Basel Tours

History, art, treats, and pastries are waiting for you in Basel. Our Basel tasting tour offers the opportunity of a lifetime to discover significant places that bring forth the signature tastes of Switzerland. Start the journey by admiring historical landmarks that have endured the test of time. Then, dive further into understanding culture by indulging yourself with cheeses and eventually appreciating the process of making Swiss AOP cheeses. We will also take you to chocolate and pastry shops selling notable chocolates and traditional Swiss spice biscuits. End the trip by embracing the natural flavors you can only taste in Switzerland.

About Basel Switzerland

Basel Switzerland is known for being the oldest of the educational cities in Switzerland, boasting the old town yet modern styles. From its architectural designs to its small boutiques and antique book shops while fusing today’s more trendy designers.

Basel Switzerland has plenty of museums, and with almost 40 museums throughout Basel city – there is much to see, experience and learn e.g. Basel Art Museum, Museum of Cultures as well as once being a bustling Roman region (nearby Basel are impressive Roman ruins and archeological finds). It’s easy to explore Basel by foot or bike and absorb all its Botanical Gardens, Mercian Gardens and the banks of Rhine as well as for Basel’s symphony orchestra and chamber orchestra.

Key Points About Your Private Basel Cheese, Chocolate, and Local Pastry Tasting Tour

• Explore the city of Basel and Swiss food.
• Indulge in cheese tasting of various cheeses.
• Learn about the history and origin of chocolate.
• Taste a traditional Swiss spice biscuit and indulge in specialties from Basel.

Basel’s Local Vibrance

Located in the northwestern part of Switzerland, near the border with France and Germany, is Basel, a must-visit destination!

1. Basel’s Art Scene: The city of Basel is known for its thriving art scene, with a number of world-renowned Swiss museums and galleries… it also noteworthy to mention that the city hosts Art Basel, one of the world’s premier art fairs, every year in June, which attracts art lovers from around the world.

2. The Basel Music Festivals: A number of Swiss music festivals throughout the year are hosted in Basel e.g. the Basel Tattoo which is a military music and tattoo show as well as the Basel Music Festival that features classical and contemporary music performances.

Enjoying Basel’s Swiss Town Vibes

3. Old Town Swiss Vibe: The Old Town Vibe is a well-preserved in Basel –  its historic district that features narrow streets, colorful Swiss buildings, and historic landmarks e.g. the Basel Minster and the Rathaus (town hall).

4. Basel’s Swiss Architecture: There is a diverse range of architectural styles, from medieval buildings to modernist designs to explore and experience in Basel. Visitors can greatly enjoy absorbing the city’s rich architectural heritage.

5. Basel’s Christmas Markets: The Christmas Markets in Basel are some of the most popular in Switzerland with vendors selling handmade gifts, local delicacies, and festive decorations – there is a lot to experience and enjoy!

6. The Rhine River: The Rhine River runs through Basel to which visitors can enjoy a scenic boat tour and absorb the vibrant city from the water, or enjoy a stroll along the River’s parks and promenades where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic.

Indeed Basel is a Swiss city that is rich with history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty – if you’re interested in art, architecture, music, or simply exploring a charming Swiss city, you should definitely visit Basel!

The Carnival of Basel + A Basel Beer Tour = Unforgettable!

The Carnival of Basel, also known as Fasnacht, is an annual carnival celebration in Basel, Switzerland:

1. Fasnacht’s History: The Carnival of Basel has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages where the celebration was originally a way for people to let loose before the start of Lent to which now it has evolved over the years into a major cultural event in Basel.

2. Masks and Costumes Worn During Fasnacht: One of the most striking features of the Carnival of Basel is the elaborate masks and costumes worn by participants, the masks are often intricate and highly detailed – they are worn to conceal the identity of the wearer.

3. Fasnacht’s Cash Lanterns: Another unique aspect of the Carnival of Basel is the use of lanterns, lanterns are handmade and feature colorful designs and illustrations that are carried by participants during the parades, creating a vibrant and festive environment.

4. Guggenmusik: Guggenmusik is a type of music that is unique to the Carnival of Basel, you’ll hear brass instruments and percussions that are played by groups of musicians who dress up in costumes and march through the streets during the parade.

5. Fasnacht’s Tradition and Community: The Carnival of Basel is deeply rooted in tradition and community as the participants spend months preparing for this annual celebration. The costumes and masks are passed down through generations, so you can feel the history that this celebration brings as people from all walks of life celebrate their community and cultural heritage.

The Carnival of Basel is a fascinating and unique cultural event that really showcases the history and traditions of Basel, if you are into colorful costumes and masks as well as lively music and parades – then the Carnival of Basel is definitely worth experiencing!

Basel’s Local Culinary Scene

If you love to travel and enjoy the local food scene, here is a list to “get the ball rolling”, as we say – this list is being provided for when you are on your own and would like to experience more of Basel. Kindly remember that the global restaurant scene does change over time, and new dining establishments may have emerged… so please do go online and do some research as well.

1. Cheval Blanc
2. Stucki
3. Les Trois Rois
4. Kunsthalle Restaurant
5. Atelier
6. Volkshaus Basel
7. Walliser Kanne
8. Zum Isaak
9. Uelihaus
10. Brasserie Schloss Bottmingen
11. Acqua
12. Restaurant Birs
13. Fischerstube
14. Roter Bären
15. Parterre One
16. Schlüsselzunft
17. Rubino
18. Löwenzorn
19. Consum
20. Der Teufelhof Basel
21. Rhywyera
22. Tandem
23. Restaurant Bel Etage
24. Restaurant Zum Braunen Mutz
25. Restaurant Johanniter

Basel’s Unique Blend of Cultures

Basel, Switzerland has a rich and unique local culture that is influenced by its history, geography, and location at the crossroads of Switzerland, Germany, and France – of which the locals are very proud of.

Basels’ Culinary Scene

And don’t forget Basel’s rich culinary tradition that includes both Swiss as well as international influences! Basel’s local specialties include Basel-style flour soup, Basel-style roasted flour soup, and Basler Läckerli – a type of gingerbread.

Basel’s Arts, Events and Festivals

For instance, Basel’s Carnival or better known as “Fasnacht,” is one of the largest unique carnivals in the world that happens annually in February or March. Fasnacht lasts for three days, during which the city is filled with music, parades, and elaborate costumes. Another reason that locals love Basel is for its many museums, galleries, and architectural landmarks e.g. the Kunstmuseum Basel that is home to one of the largest collections of art in Switzerland as well as the Vitra Design Museum that showcases contemporary architecture and design.

Now mix all that up with a vibrant and lively music scene that hosts many concerts and festivals throughout the year… including the prestigious Basel Symphony Orchestra which is one of the oldest orchestras in Switzerland, it’s no wonder why folks love Basel! Overall, Basel’s local culture is a wonderful blend of traditional and modern influences – and yes – the locals have a strong sense of identity that are proud of that is closely associated with the city’s history and heritage.