taste of local flavor and creative expression that you can take home with you.
For those wanting to improve their photography skills or explore Basel’s rich street art scene, the Basel: City Tour with Phone Photography Workshop and the Graffiti & Urban Art Workshop stand out. And if chocolate is your passion, the Swiss Chocolate-Making Workshop provides a deliciously immersive escape into Swiss confectionery craftsmanship. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, these workshops promise fun, learning, and a deeper connection to Basel’s vibrant culture.
1. Family-Style Italian Pizza Cooking Class & Dining Experience
At number 1, this 3-hour private cooking class in Basel offers a genuine Italian culinary experience. You’ll learn how to make pizza and focaccia using a treasured 7-year-old sourdough starter, which you get to take home and keep baking with. The class begins with a welcome Aperitif Mediterranean & Wine, helping everyone relax and set the mood. Guided by a local chef at @tavoladifabio_, you’ll master the art of stretching dough, selecting toppings, and baking your creations to perfection.
What makes this experience stand out is the focus on authenticity and the personal touch. The chef shares insights about the history of the dishes and the importance of good ingredients. After baking, you’ll enjoy a dinner of your homemade pizza paired with organic wines from Italy’s Piedmont region and Swiss regional wines — a highlight for wine lovers. Plus, the classic Tiramisu, made from a grandmother’s recipe, finishes the meal perfectly.
This class is perfect for foodies eager to learn Italian cooking in a cozy setting. The reviews highlight its warmth and educational value, with one rater calling it “an experience that will be remembered for years.” The value is excellent considering you get to take home the sourdough starter and walk away with a new skill.
Bottom Line: A hands-on, delicious way to explore Italian cuisine in Basel, especially appealing if you want to bring a bit of Italy home with you.
2. Basel: City Tour with Phone Photography Workshop
Next on our list is the 4-hour Basel City Tour with Phone Photography Workshop. This experience combines sightseeing with a practical photography lesson, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy capturing their journey. You’ll explore Basel’s old city, uncovering its hidden corners and historic landmarks, while also learning how to make the most of your phone camera.
The guide shares simple yet effective photography techniques and tips for telling a story through your images. You’ll learn how to improve your composition, lighting, and framing, plus get a crash course in basic editing with Photoshop. It’s a perfect way to elevate your travel photos without lugging around professional gear. After some practice, you’ll relax over a coffee break, sharing your best shots with fellow participants.
This tour is especially suited for casual shutterbugs who want their photos to stand out and for anyone interested in documenting their Basel experience more creatively. The reviews praise its comprehensive approach and friendly guide, making what could be a basic city tour into a fun learning opportunity.
Bottom Line: If you want to enhance your phone photography skills while discovering Basel’s charm, this workshop offers a practical and enjoyable blend.
3. Basel: Graffiti & Urban Art Workshop with Snacks & Drinks
Fourth on our list, this 3.5-hour workshop invites you to explore Basel’s street art scene through a creative team activity. You’ll learn about graffiti and urban art techniques, inspired by books and photos, before creating your own artwork. The highlight is actually painting on a legal wall, canvas, or aluminum panel, giving you a tangible piece of street art to take home.
Led by an instructor passionate about street art, the workshop emphasizes technique, style, and expression. The group works together to produce a collective piece or individual works, fostering teamwork and creativity. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a casual snack break with chips, nuts, fruit, and mineral water, perfect for recharging.
What makes this experience unique is its focus on urban art as a form of expression—not just a craft but a cultural statement. It’s a fantastic option for creative types or anyone looking to try something different. The reviews mention how inspiring and fun it is, with participants appreciating the chance to make their own art in a relaxed environment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for creative travelers who want to try their hand at street art and enjoy a casual, social atmosphere.
4. Cooking Class: Homemade Italian Lasagna Experience by Locals
Number 4 is a 3-hour private cooking class that focuses on Italian classics like lasagna, tortelloni, and tiramisu. Held in Basel, the class begins with a warm Aperitif Mediterranean & Wine and the opportunity to prepare your own spritz for a true Italian touch. Guided by locals Anita and Fabio, you’ll shape, cook, and assemble your own lasagna, learning techniques that elevate your homemade efforts.
The highlight of this class is the hands-on approach: from making the pasta dough and layering the lasagna to savoring the fruits of your labor. You’ll enjoy your freshly cooked pasta paired with regional wines, and afterwards, sip Amaro or coffee. The focus is on authentic recipes and shared experiences, making it perfect for foodies who want a deep dive into Italian home cooking.
Reviewers love the cozy atmosphere and the detailed instructions, with one describing the menu as “excellent, though time-consuming.” This class offers great value for those wanting to learn practical Italian dishes they can replicate at home.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, authentic cooking experience that’s well-suited for food lovers eager to master Italian staples.
5. From Basel: Swiss Chocolate-Making Workshop
Finally, the Swiss Chocolate-Making Workshop is a 3-hour journey into the sweet art of Swiss confections. Held in a scenic countryside setting, this workshop teaches you about the history of Swiss chocolate and the process of creating silky ganache and hand-molded truffles. You’ll get hands-on experience crafting your own chocolates, which you get to take home as a tasty souvenir.
The instructor shares insights into the origins of cacao beans and the craftsmanship behind Swiss chocolates, making it both educational and delicious. You’ll learn how to temper chocolate, fill molds, and flavor your truffles, experiencing the artistry behind every bite. The scenic rural setting complements the tactile, sensory-rich experience, making it more memorable than just a tasting.
Ideal for chocolate lovers and families, this workshop offers a sweet escape from city sightseeing. The reviews note how engaging and fun it is, especially for those wanting a deeper understanding of Swiss chocolate’s heritage.
Bottom Line: A delectable and educational choice for anyone with a sweet tooth eager to craft authentic Swiss chocolates.
How to Choose
When selecting a workshop in Basel, consider your interests and how much time you want to dedicate. Food lovers should look at the Italian pizza or lasagna classes for hands-on cooking, while those wanting to capture the city’s charm should try the phone photography workshop. If street art inspires you, the Graffiti & Urban Art Workshop offers creative expression, and chocolate enthusiasts will enjoy the Swiss Chocolate-Making Workshop.
Budget, age, and physical activity levels are practical factors—most experiences are around 3 hours and suitable for a range of ages, but check specific details. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular classes. Think about what you want to bring home: a delicious recipe, a piece of street art, or beautiful photos.
Final thoughts
Basel’s workshops span culinary delights, artistic endeavors, and creative skills, offering something for every type of traveler. For a cozy, authentic culinary experience and a taste of Italy, the Family-Style Italian Pizza Cooking Class is unbeatable. If you love capturing your travels, the Basel City Photo Workshop will sharpen your skills. Creative souls will find the Graffiti & Urban Art Workshop inspiring, while those with a sweet tooth should consider the Swiss Chocolate-Making Workshop.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these engaging, memorable experiences. Basel’s vibrant culture is waiting for you to get hands-on and dive right in.