Stadtführerin erklärt die Geschichte eines historischen Gebäudes in Basel

City tours in Basel: tips and secret discoveries

Basel offers historical and cultural city tours, as well as adventurous, culinary or even creepy tours.

City tours with a difference in Basel

The city of Basel is extraordinary and diverse in many respects – not least when it comes to its array of tours. For culture and history lovers, the Basel Tourism organization offers guided tours of the old town and historical buildings and museums which offer a fascinating insight into the city's past. But adventurers, treasure-hunters and children will also find something to suit them from the large choice of tours.

And if that's not enough, there are also city tours that present Basel from a different perspective each month: immerse yourself in the bygone world of the barber surgeons or solve exciting crimes – while exploring Basel in a particularly entertaining style. Check here to see which Basel Tourism tours you definitely shouldn't miss.

Public tours of the city: Basel on foot, by boat or by tram

One of Basel's best-known tours is the circular route through the old town. The "Stories of Basel's Old Town" tour will lead you past historical buildings such as City Hall, the Minster and other places of interest and will bring the centre of Basel to life with facts and anecdotes. If you are looking for something more unusual, you can explore Basel as people would have done 100 years ago: with a "Tour in a vintage tram" – including authentic sounds and a bumpy ride! If you're looking for the opposite of a nostalgic tour, why not choose a tour on a modern "Solar-powered boat on the Rhine"? Take in views of the Rhine and the city, and find out what Basel does to protect the climate and the environment.

Costumed tours by day and by night

If conventional tours of Basel aren't exciting enough for you, you will love the costumed tours: exciting tales are brought to life by talented actors – and you will be a part of it. Accompany the nightwatchman on "The Nightwatchman's Secret" tour, for example, and listen to his stories of unhappy love and the shadows of the past. Or would you like to discover the aristocratic side of Basel? A maidservant will take you with her to work "Behind Closed Doors" where you can find out all about everyday life in an upper-class Basel household on a wealthy estate.

Themed tours of Basel: tips and discoveries

"Taste My Swiss City" – that's the name of the self-guided food tour where you can discover restaurants and shops and delight in a range of culinary offers. On this unusual tour of Basel, you are sure to widen your culinary horizons. Or what about the "Adventure Tour City Quiz"? A pack of playing cards with tasks and puzzles will lead you off on a three-hour tour all around Basel. The offering also includes tours for children, such as the "Treasure Hunt with Basil". Are you visiting Basel with children? Then take a look at our things to do with children in Basel.

Monthly tours, private and virtual tours of Basel

Each month, there is a tour of Basel on a new theme – often for children and for adults. The programme includes historical tours as well as tours to discover cultural and artistic highlights. There may even be exciting crimes to solve. You also have the option of taking a private guided tour. These are available for one or more people and can be booked within 24 hours for an additional express fee. Finally, you can also take a virtual tour of the city on the Basel Tourism website to search for all of your favourite places.

Führung am Murus Gallicus - Der Keltenwall