©Basel TourismKleinbasel is characterised by independent boutiques and international restaurants

©Basel Tourism

Activities in Basel for spring and summer

Thing to do in-and-around Basel to enjoy the warmer weather

Sunday 5 April 2015

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When the sun shines on Basel, you'll see a city transformed from it's postcards-perfect snowy settings to a rambunctious hive of activities. So whether it's a much needed retail therapy or a relaxing river cruise on the Rhine, we've got something for you to try.

Things to do

1. Rhine river cruises

Travel
Public transport
Basel

Avalon Waterways

The mighty Rhine river is the heart of Basel, so why not enjoy a cruise as you glide along the picturesque Swiss scenery and treat yourself to some onboard entertainment. Cruises vary in duration and distance according to operators, but one popular option is a two hour tour of the town and harbour, passing through the old town, Basel Minister, and ending up at Basel harbour. There is also a two and a half hour cruise between Basel to Rheinfelden.

2. Sightseeing in the Old Town

Things to do
Walks and tours
Basel

A stroll in the Old Town is highly recommended to get to grips with Basel’s extensive and very well preserved historic heritage. While the winding cobbled streets are perhaps best explored without too much of a plan in mind, there are some sights you should make sure to include in your itinerary. The Mittlere Brücke has been an international trade route since at least the 14th century and has allowed traffic to cross the Rhine in comfort since it was first built in 1226. It’s one of the best places to appreciate the beauty of Basel on the river and the juxtaposition of new and old architecture, especially at sunset. The Spalentor - the imposing gateway to the walled city centre of yore - has survived intact from 1400 and gives some insight into Basel medieval era. Finally, the Rathaus in Marktplatz is the historic seat of power in Basel and remains home to the city council to this day; a long and fascinating history can be discovered on the guided tours that run twice every Saturday.

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3. Dampfbad Basel

Things to do
St. Johann

©Dampfbad Basel

Whether you are local or in town for shopping, a meeting or an event, the Dampfbad in northern Basel’s St. Johann is the perfect retreat. Combining an oriental hammam with two steam rooms and a range of massages, it is an oasis of calm in muted beiges and greys. The recommended ritual includes a warming shower, 10 minutes in an aromatic 48 degrees steam room, a body scrub and a session in the 34 degrees relaxation pool, and can be repeated as many times as you like. Booking a massage as part of your visit is a luxurious addition. Thoughtful touches that enhance comfort include complimentary spiced tea, apples and eye masks in the rest room, natural Aesop toiletries in the showers and an endless supply of gold-threaded ‘Pestemals’ (Turkish bath towels) to protect your modesty. That’s right, you don’t have to be naked to enter – something of a rarity in Swiss steam rooms.

Restaurants

1. Das Schiff

Kleinhüningen
price 3 of 4
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended

Anchored on the edge of the River Rhine, Schiff is a cultural centre with a restaurant and bar that extends over three decks. Schiff is known as a meeting place for creatives but its location makes it an ideal venue for anyone to enjoy views of Basel’s watery artery while wining and dining in chic surroundings. The main deck is home to a restaurant specialising in European cuisine and a bar/lounge with a hint of the South Seas. Menus read like modern upmarket gastro-pub fare, and are carefully prepared and presented. While the nautical theme might get a bit much (considering you’re clearly not actually on the high seas), the wooden decking of the terrace makes this place really come into its own in the summer when you can sit under the stars and enjoy late night Basel. Bon voyage.

2. Brasserie Volkshaus

Brasseries
Altstadt Kleinbasel (central Kleinbasel)
price 3 of 4
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended

While the name might lead you to expect a traditional beer hall, Volkshaus Basel is a design attraction in its own right and far from folksy. Star Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron have created a dining space that is filled with light and clean lines, while retaining nods to classic brasserie interiors. Firmly Swiss with a touch of French, the menu aims for simple made special. Perennial Swiss favourites share the page with seasonal dishes including daily wild game specials in autumn. Desserts merit a mention thanks to creative flourishes with crème brulées, as does the cheese selection. In summer, the courtyard beer garden offers a shady nook to enjoy a cold beer. And meals from the Brasserie menu are also served here. It's possible to combine dinner or drinks with some live music at the Volkshaus, which regularly stages concerts by local bands and bigger names, as well as a popular 'Jazz Brunch' event in the brasserie on weekends.

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3. Manger & Boire

Swiss
Altstadt Grossbasel (central Grossbasel)
price 3 of 4
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended

As the name suggests, this cosy pub-restaurant is dedicated to the finer things in life and celebrating time to enjoy them. Take a seat at the bar, enjoy the convivial atmosphere on the first floor restaurant or enjoy fresh air on the terrace for beers after work, a romantic date or a raucous dinner with friends. The jukebox on the ground floor is out of sync with the inviting atmosphere upstairs, but no one seems to mind and several different crowds rub along amiably. On the menu are classic Swiss dishes and a pronounced Italian influence – there’s nothing overly fancy, but Manger & Boire specialises in doing simple things well.

4. Acqua

Italian
Vorstädte (Suburbs)
price 2 of 4
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended

©XeniaHaeberli

One of Basel’s trendiest nightspots, this lounge bar and Italian restaurant makes the most of its setting in a renovated waterworks. The decor retains elements of its industrial past – steel grey walls, exposed pipes and brickwork – whilst being firmly contemporary at the same time. The low-lit main dining room, with its chandeliers and candles, will make anyone look good, while in summer the outdoor terrace is an inviting place to sit for lunch. The Osteria’s menu is split into three themes – for meat-lovers, fish fans and vegetarians – and includes classics such as wild ragu pasta and daily changing risottos, as well as larger mains. If you're here to drink rather than eat, visit the bar for a grappa by the fireplace or a cocktail and a spot of late-night dancing to its regular line-up of DJs.

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5. Aroma

Italian
Altstadt Grossbasel (central Grossbasel)
price 3 of 4
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended

www.a-roma.ch

Regarded as one of the best Italians in Basel, Aroma is an upmarket trattoria that offers a romantic atmosphere and excellent Italian cuisine. The dining room and the menu are kept deliberately small, to ensure that service and dishes are always at a high standard. Based mainly on specialties from the Rome region, the menu contains a nice selection of antipasti, pasta and meat dishes, all prepared with loving care by a talented team in the kitchen. Under the watchful eye of the hosts Stefano and Stefania, expect warm, friendly service and an inviting atmosphere that combine to create a memorable evening.

Bars

1. Balz Klub

Basel
price 3 of 4
4 out of 5 stars
Recommended

The Balz Klub in the middle of Gross Basel is a bar and music venue that exudes a warm and friendly vibe by combining different styles of music to attract a mixed clientele. Its Thursday night sessions are renowned as a place to get the weekend started with the help of a student-friendly party night. Fridays and Saturdays are more grown up, with various genres on offer and a mixture of local acts and distinguished international guests. Balz also hosts a stand-up comedy night on the first Wednesday of every month to keep things interesting.

2. Consum

Tapas bars
Altstadt Kleinbasel (central Kleinbasel)
price 3 of 4
3 out of 5 stars
Recommended

A stylish locale that peddles wine, salami and cheese as its produce of choice, Consum is a favourite on the Basel bar scene. Situated in the heart of Klein Basel, the large windows invite you to peer in on your way past and the clever combination of cosy sofas for gossiping plus high tables for bar hoppers allows it to cater to different classes of drinker. If you’re new to Swiss gastronomy, this would be a low-effort place to start, thanks to the broad selection of artisanal tapas plates source from small-scale local producers. The wine menu features Swiss vintages too, although the wine list is extensive and regularly updated to include wines and ports from around the world.

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3. Hamabama

Café bars
Altstadt Grossbasel (central Grossbasel)

©Tim Williams

Hamabama looks like your ‘five-a-day’ times ten, with its bright décor and array of fruit and vegetables arranged on the counter. The juice bar strives to make healthy eating tasty and accessible for everyone, and to take one look at its appetising menu is to see this philosophy in action. Featured in the fresh juices, smoothies, power shots and salads is an A to Z of nutrient-rich produce, such as oranges, fennel, apples and wheatgrass. It is conveniently located, too. In the arcade just off central Gerbergasse, it is just the stop-off that flagging shoppers need.

4. NOOHN

Japanese
Basel

Jan Schmocker / http://www.noohn.ch/

Noonh offers several enticing spaces for you to enjoy. Pull up a seat at the sushi bar, enjoy à la carte dining indoors or out, and make time for a cocktail and chill on the roof terrace, where you'll often find DJs and live music playing.

Theatre

1. Basler Marionetten

Puppetry
Altstadt Grossbasel (central Grossbasel)

Billed as a ‘theatre for young and old’, Basel’s well-known puppet theatre is exactly that, staging afternoon performances aimed at children and darker tales for adults during the evening. Performance styles vary wildly – if you thought puppetry was just Miss Piggy or Big Bird you’ll be thoroughly surprised by the cast of characters performing here, from life-size puppets to stringed creations and cute hand puppets. The repertoire is diverse too, including universally known tales such as Pinocchio along with Swiss German and international stories. Showing that puppetry isn’t just for kids, the adult programme tells such dark tales as Doctor Faustus in string-puppet form.

2. Musical Theater Basel

Musicals
Basel

Werner Getzmann

With more than 1,500 seats and an impressive stage, the Musical Theater Basel is thought to be one of Switzerland's most impressive venues.

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3. Theater Basel

Classical
Altstadt Grossbasel (central Grossbasel)

©Theater Basel

With a string of ‘best of’ awards to its name, Theater Basel can add that it is Switzerland’s largest multipurpose theatre company. It has three main stages and presents a broad programme including opera, theatre, ballet and productions for children. There is something for everyone, with both classical and contemporary works on the programme. Keep an eye on it, as the theatre frequently premieres new works.

4. Win a pair of tickets to EVITA in Basel

Musicals

EVITA is one of the world's best known musical production of a country girl becoming the icon of a nation. Charting the unprecedented career of the Argentinian First Lady Eva Perón, EVITA is the brainchild of of theatre mogul Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice from the seventies. On from July 11-16 at Musical Theater Basel, EVITA has one of the best musical soundtracks in the history of theatre, such as the ballad "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", accompanied with elegant choreographies, opulent equipment and an outstanding orchestra. For you chance to win tickets to this amazing show, simply answer the following question: Fill out my Wufoo form!

Shopping

1. Konditorei-Confiserie Gilgen

Shopping
Bakeries
Altstadt Grossbasel (central Grossbasel)

©Konditorei-Confiserie Gilgen

Confiserie Gilgen was founded in 1937 and still uses the same recipes. And they are recipes that seem to be working, Dough is made fresh daily in the medieval townhouse that is home to the bakery, and everything is handmade on the premises. It is little wonder its range of pastries, chocolates, truffles and traditional ‘Basler Läckerli’ (which are made across the city but vary in taste from bakery to bakery) have gained renown throughout Basel.

2. Flohmarkt Petersplatz

Shopping
Altstadt Grossbasel (central Grossbasel)

Held on Petersplatz every Saturday, Basel’s popular fleamarket is a great place to rummage for a few choice finds at a bargain price, including vintage handbags, old manual cameras, silverware and china plates, secondhand clothes and children’s toys. Prices are reasonable and the friendly stallholders are happy to answer questions and barter over a sale. You may even find yourself haggling with a schoolboy, as local children are allowed to sell their toys in the middle of the square.

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3. Xocolatl

Shopping
Chocolate and sweets
Altstadt Grossbasel (central Grossbasel)

©Tim Williams

It’s not hard to find high quality chocolate in Switzerland, but Basel’s Xocolatl sets a new standard. Operating under the Aztec term for chocolate, the enchanting boutique overflows with intriguing bars, pralines, drinks and spreads from around the world – most with a cocoa content of around 70 per cent. From Chocolat Bonnat to Domori and Zotter, all the brands stocked work with carefully chosen small suppliers and producers. The real treat is the homemade hot chocolate prepared by owner Maren Gnädinger, which you can take a seat to enjoy. Tucked away close to the Rhine, you might not stumble across Xocolatl – but once you have, you won’t forget it in a hurry.

4. Barfüsserplatz Flea Market

Shopping
Basel

Marketing.bs.ch

Dust off your fedora and hit the mid-week flea market of Barfüsserplatz, in an attempt to find rare trinkets and objects to claim. A second flea market takes place in Petersplatz every Saturday.

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5. Claudia Güdel

Shopping
Boutiques
Altstadt Kleinbasel (central Kleinbasel)
price 3 of 4

©Tim Williams

At fashion designer Claudia Güdel’s headquarters in a former garage in Kleinbasel, you can see the magic happen. Behind the rails of clothing is a collection of sewing machines, samples and pattern pieces. You might even meet Claudia herself, if she isn’t busy in one of her branches in central Basel and Zurich. The label started life 12 years ago with menswear and accessories, but has since branched out into women’s wear. The style is minimalist and elegant but functional, with Swiss-produced technical fabrics and natural fibres at the heart of the pieces. Call in advance if you want to visit the headquarters in Kleinbasel.

Nightlife

1. Restaurant Hirscheneck

Nightlife
Altstadt Kleinbasel (central Kleinbasel)
5 out of 5 stars
Recommended

A bar, restaurant, music venue and club in one, Hirscheneck is a venerable and eye-opening Basel institution, run since 1979 by a highly politicised collective for arty alternative types as well as the LGBT patrons who are its core clientele. Dining, which is mainly on vegetarian and vegan fare with a few organic meat dishes thrown in, takes place at long canteen tables, and generally comes with a side order of philosophical or left-leaning political discourse with your neighbours – a refreshing change in this most buttoned-down of burgs. Then there’s the nightlife, whose wildly varied scope includes punk and thrash bands, world music DJ sets, comedy shows, lesbian and transgender discos and good old-fashioned homo dance parties. Recently reopened after an extensive renovation, it’s a ballsy, brainy and beautiful mould-breaker.

2. Nordstern Technoclub

Nightlife
St. Johann
price 2 of 4

People like to refer to it as a behemoth on Basel’s club scene, and there doesn’t seem to be too much competition if this is your style of nightlife. A gigantic technoclub, Nordstern specialises in bringing techno to the discerning masses. Even without the music, it’s an immensely cool industrial space that emerged from the underground workings of a power plant. Clubbing at Nordstern is carefully managed to try to help guests enjoy a transcendent experience – expect sound that has a profound physical effect and crowds of fellow clubbers dancing gleefully to an illustrious roll call of international artists late, late into the night. A strict door policy for over 20s only applies and is rigorously enforced.

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3. Hinterhof

Nightlife
Gundeldingen
price 3 of 4

While the location might not seem too promising, stranded in no man’s land between Basel-Land and Basel-Stadt, it’s ideal for Hinterhof and its youthful and edgy clientele. An enormous party house, Hinterhof is a huge bar-and-dance complex housed in an old fruitmarket that has truly seen better days. Punters come here primarily for the music, which ranges from big name international artists, to eclectic art projects and to local club DJs playing to a loyal following. The urban setting feels miles away from quaint and historic downtown Basel, with a landscape of carparks and train tracks visible from the roof terrace. If you don’t think you’re cool enough for a warehouse rave, you can sit up here insteads, enjoy one of the decently-priced cocktails and watch the sun go down.

4. SUD

Nightlife
Altstadt Kleinbasel (central Kleinbasel)

Making good use of the spacious former Warteck brewery building, this cocktail bar, music venue and cultural centre has a wide range of events, from concerts and theatre to DJ nights and LGBT club queerPlanet and even poetry slams. With palm trees and a disco ball, it’s a cheerful sort of place, particularly during happy hour. It also serves delicious tapas and a decent Sunday brunch.

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5. Plaza

Nightlife
Aussersihl

Located in what used to be Zurich's most beautiful cinema, Plaza club has a lot of charm and atmosphere and regularly hosts some of the best national and international house DJs. But their signature night is all about girls, not music. Their monthly burlesque show 'Oh la la Chérie' attracts a dolled and dressed up crowd and some of the best burlesque artists in Europe.