Basel’s charm isn’t just in its centuries-old architecture or its vibrant cultural scene; it’s also in the variety of tours available that make exploring this Swiss city both easy and memorable. Whether you’re interested in wandering the cobbled streets of the Old Town, sampling local wines in Alsace, or taking a scenic mountain trip, Basel offers adventures tailored to all tastes and budgets. We especially love the Walking Tour through Basel Old Town for its comprehensive look at the city’s history and highlights like the Tinguely Fountain, and the Bike Tour for a lively, up-close experience of Basel’s landmarks along the Rhine.
One of the best parts about Basel is its location—close enough to France and Germany to offer cross-border adventures, like the Alsace wine tour, or scenic mountain trips to Pilatus and Lake Lucerne. These tours give you a taste of Switzerland’s natural beauty, culture, and culinary delights—whether it’s through a private boat ride, a mountain cogwheel train, or a wine tasting in charming villages.
Quick Overview
Basel’s tours range from historic walking excursions to adrenaline-filled mountain adventures, making it easy to tailor your trip to your interests. You can stroll through the Old Town with expert guides, hop on a guided bike tour along the Rhine, or indulge in wine tastings across the border in Alsace. For nature lovers, full-day private tours to Mount Pilatus, Lake Lucerne, and the Swiss Alps are available, offering spectacular scenery and a variety of transportation modes like boats, trains, and cable cars. And if you want to experience Basel’s culinary scene, private tastings of cheese, chocolate, and local pastries will satisfy your sweet tooth while immersing you in Swiss culture.
Below, we’ve listed all the top tours—each offers something unique, catering to different interests, fitness levels, and time constraints.
1. Walking Tour through Basel Old Town
This 2-hour walking tour is a fantastic way to get your bearings and learn about Basel’s history. The tour covers key sites like the Tinguely Fountain, Cathedral Hill, and the Town Hall, taking you through the winding, well-preserved streets of the Old Town. The guide will share stories about Basel’s past, making the city’s architecture and monuments come alive.
With a 4.6/5 rating from over 800 reviews, visitors love how knowledgeable and engaging the guides are. One reviewer noted, “Marianne’s enthusiasm made the history of Basel feel vibrant and interesting.” Priced at $31 per person, it’s a budget-friendly introduction that sets a solid foundation for further exploration. Ideal for first-timers who want a rundown without missing the details.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy learning about a city’s stories firsthand, this walk offers great value, especially in the early days of your trip.
2. Alsace Wine Tour and Medieval Villages. Small Group Guided Tour
For wine lovers and history buffs alike, this private half- or full-day tour offers an intimate experience of Alsace’s charming villages and family-run wineries. Starting from Basel, you’ll visit places like Eguisheim and Riquewihr, both known for their picturesque streets and historic architecture. Your private guide will focus on your wine preferences, discussing viticulture and tasting prestigious wines directly from boutique wineries.
Guests rave about the personalized service, with reviews highlighting Colin, the guide, as “a sommelier with deep knowledge and passion for wine.” The tour includes stops at 4 wineries, a delicious lunch, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. At $336.24 per person, it’s a splurge but offers a rich, tailored experience that’s perfect for wine enthusiasts and those who appreciate small-group intimacy.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wine aficionados who want a detailed, personal journey through Alsace’s viticultural treasures.
3. Stories of Basel’s Old Town
This 2-hour storytelling walking tour goes beyond the basics to share fascinating tales from Basel’s past. You’ll visit landmarks like Basel Minster, Barfüsserkirche, and the Museum der Kulturen, while your guide weaves in stories that reveal what makes Basel truly special. The tour also showcases Basel’s modern architecture, so you’ll see how the city’s history and contemporary design coexist.
Rated 4.5/5 from nearly 200 reviews, travelers praise the guide’s storytelling skills and deep local knowledge. “Jasmin’s stories brought the city to life,” said one reviewer. For $31.80, it’s an engaging, expressive way to understand Basel’s cultural fabric.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who love stories and history, with a focus on cultural insights rather than just sights.
4. The best of Basel: 2.5–3-hour guided bike tour
Discover Basel on two wheels with this guided bike tour. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to see a wide array of landmarks—like the Rhine old town, the market square, and the Town Hall—while enjoying fresh air and exercise. The tour is led by a local who shares stories about Basel’s history and modern life as you pedal along scenic paths and vibrant neighborhoods.
Guests comment on the fun and friendly ride, with one raving, “Gianna was an extremely knowledgeable and lively guide.” Costing roughly $50, it’s excellent value for those who prefer physical activity over walking and want a more dynamic overview of the city.
Bottom Line: Great for energetic travelers eager to combine sightseeing with a bit of exercise.
5. City Tour Basel (Walking Tour)
This short walking tour lasts about 1 hour 20 minutes and covers Basel’s key spots, including the Basel Minster, Pfalz, and Marktplatz. It’s a flexible, personal experience where the guide adapts to your interests, allowing questions and spontaneous stops. The focus is on a mix of culture, history, and local life.
Rated 5/5 by travelers who appreciate the guide’s local knowledge and engaging style, this tour is perfect for visitors with limited time. At around $29.66 per person, it’s an affordable and convenient way to get an essential taste of Basel.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a quick, personalized introduction without a lengthy commitment.
6. Basel: Sightseeing Bus Tour with Audio Guide
For those who prefer to cover a lot of ground without walking, this bus tour offers a comfortable way to see Basel’s highlights in 2 hours. The audio guide explains landmarks like the Basel Cathedral, Tinguely Museum, and Old Town, with the option to hop off at photos stops like Johann Park or Dreiländereck.
Rated 4.2/5 from over 200 reviews, travelers mention the informative narration, despite some noting that the audio occasionally falls out of sync. Priced without a set fee, it’s a good choice for families with mobility issues or travelers in a hurry.
Bottom Line: An easy, informative option for a quick overview, especially if walking or biking isn’t ideal.
7. Mt. Pilatus Golden Roundtrip Small Group Day Trip from Basel
Experience the Swiss Alps with this full-day guided tour to Mount Pilatus. Starting with a train ride to Lucerne, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise across Lake Lucerne, then ascend Mount Pilatus via Europe’s steepest cogwheel railway. The tour highlights panoramic views, including the dragon gallery and scenic terraces.
Rated 5/5, guests commend the seamless organization and the guide’s insights. At about $656, it’s an investment, but it offers a well-rounded, stress-free way to see the mountains and lakes in one day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive mountain experience with all logistics handled.
8. Basel’s Cheese, Chocolate, and Local Pastry Tasting Private Tour
Indulge your sweet tooth with this 2-hour private tasting tour of Basel’s culinary delights. Your guide takes you through the Old City, sampling Swiss cheeses like Gruyère, local chocolates, and pastry treats. You’ll also learn about Swiss cheese production from a sommelier, making this a deliciously educational experience.
Rated 4.5/5, visitors appreciate the personal attention and quality tastings. One reviewer said, “The guide was most delightful and super knowledgeable.” At $185.97 per person, it’s a sweet way to combine culture and cuisine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for foodies who want a personalized, flavorful adventure in Basel.
9. Basel: Fancy a bike tour through 3 countries in 60 minutes?
For a quick, fun adventure, this 1-hour bike ride crosses the Dreiländereck, the point where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet. It includes stops at the Dreiländerbrücke and a glimpse into Basel’s harbor area and alternative culture at Holzpark Klybeck. Perfect for a quick outdoor experience, especially in summer.
Rated 5/5, riders love how unique it is to cycle through three countries in just an hour. It’s a popular choice for those short on time but craving a little international flavor.
Bottom Line: Great for active travelers interested in a short, memorable cross-border experience.
10. Homemade Italian Pizza & Focaccia Experience with a Local Family
Enjoy a hands-on cooking class with this private experience. Guided by a local family, you’ll learn to make pizza, focaccia, and tiramisu, then sit down together to enjoy your creations with Swiss and Italian wines. The class lasts about 3 hours and is suitable for all skill levels.
Rated 5/5, participants rave about the friendly hosts and authentic recipes. One said, “Food was amazing, and it felt like dinner with friends.” Costing around $171, it’s a memorable culinary experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers who want to learn and taste authentic Italian dishes in a relaxed setting.
11. The natural wonders of Switzerland: private tour from Basel (1 day)
This full-day private tour takes you from Basel into the Swiss landscape, visiting Lake Lucerne, Altdorf, and the Klausen Pass. It offers breathtaking views, including Wilhelm Tell’s birthplace and mountain waterfalls. Perfect for those eager to see Switzerland’s natural beauty in one day.
Rated 5/5, travelers mention the personalized attention and the stunning scenery. A typical review states, “Roland made a delightful Swiss lunch for us and tailored the trip to our interests.” Cost is $1,450.88, making it a premium experience for nature lovers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a customized, scenic day exploring Switzerland’s mountains and lakes.
12. Basel Private tour – Mt. Pilatus and Cruise on Lake of Lucerne
This private 8-hour tour combines a mountain trip to Pilatus with a cruise on Lake Lucerne. It’s fully personalized, with a private guide arranging train tickets, boat rides, and mountain visits for your group. The highlight is the panoramic views from the mountain and the boat, perfect for capturing photos and relaxing.
Rated 5/5, reviewers praise the expert guiding and smooth logistics. One said, “Michael explained everything thoroughly, making the day seamless.” Cost is $771.69 per person, a good choice for those who want an exclusive, flexible experience.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a private, all-inclusive day in the Swiss mountains and lakes.
13. Mt. Pilatus with cruise on Lake of Lucerne Small Group from Basel
This small-group tour offers a full day of mountain and lake scenery, starting with a train and boat ride from Basel. You’ll ascend Mount Pilatus via the dragon ride aerial cable car** and enjoy spectacular views. The cruise on Lake Lucerne adds a peaceful, scenic ending.
Rated 4.5/5, travelers praise the breathtaking vistas and expert guides. One reviewer shared, “The boat ride and mountain trip were absolutely stunning,” justifying the around $445 price tag for an immersive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a scenic, guided day with a smaller group and plenty of photo opportunities.
14. Basel: Local Cheese Tasting Tour with a Cheese Sommelier
Explore Basel’s cheese scene with this 8-minute tasting tour featuring a cheese sommelier. Guided through local cheese shops, you’ll sample Swiss cheeses like Gruyère and learn about AOP cheesemaking. The tasting includes stories about Swiss cheese traditions and culture.
Rated 4.4/5, visitors appreciate the insightful explanations and delicious samples. One reviewer said, “We learned about Swiss cheese and tasted some amazing varieties.” At only $24, it’s a quick, affordable indulgence.
Bottom Line: An easy, tasty introduction for cheese lovers wanting to understand Switzerland’s dairy traditions.
15. Basel: Cheese, Chocolate, and Pastry Private Tour
This private tasting tour combines cheese, chocolates, and pastries across Basel’s top shops. Your guide will explain the history of Swiss dairy and take you to local spots to sample delicious treats. It’s a flavorful way to see the city’s culinary heritage.
Rated 4.5/5, guests praise the friendly hosts and variety of tastings. One review notes, “Great fun, learned a lot, and left full!” Cost is $185.97 per person, making it a satisfying and sweet way to explore.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a personalized, tasty tour that combines culture and local flavors.
How to Choose the Right Basel Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re keen on history and architecture, the Walking Tour of Basel Old Town or the Stories of Basel’s Old Town are excellent options. For active travelers, the Bike Tour or the Cross-Border Bike Ride through three countries offer a lively experience, while foodies should look at the Cheese and Chocolate Tasting or the Italian Cooking Class. Mountain lovers will find the Pilatus and Lucerne trips most rewarding, especially the private options for a personalized experience.
Booking early is advisable for popular tours, especially private experiences and mountain trips, which can fill quickly during peak seasons. Consider combining a city tour with a culinary experience for a well-rounded visit, or opt for a private tour if you prefer tailored attention.
Final Thoughts
Basel’s diverse array of tours ensures every traveler can find something that suits their pace and interests. From exploring centuries-old streets to tasting Swiss cheeses and climbing Alpine peaks, this list offers a practical guide to making the most of your stay. For a comprehensive, stress-free experience, consider one of the private mountain or lake trips, or get local insights with a guided walk. Whatever your choice, booking early guarantees you won’t miss out on the highlights of this dynamic city and its surroundings.