One of the big concerns I had with visiting Switzerland was the cost, being a budget traveller is great when we are swanning through Eastern Europe, staying in apartments and eating 3 course meals!

Well back in the western part of the continent and it’s not such a cheap deal! Having said that I found Basel to be both cheap and expensive at the same time: Flights were a steal at only £49.98 for a return with EasyJet, you get a free travel pass when staying in the city which even covers your transport from the airport to the hostel and getting up the cathedral tower sets you back a measly 5CHF (About £ 3.40).

Then on the other hand a bed in an 8 person dorm set me back more for a night than a whole apartment in Budapest for a week! I paid almost £8.00 for a sandwich and shelled out the large part of £10 for our customary souvenir magnet! But one of the main ways in which I saved money was to nip to the local “coop” and make my own food back at the hostel kitchen.

This trip to Basel was not only my first time in Switzerland but due to the fact that Shorty is heading over to Switzerland in July it ended up being my first solo trip. You can read a whole post about that here where I reflect upon the mixed emotions I felt being alone whilst travelling for the first time: Reflections on my first solo trip.

There is plenty here to keep you entertained for a long weekend and yet its walkable size means you can also have most of that covered in a short break as too. I felt that although I would have loved longer in the country, a long weekend in Basel was the perfect amount of time to both keep me busy (especially being on my own) and also give me enough time to wander alongside the river and explore the cobbled streets at my own pace.

There is also a distinctly local feel too. Sure there are tourists, and of course the odd America, but there are no open top tours or even too many souvenir shops. You get the sense, much like Manchester, that you just see real life here. Not something pumped up for the sake of tourists but instead an honesty which is refreshing and enjoyable.

Public travel in Basel is FREE! Yeah that’s right! When you stay in the city you are automatically eligible for a FREE travel pass, this even includes the bus to and from the airport (just use your hotel reservation on the way to your accommodation) which is pretty awesome! However if you are just passing through a daily ticket will set you back around 8 CHF (£5) This is because of a “Mobility Ticket” which you get when you check in to your accommodation!

Then you have two main train stations, Basel SBB railway station is the largest and serves destinations all over Switzerland, France and Germany. It even has an international border crossing into the French half of the station. Out the front of the station is Centralbahnplatz which is a major tram hub and is also the drop off point for the Airport bus.

The airport at Basel is a truly international affair and is quite unique. The “Euro-Airport” is known as Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg and uses the triple code of MLH, BSL, EAP. The flight from Manchester takes around 1.30hrs and so is ideal for a weekend break. Take the number 50 bus from outside of the Swiss section of the airport for a 15 min trip into the city (remember it’s FREE too!)

One of the reasons I initially hesitated over this trip was the lack of budget accommodation, Basel is by no means a backpackers city and unlike many major european cities there isn’t a large network of hostels to choose from. My options were pretty limited but I came across the YMCA hostel over near the main train station and opted for a bed in an 8 person dorm.  For 3 nights (enough for a long weekend) it set me back 125 CHF or £85 which is quite reasonable.

The hostel itself was actually in a great location, only a 2 minute walk from the train station it was ideal for transport links. It was only a 10 minute walk from Munsterplatz too which on a nice day makes for a lovely stroll.

As Basel sits on the Rhine the residents have come up with some unique ways of getting across the river. Of course you could walk over one of the many old and ornate bridges but who wants to do that when you can take a ferry on a rope!?

Not only can you enjoy the glistening emerald waters of the Rhine from the ferries, boats or bridges but many choose to swim in the river. Far from being frowned upon it is actively encouraged, there are designated swim zones, changing rooms and shops selling the regulation bright orange flotation bags.

From the Tinguely-Brunnen mechanical water fountain in Barfusserplatz to Rheinsprung which is lined with 15th and 16th century homes there is so much to explore. There are also over 170 fountains spread around the city containing fresh spring water, the notable dark red “Augustiner Brunnen” sits on the scenic street of Augustinergasse.

For me this was one of the main reasons why I wanted to visit Basel, I was taken by the bright red and highly detailed town hall immediately and when I walked around the corner for the first time I wouldn’t help but let out a “Wow!” In fact I passed through Marktplatz over and over again just to get another glance as it I loved it so much! This amazing 500 year old sandstone building still houses the local council and features frescos by Hans Bock dating back to 1610.

The city’s oldest bridge dates back to the early 13th century and includes a tiny chapel at its centre in which medieval criminals would be sentenced to death.

The bridge offers a pleasant trip over the river with amazing views down its banks. This area is perhaps one of the city’s busier regions, especially on a warm summers day, as many locals flock to the river banks to cool down.

This viewing terrace is located just behind Munster Cathedral and offers amazing panoramic views down the river Rhein, on a clear day you can even see as far as the border triangle with Germany and France. Not only does it offer unrivalled free views but it a great place to sit and ponder over the beauty which lies before you on the stone benches which surround it. There are also some free public toilets just to right right on the Pflaz!

Like many medieval cities Basel was once a walled town with a series of magnificent and detailed gates providing access to its interior. Today only three of these survive and the Spalentor is by far the most impressive. Like many of the architectural features of Basel it dates back to 1400. The fortress like decorative tower was made to be seen well before travellers entered the city and really stands out!

This district dates back to the middle ages and is one of the greenest areas of the city. The site of the past industries of Basel the region is noted for its series of canals and waterwheels.

This peaceful area of town has several remnants of the city’s 14th century fortifications such as the “Mühlegraben’ and the 13th century St. Alban-Tor, another beautiful city gateway.

Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History)

I elected to spend a day in the mountain town of Lucerne as the train journey is only 1.15hr from Basel and so idea for a day trip. I also managed to get a great deal on train tickets when I booked early. You can check that post out here and keep an eye out for a guide to Lucerne and the Golden Round Trip up Mt. Pilatus I took.