What to Do in Basel, Switzerland on a Romantic Getaway

With idyllic scenery, incredible restaurants, and lots to explore — Basel, Switzerland offers plenty of romance for couples. Enjoy these seven romantic things to do in Basel with your partner.

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1. Wander through Basel’s Old Town.

With over 2,000 years of history, Basel has much for couples to explore. Best is wandering along the cobblestone streets of Old Town to pop into quaint stores for souvenirs or tempting bakeries for a treat. You can’t miss the Marktplatz (or Market Place, in German), an open-air square bursting with fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, and more. Next door is the ornate and colorful Rathaus (Town Hall).

2. Watch Tinguely Fountain together.

Also located in the city center is Tinguely Fountain. Designed by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, this unique fountain  features 10 iron figures that shovel and spray water year-round. In winter it becomes an ice sculpture with water shooting from the icicle-covered mechanical fountain. Fascinated by Tinguely’s fountain? Visit the largest Tinguely collection in the world at Museum Tinguely.

3. Take in the view from Basel Minster.

Behind the fountain you can see the impressive Basel Minster. It operates today as an Episcopal church but was built as a Catholic cathedral in the 11th and 16th centuries in Romanesque and Gothic styles. Climb to the top for stunning views of the Rhine and the Black Forest in the distance.

4. Hold hands at a museum.

With 40 museums in the city, you need to visit at least one during your stay. Options range from Basel’s best-known museum, Fondation Beyeler with its renowned contemporary and modern art collections — to Spielseug Welten Museum Basel, home of the world’s largest collection of teddy bears, dolls, and doll houses.

Even if you don’t have much time to tour, you can squeeze in a visit to one of the world’s smallest museums, Hoosesaggmuseum. In fact, this museum is so tiny, you can’t even step inside. The window display pictured below shows the museum in its entirety. It houses rotating collections of themed items on loan from locals. When we were there, the theme was lions in honor of The Lion King musical, which was playing at the Musical Theatre Basel.

5. Enjoy the Rhine River.

Located on the bend of the Rhine, Basel is uniquely situated with easy access to France, Germany and, of course, Switzerland. In fact, after we got off the plane, we almost went to France instead of walking through the Swiss exit before we realized we needed to pick our country to leave the airport!

The Rhine River is ever-present in Basel’s history and its residents’ life. Thanks to Basel’s location along this river, the city’s inhabitants have long enjoyed trade with other cities along the waterway. In summer, a great many locals float down the Rhine on round individual floats to cool off during their lunch hour. To explore different areas of Basel, you can take a non-motorized ferry, powered solely by the river’s current. Or, cross easily on five bridges that stretch across the Rhine to explore the modern side or Basel’s Old Town.

Then, get drinks while taking in the river view. The sunny, more modern side of the Rhine is THE place to be on summer afternoons for a picnic on the grass or drinks at a pub. Sipping hefeweizen beers at a local joint along the Rhine with complimentary side of olives was sublime. It was one of those moments where you sit with your partner and just relax and toast your good fortune.

6. Splurge on a spectacular meal.

Located between three countries, Basel’s cuisine reflects its multicultural location. For a truly memorable meal, make a beeline for Restaurant Schlusselzunft. Located in a former guild house, you feel a part of history here.

This is the kind of place where you feel rawther important just dining within its walls. Leave your budget worries at home and bring extra Swiss francs because this place isn’t cheap. It is, however, worth every centime.

To start, get the tarte tatin with morel and spring onion, I beg of you. It was one of the best things I have ever eaten. Ever.

As for entrées, my husband won the dinner battle with his order of monkfish medallions with mustard crust, sesame cowpeas, and tomatoes. This light, buttery, fluffy fish was seasoned with a hint of some intriguing spice…was it cardamom, cinnamon or nutmeg? No matter. It was delicious.

The desserts were impressive in presentation but lacking in taste, so I suggest skipping them and sipping another glass of wine instead.

7. Stay in Basel in style.

My husband and I bedded down at Hotel Steinenschanze. This hotel offers a very modern, Northern European feel with bright colors and clean lines. Room prices vary greatly from an economy single to our swanky studio, with a separate living room, two TVs, and access to a grassy garden area.

An evening apéritif in the lounge is included for guests, plus a complimentary breakfast with yogurts, fresh fruits, charcuterie, cheeses, pastries, and more each morning. There’s even a fun squeeze-your-own orange juice machine. Sit inside or in the outdoor tree-lined courtyard.

If that’s not swanky enough for you, then there’s always the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. If you can’t afford to sleep like royalty, then do as we did and go for a fancy-schmancy lunch instead with a sensational view of the Rhine. It would be hard not to feel in the mood for romance here!

Why choose Basel for a romantic holiday?

After exploring Basel, my husband and I boarded our Viking River Cruises ship for an eight-day adventure up the Rhine. For us, Basel was the perfect place to start our journey. I’m sure you’ll find this elegant, multicultural city to be a wonderful setting for your romantic getaway, too.

Explore more destinations for couples.

Intrigued by the idea of embarking on a Viking River Cruise with your partner? Take a look the other amazing destinations we visited during our Viking River Cruise on the Rhine.

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Save these Basel, Switzerland tips.

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Would you like to visit Basel, Switzerland with your partner? Let us know in the comments below!

A Note from The Travel Mama: Our cruise was hosted by Viking River Cruises. Our hotel and some of our meals were provided by Switzerland Tourism. All opinions are mine, as always.

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