If you’re dreaming about Basel Switzerland at Christmas time, this guide shares what it’s really like to visit during the holidays ~ with twinkling streets and charming Christmas markets that make the city feel extra festive.

Basel in December is the kind of place that makes you want to slow your pace and simply soak in the atmosphere ~ the glow of Christmas lights, the scent of mulled wine in the air, and the hum of the two holiday markets tucked into the city’s beautiful old squares.

I’ve always loved the slow travel approach, but it feels especially right at Christmastime, when the real joy is wandering without an agenda and savoring the festive moments with whoever you’re lucky enough to be traveling with.

In a rush?

The Little Details

Maps

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Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

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How to Get to Basel

Getting to Basel is refreshingly simple, especially compared to some of Europe’s larger airports.

We arrived by air from San Diego via London, and the whole process was surprisingly smooth.

The airport, EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, is fairly small, which makes it incredibly easy to navigate after a long travel day.

One quirky thing to know ahead of time: pay attention to which exit you choose when leaving the terminal. This airport actually sits right on the border of three countries, and the door you walk out of determines whether you enter Switzerland, France, or Germany.

It’s a funny moment when you realize one airport can drop you into three different countries.

Of course, flying isn’t the only way to arrive.

Basel is also extremely well connected by train, making it easy to include on a larger holiday itinerary. Many travelers arrive by rail from cities like Zurich, Lucerne, Strasbourg, Colmar, Munich, or Paris.

If you’re planning a Christmas market trip through this part of Europe, Basel makes a great starting point or a very easy stop to add along the way.

How to Get Around Basel

For getting around Basel, we kept things very simple.

We used the private car service Blacklane to get us from the airport to our hotel, the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, but after that we walked everywhere.

Basel is one of those cities that is incredibly easy to explore on foot.

The historic center is compact, the streets along the Rhine are beautiful, and the Christmas markets, shops, and restaurants are all within a comfortable walking distance.

That said, you’ll notice trams everywhere. They glide through the city constantly and locals clearly rely on them. We saw them passing by all day long but never actually needed to hop on one ourselves since everything we wanted to see was close by.

Keep an eye out for the famous Christmas tram (Wiehnachts-Drämmli) while you’re there.

It’s covered in festive lights and decorations and looks like something straight out of a holiday movie. From what we saw, it appears to be mainly for children (roughly ages 4-10), and tickets tend to sell out quickly.

It’s worth checking the Basel Tourism Board website ahead of your trip to see when it’s running and whether reservations are needed.

And if you prefer using an app, Uber does work in Basel and is easy to use.

Between walking, trams, and rideshares, getting around the city is very straightforward.

How Many Days You Need in Basel

If you’re planning a trip to Basel at Christmas time, I’d recommend giving yourself at least two full days, maybe even three if you enjoy slower travel the way we do (which is how many days we spent in Basel ~ see our full itinerary at the bottom of this post).

I’ve learned over the years that the magic of a European Christmas trip isn’t about racing from one market to the next trying to check them all off a list.

It’s about lingering a little longer in one place ~ wandering the old town after dark when the lights are glowing, stopping for a warm drink, and circling back through the market stalls simply because you want to.

Basel is the kind of city that rewards that slower pace.

We loved having the time to stroll along the Rhine, browse the beautiful Christmas market in Münsterplatz without feeling rushed, and just soak in the festive atmosphere.

Especially at Christmas, I think the goal should be to actually feel the season in Europe, not just see it.

Money and Plugs in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the currency is the Euro (€).

Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF) rather than the euro, and you’ll see prices listed with the symbol CHF throughout Swiss restaurants and shops.

Cash isn’t widely used, but having a little on hand for small purchases – especially at the Christmas markets 🙂 – can be handy (the only place I suggest getting cash in a foreign country is from an official bank ATM to avoid unnecessary fees!).

Otherwise, credit cards are your best friend and widely accepted throughout the country – just be sure you have a credit card that has no foreign transaction fees because those sure do add up ;(.

Switzerland uses Type J electrical outlets, so if you’re visiting from the U.S. you’ll want to pack a plug adapter like these ones to charge your devices.

I won’t travel without this travel extension cord or this portable charger because nothing kills the Christmas market vibe faster than a dead phone and no way to charge it!

Best Places to Stay in Basel

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois

If you’re visiting Basel at Christmas, I can’t recommend staying at Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois enough.

We spent four nights there and absolutely loved coming back each evening to the festive holiday atmosphere, the quiet elegance along the Rhine, and a location that made it so easy to walk to the Christmas markets and explore the old town.

We especially loved our balcony room with views of the river and Mittlere Brücke.

Even if you decide to not stay here – be sure to stop in to the lobby bar for a drink and to enjoy the river views (or get their burger which I swear was one of the best burgers we’ve had in Europe!).

Hotel Märthof Basel

Even though we didn’t stay at Hotel Märthof Basel, I kept stopping to admire it every time we walked through the Marktplatz area.

The location is perfect for Christmas market wandering, and even from the outside it looked so romantic and festive that I remember thinking it would be such a charming place to stay in December.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Märthof Basel Instagram

Art House Basel

If you’re looking for a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city, the Art House Basel is a great four-star option to consider.

Its central location and modern design make it a really appealing choice if you want to be within easy walking distance of Basel’s Christmas markets and Old Town.

Photos courtesy of Art House Basel Instagram

Top Things to See and Do in Basel

The Christmas Markets

Of course this is probably the exact reason you’re reading this post and planning a trip to Basel in December – and in my own personal opinion, the Münsterplatz Christmas market here is honestly one of the most authentic and quaint in all of Europe.

One thing I loved is that neither of the two markets in Basel feel nearly as packed as some of the famous German markets, which somehow makes the whole experience feel even more special – so much so you will be happy you made the choice to visit this adorable little Swiss town :).

Basel actually has two main markets, one at Münsterplatz and the other at Barfüsserplatz , and they’re both beautifully done without feeling overwhelming.

One of my favorite market moments was spotting the wooden food stand with the singing moose heads above it on a small side street walking from Münsterplatz to Barfüsserplatz ~ they randomly burst into song and it’s so unexpected that everyone just stops and laughs.

If you wander toward the kids’ section of the Münsterplatz market, you’ll also find a big firepit where families make Steckerlibrot (stick bread). It’s a simple ball of yeast dough that you wrap around the end of a wooden stick and slowly roast over the open fire until it turns golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside: a fun Swiss tradition :). You can buy the dough and roasting sticks right at the nearby stand before heading over to the fire.

As for Christmas market food, don’t skip the glühwein!!

It’s served in collectible ceramic mugs that change each year. You pay a small deposit when you order, and if you return the mug you get the deposit back… but most people (myself included) end up keeping one (or two!) as a souvenir.

Between the spiced wine, sizzling raclette, potato pancakes, apple rings, and the smell of roasting almonds drifting through the squares, it’s the kind of place where you’ll suddenly realize you’ve been wandering for two hours and still don’t want to leave.

Münsterplatz and the Surrounding Streets

The walk up to Münsterplatz is half the magic :).

The narrow streets that wind their way up to the square feel like stepping into another century, lined with beautifully preserved Swiss buildings in soft pastels, timber details, and charming shuttered windows.

I actually slowed down on purpose as we got closer, because every turn revealed another postcard-worthy corner ;0.

When you finally step into Münsterplatz itself, it’s easy to understand why this square has been the heart of Basel for centuries.

The grand Basel Minster towers over the plaza with its red sandstone walls and twin spires, and the surrounding historic buildings give the whole space that unmistakable old-world Swiss character.

Even though the Christmas market fills the square in December, it’s worth pausing for a moment to look past the stalls and really take in the history and beauty of the place.

It’s one of those spots that reminds you just how timeless Basel feels.

Basel Minster

One stop you absolutely shouldn’t skip in Basel when visiting at Christmastime is the Basel Minster, the city’s beautiful red sandstone cathedral that has been part of the skyline for nearly a thousand years.

It was originally built in the 11th century and later rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1356, which is why it still feels like such a defining landmark overlooking the Rhine.

While the church itself is worth wandering through, the real treat is climbing the St. Martin’s Tower.

It’s 250 narrow winding steps to the top, and by the time you reach the bell tower you’ll feel it in your legs but the view is absolutely worth it.

From up there you can look straight down over the detailed church rooftops to the Christmas market in Münsterplatz as well as the Rhine River below.

In 2026 the tower climb costs about CHF 6 (cash only!), and they limit how many people can go up at once, which means a little patience is required.

We went on a Monday morning and still had to wait about 30 minutes for our turn, but honestly it ended up being a nice pause in the day.

And the view of the festive stalls and Christmas tree from above made the climb one of my favorite moments in Basel.

Basler Pfalz

Just behind Basel Minster is Basler Pfalz, a stone terrace that overlooks the Rhine and offers one of the best viewpoints in the city (without having to climb 250 steps that is!).

The terrace dates back to the Middle Ages when this area formed part of the cathedral’s defensive walls, and today it’s a peaceful place to pause for a moment above the river.

From here you can look out over the wide curve of the Rhine, watch boats pass below, and see the colorful rooftops of Kleinbasel across the water.

If the Christmas markets around the cathedral square feel a little noisy or hectic, this is a nice place to step away for a breather and enjoy the view.

Our Flytographer photographer actually brought us here during our photo session, and it turned out to be a beautiful spot to capture a few fun photos with the river and old city in the background.

Mittlere Brücke

A stroll across the Mittlere Brücke is one of those simple Basel moments that feels especially festive in December.

The bridge dates back to 1226, making it one of the oldest Rhine crossings in Switzerland, and right in the middle you’ll spot the small Käppelijoch, a tiny chapel-like tower that once served as a checkpoint for travelers entering the city and is dressed up with Christmas decorations during the holidays.

As you cross, look for the statue of Helvetia resting along the railing and take a moment to watch the Rhine flow past with views of both the historic Old Town and the lights reflecting off the water.

Basel Town Hall Courtyard

One quick stop I recommend while wandering through Basel’s old town is the courtyard of the bright red Rathaus (Town Hall) in Marktplatz.

The painted facade and intricate details are striking in person: look closely and you’ll notice the gold accents and frescoes that tell bits of the city’s history.

You can actually walk into the courtyard for a quick look, and while guided tours will take you inside the building itself, we skipped that part and were perfectly happy just admiring the architecture from the courtyard before continuing on to the Christmas markets.

Freie Strasse

Freie Street runs right through the heart of Basel’s Old Town, so it’s pretty hard to miss.

Every night on our walk back to the hotel we either passed through it or just alongside it, and the Christmas lights strung above the street made the whole stretch feel festive after dark.

It’s lined with a mix of Swiss fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, and well-known brands, and while we didn’t actually pop into any of them, it was still fun to wander through and window shop along the way.

Spalentor and Spalen District

Spalentor is one of those places in Basel that will immediately make you feel the history of the city.

It’s a beautifully preserved medieval gate that once guarded the old city walls, dating back to the 1400s.

The Spalen district where it is located has some of the prettiest streets in Basel, with colorful buildings, little bakeries, and shop windows that are especially fun to peek into during the Christmas season.

Wandering the streets and window-shopping our way through the neighborhood ended up being one of my favorite slow moments of the trip.

Spalenberg & Johann Wanner Christmas House

One afternoon we wandered up Spalenberg, the prettiest little street in Basel with its colorful old buildings and independent shops, and it honestly felt like stepping straight into a Swiss holiday postcard.

We have a tradition of buying a Christmas ornament on all of our empty nest adventures for the small tree in our bedroom that’s just for the two of us, and I found the perfect one tucked inside Johann Wanner’s Christmas shop ~ something that will always remind us of Basel at Christmas.

Wall of Fame Mural and Wish Tree

Tucked down the narrow Gerbergässlein alley in Basel’s Old Town (Grossbasel), just a few minutes from Marktplatz, we stumbled on one of the city’s most fun little surprises: a colorful “Wall of Fame” mural painted in 2008 by the Art4000 collective for the nearby rock bar L’Unique.

The scene of the Beatles crossing Abbey Road immediately caught our eye, but then we noticed the rest of the legends including David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Johnny Cash!

Then we wandered down the alley a little farther to Rumelinsplatz, where we unexpectedly found a Christmas wish tree that felt like a sweet little holiday moment tucked into the neighborhood.

Visitors can write their hopes and wishes on cards and hang them on this festive tree :).

Altstadt Kleinbasel and Rhine River Promenade

Altstadt Kleinbasel, on the east side of the Rhine, has a slightly edgier bohemian and more local feel than the main Old Town and is known for its lively restaurants, small bars, and the popular Christmas market along Rheingasse.

We were there mid-afternoon on a weekday sadly before the Christmas market had opened for the evening (unknowingly of course!) but noticed it seemed to be more food and beverage (bar) carts than the traditional stalls with products and food.

So instead we took our time strolling along quiet streets on this side of the river before walking along the Rhine River promenade and enjoying the slower pace before the holiday crowds arrived.

Magical Christmas Courtyards

One of my favorite discoveries in Basel at Christmas wasn’t a market at all ~ it was the Magical Christmas Courtyards tucked throughout Old Town.

You’ll turn down a quiet alley expecting nothing and suddenly find a small courtyard glowing with lights, evergreen garlands, and the soft buzz of people having a quiet holiday moment :).

See my map in the maps section of this post to learn the location of my personal favorites.

Insider Tip:
The best way to find Basel’s Christmas courtyards is simply to slow down and peek through open archways and passageways as you wander Old Town. A lot of these historic buildings look closed from the street, but if the gate is open you’re usually welcome to step inside and more than once I found myself standing in a quiet courtyard glowing with lights and holiday decorations that most visitors walked right past without ever noticing.

DO A FLYTOGRAPHER PHOTO SHOOT IN BASEL!

I almost always book a Flytographer shoot on our trips because it takes the pressure off asking random strangers to take our photo during our trip ~ which almost always ends with us having our heads cut off or someone eating a sandwich behind us as well as the simple fact that the majority of photos that we are both in are usually selfies ;0.

In Basel we were lucky enough to have the sweetest young photographer named Dairin, and between the photos and hearing her talk about how much she loves Switzerland, the whole experience felt like a little window into local life.

You can also save $25 off your first photo shoot by using my link here!

My husband actually loves these shoots because he says it gives us the opportunity to do fun romantic things like kissing in the streets or even dancing in the middle of a town square or Christmas market ~ something you’d never do while handing your phone to a stranger!!

It’s also a great opportunity to get some great photos of yourself – because let’s face it – how many of us have husbands that take the time to get AMAZING photos of their spouse while on a vacation???

What to Wear in Basel

Because the majority of your time will be spent outdoors and often times in the evening once the sun goes down and it is much colder, I would suggest a warm coat, hats, scarves, mittens, etc!

While my adorable red bow coat is no longer being sold first hand – I found ONE here secondhand :0.

And these fleece lined tights are a must have if you want to still be cute and fashionable in skirts AND still be insanely warm – OUTSIDE!!

This is another pair of fleece tights that I also use on my European Christmas market trips and find them to also be incredibly warm :).

I also bought this red coat for previous Christmas market trips that I always feel festive in.

However on the days that dipped below 30°F – I was definitely in my warmer parka ;).

My husband recently gave me this beautiful cashmere Burberry scarf as a Christmas gift that is my new favorite item. If you get the chance – splurge on yourself at least once in your lifetime :).

This cheery red windowpane scarf has been a favorite in the past as well – especially since my cold weather accessories are really all that can be seen in any photos we took ;0.

And of course – DO NOT FORGET cute but WARM gloves (or mittens!).

Our Full Itinerary Day to Day Overview

DAY 1 | Fly British Airways to Basel from San Diego via London

DAY 2 | Arrive Basel 5pm

DAY 3 | Basel: Minster Cathedral | Mittlere Brucke Bridge | Spalenberg Street

DAY 4 | Basel: Flytographer photo shoot | Climb Cathedral tower for views | Wander streets of Old Town & Magical Courtyards

DAY 5 | Basel: Kleinbasel Altstadt | Walk along Rhine River | Christmas Market in evening

DAY 6 | Use company Daytrip to get from Basel to Montreux with a stop in Gruyeres

DAY 7 | Montreux: train up to Rocheres de Naye

DAY 8 | Montreux: Queen Studio Experience | Walk along Lake Geneva to Chillon Castle | Christmas Market

DAY 9 | Montreux: Day trip to Vevey ~ Charlie Chaplin’s World & Vevey Christmas Market

DAY 10 | Fly British Airways from Geneva to San Diego via London

I hope this complete guide for Basel, Switzerland at Christmas time has inspired you to visit this amazing Swiss town.

If you’re dreaming about a European Christmas trip that still feels authentic and not overly crowded, Basel is such a wonderful surprise.

Between the glowing markets, historic streets, incredible food, and that unmistakable festive atmosphere along the Rhine, Basel at Christmas time really is magical! It’s the kind of place that reminds you exactly why holiday travel in Europe is so special.

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Oh Christmas isn’t just a day,

It’s a frame of mind.

~ Miracle on 34th Street

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Have a wonderful day my friend! I hope something makes you smile today ;).