Basel Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Norbert Aepli, Switzerland (User:Noebu) (CC BY 2.5) · via Wikimedia Commons; ronny bilda, Natalka, Jakob Pastoetter · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Switzerland
- Region:
- Rhine
- Coordinates:
- 47.5606° N, 7.5906° E
About Basel
Rhine cruises visit Basel from April through October, when the city enjoys longer daylight and pleasant weather ideal for exploring on foot. The port sits on the river at the transition from the High Rhine to the Upper Rhine, placing you within moments of Basel's main attractions.
Step ashore to discover medieval landmarks and cultural institutions. Mittlere Brücke, a historic bridge just 0.1 km away, rates 4.6 stars. Basel Cathedral and Spalentor, a 14th-century gate, stand equally close. Art lovers will find Kunstmuseum Basel 0.8 km from the dock, whilst the striking Tinguely Fountain offers sculpture and water in the same neighbourhood.
What to see near the port
The Zoo Basel lies 1.7 km away and attracts visitors with its varied collection. For a unique vantage point, Basler Pfalz, an observation deck, stands just 0.4 km from where your ship docks. The Border Triangle Basel, 3.1 km distant, marks where Switzerland, France and Germany meet.
Nearby Rhine ports
From Basel, Rhine cruises often call at Strasbourg, Koblenz, Cologne and Rüdesheim am Rhein, allowing you to experience multiple destinations along the river.
Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the river Rhine, at the transition from the High Rhine to the Upper Rhine. Basel is Switzerland's third most populous city, with 177,595 inhabitants within the city municipality limits.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Basel on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: René Bolli · via Google Maps Zoo
Zoo Basel
4.5 (18,310) 1.7 km from port
Founded in 1874, no zoo in Switzerland is home to more animals, from gorillas to snow leopards.
Near: Zoo (28 m) · Rialto Hallenbad (127 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “It is an excellent zoo. Very popular with kids, lots of excited smiling faces. Most indoor exhibits (the aquarium is…” — Judy Russell
- 5 · “It was indeed an interesting zoo, saw some lovely animals. Also very happy to see the animals were being very…” — Meng
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Photo: Abdurrahman Aksoy · via Google Maps Church
Basel Cathedral
4.6 (10,029) 0.5 km from port
Gothic-style, Protestant place of worship, with 9th-century origins, twin spires & a tiled roof.
Near: Freizeitgärten (43 m) · Gymnasium am Münsterplatz (50 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Sunday: 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “An absolute must-see in Basel! The Münster is breathtaking, both inside and out. Built from striking red sandstone, this cathedral…” — J L
- 5 · “Basel Minster is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and an absolute must-visit. The cathedral is stunning both inside…” — Rossana
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Photo: El Braino · via Google Maps Bridge
Mittlere Brücke
4.6 (7,154) 0.1 km from port
Historic stone bridge linking old & new city areas & offering stellar river & architecture views.
Near: GGG Kurse (36 m) · Sutter Begg - Bäckerei, Konditorei & Café (71 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Lovely old bridge with lovely scenic views in either direction” — Greg
- 5 · “One of the few main bridges over Rhein in Basel, it is beautifully designed and quite wide. You can walk…” — Georgi Kunchev
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Photo: Photos are copyrighted by their owners · via Google Maps Art museum
Kunstmuseum Basel
4.6 (5,778) 0.8 km from port
Works by Holbein & other artists in the region from 1400–1600 & in the 19th & 21st centuries.
Near: Kunstmuseum Basel, Shop (3 m) · Bistro Kunstmuseum (18 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “I have visited a lot of museums around the world over past 30 years and this has to be in…” — The Way We Roll
- 5 · “I visited Kunstmuseum Basel on my own and really enjoyed the experience. The museum is spread across several floors and…” — Rossana
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Fountain
Tinguely Fountain
4.6 (5,531) 0.8 km from port
Built in 1977, Swiss artist Jean Tinguely's Carnival Fountain merges sculptural machines with water.
Near: Comix shop / Comix AG (15 m) · kult.kino atelier (18 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “People of all ages will love this place. Mankind is so fortunate for great contributors like Jean Tinguely and everyone…” — D A
- 5 · “Very beautiful man made pond with some beautifully engineered figures which are completely propelled by the force of water. A…” — Georgi Kunchev
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Historical landmark
Spalentor
4.6 (3,393) 0.7 km from port
This regal, 15th-century gateway is one of 3 remaining from the city's ancient walls.
Near: Spalentor (17 m) · Buchhandlung Ganzoni (25 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Beautiful medieval gate well conserved.” — Tracy Dacpano Dela Merced
- 5 · “Spalentor is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval city gates in Switzerland. The architecture is impressive, with its…” — Rossana
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Tourist attraction
Border Triangle Basel
4.2 (3,018) 3.1 km from port
The borders of Germany, France & Switzerland converge at this point, marked by a monument.
Near: Grand Tour of Switzerland Foto - Basel (1 m) · TRIPOINTS GERMANY SWIZE FRANCE (4 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “We drove here which was easy enough. There was a nearby car parking lot which looks like it could be…” — Mark Walsh
- 5 · “A 15 minute walk from tram eight, you can see the French side of the Rhein looking much more attractive…” — Adam Creen
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Observation Deck
Basler Pfalz
4.8 (1,055) 0.4 km from port
Observation terrace offering views over the Rhine River & the town, with steps to the Münster jetty.
Near: Reading Society Basel (42 m) · Basler Marionetten Theater (58 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “One of my favourite spots in Basel. The sunsets here in summer are simply stunning. Grab some snacks, drinks or…” — Nathania ML
- 5 · “Right behind the Basel Münsterkirche, you can get rather good views down the Rhein/Rhine. Can be quite busy, so don't…” — S.A. Smith
Map of Basel and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Basel
Cruises to Rhine mostly sail april to October.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Cruises calling at Basel
Deals update daily — see all Rhine cruises.
