{"id":1868,"date":"2025-01-12T14:54:41","date_gmt":"2025-01-12T13:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/a-random-long-weekend-in-basel-with-a-toddler\/"},"modified":"2025-01-12T15:19:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-12T14:19:22","slug":"a-random-long-weekend-in-basel-with-a-toddler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/a-random-long-weekend-in-basel-with-a-toddler\/","title":{"rendered":"A random long weekend in Basel with a toddler"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-1868\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-1868-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1868-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_ndm-lead panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-ndm-lead so-widget-ndm-lead-default-d75171398898-1868\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"ndm-lead\"><p style=\"font-weight: 400\">I have been in Switzerland before. As a teen I travelled with my family on a long bus trip touching Geneva, Zurich, St. Gallen, Luzerne, Lausanne and Interlaken. I still have vivid memories about this trip. \ud83d\ude0c Then last year (in 2024) Wizz Air had an amazing offer to Basel for 3.000 HUF (in today\u2019s rate \u2013 2025.01.10 it\u2019s barely more than 8 EUR). \u201e<em>Like what did you say?<\/em>\u201d \u2013 you go &amp; I totally get it. So, we thought even know our knowledge about Basel might not be super deep my personal memory about Switzerland is super pleasant, which means any long weekend is a great opportunity to explore.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400\">Well, this is how we ended up in Basel in March! \ud83d\ude0c<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1845 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-01-495x660.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"495\" height=\"660\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-01-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-01-330x440.jpg 330w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-01-576x768.jpg 576w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-01-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-01-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-01.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 495px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 495\/660;\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_ndm-small-title\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-ndm-small-title so-widget-ndm-small-title-default-d75171398898-1868\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h4 class=\"ndm-small-title text-start ndm-color--turkiz mt-1 mb-2 mb-lg-4\">SOME DETECTIVE WORK<\/h4><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It wouldn\u2019t have been our trip if I hadn\u2019t researched for some good money saving ideas prior to our trip. So, before I dive in to the itinerary and other details, I\u2019ll spoil you with a great idea. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Filter your accommodation at 2 levels:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>if you have Wizz Air account, navigate to Booking from there. If you book your stay like this, Wizz Air will reimburse 5% of the total amount as Wizz points - so you can travel more later. Eg. a hotel you paid 300 EUR, will surprise you with 15 EUR Wizz credit.<\/li>\n<li>Once already navigated to Booking, look for accommodation that offers Basel Card. Later I\u2019ll explain more, but for now I\u2019ll just say that with Basel Card from the airport to the accommodation is free, along with the public transport in general in Basel for the duration of you stay. Based on my counting, we roughly saved 40-50 EUR. You can find the related <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C6RIoBRiBSk\/\">reels video here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, I highly recommend visiting the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basel.com\/en\">city\u2019s official website<\/a>, it\u2019s super clear and packed with useful information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-3\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_ndm-small-title\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-ndm-small-title so-widget-ndm-small-title-default-d75171398898-1868\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h4 class=\"ndm-small-title text-start ndm-color--turkiz mt-1 mb-2 mb-lg-4\">PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION<\/h4><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-4\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basel has an excellent transport infrastructure. Cars are not essential in Basel \u2013 in fact I\u2019ve read it somewhere, that only 1 out of 3 residents has car. Besides the buses and trams, ferries are also great way to cross the Rhine.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good to remember, that Basel\u2019s public transport is operated by 2 companies: green trams and buses are owned by BVB, yellow ones are operated by BLT. Tickets are valid for both. Fares are based on zones. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tnw.ch\/en\/tickets-preise\/billette\">Tickets<\/a> cost between 2 \u2013 2,6 CHF (daily pass costs 10 CHF). Plus, the yellow tram number 10 is called an \u201c<em>international<\/em>\u201d tram, because it has its final stop in Leymen, France.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the Airport take bus 50 (operated by BLT), which takes you to the city center within 20 minutes for 7 EUR. You can save this cost and travel free \u2013 more comes in the Basel Card section. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1848 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-02-495x660.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"495\" height=\"660\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-02-495x660.jpg 495w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-02-330x440.jpg 330w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-02-576x768.jpg 576w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-02-300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-02-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-02.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 495px) 100vw, 495px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 495px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 495\/660;\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-5\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_ndm-small-title\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-ndm-small-title so-widget-ndm-small-title-default-d75171398898-1868\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h4 class=\"ndm-small-title text-start ndm-color--turkiz mt-1 mb-2 mb-lg-4\">ITINERARY<\/h4><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-6\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"6\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I don\u2019t want to give exact itinerary, since we took this long weekend lazier than usual. But I can assure you, all the below sites fit to a random long weekend in Basel with a toddler. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Dreil\u00e4ndereck (Three Country Corner) \u2013 Border Triangle<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Address: Westquaistrasse 75, 4057 Basel, Switzerland \u00a0\/\/ <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Opening hours: 0-24 h \/\/ Free<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a special spot in Basel, where you can \u201cbe\u201d in 3 different countries all at once. Well, symbolically. The border of Switzerland, France &amp; Germany, officially lies in the middle of the river, but on the closest mainland point there is a monument. You can basically walk around it &amp; tell you\u2019ve been in 3 countries in less than 15 seconds. \ud83d\ude0e The area is near the cargo port where many party boats were docked on the riverside, giving a very hipster feeling to it. The striking border triangle building is the result of an architectural competition to which Swiss, German and French architects were invited in 1990. Watch the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C6glgbtIBDn\/\">reels video here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Old City Gates Of Basel (most famous is Spalentor + St. Alban-Tor)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Address: Spalenvorstadt, 4056 Basel, Switzerland \/\/ <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Opening hours: 0-24 h \/\/ Free<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Spalentor is the most famous of the three city gates that were part of the city fortifications dating back to the year 1400. This is already part of the old town called Alstadt. Due to its small size, the city is easily explored on foot.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Shop On Spalenberg (or at least walk)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Opening hours: 0-24 h \/\/ Free<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Spalenberg district in the Old Town with its historic alleyways and beautiful houses keeps you on your toes.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1850 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-03.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2304\" height=\"1024\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-03.jpg 2304w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-03-660x293.jpg 660w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-03-1024x455.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-03-440x196.jpg 440w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-03-768x341.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-03-1536x683.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-03-2048x910.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-03-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-03-600x267.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2304px) 100vw, 2304px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2304px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2304\/1024;\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-7\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"7\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Basel Minster and the Cloisters<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Address: M\u00fcnsterpl. 9, 4051 Basel, Switzerland \/\/ <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Opening hours: 11:00-16:00 (except SUN: 11:30-16:00) \/\/ Free<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basler M\u00fcnster (Cathedral) is probably the most famous landmark in Basel. With its red sandstone walls, colorful roof tiles and twin towers, shapes the cityscape of Basel like nothing else. We loved the cloisters. The entry is free, and we could let our toddler run around in a relatively safe space.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>K\u00e4ppelijoch Chapel On Middle Bridge<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Address: Mittlere Br\u00fccke, 4058 Basel, Switzerland \/\/ <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Opening hours: 0-24 h \/\/ Free<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The K\u00e4ppelijoch is a small Gothic chapel on the Mittlere Br\u00fccke. In the past it was a religious site on the bridge, and the scene of public punishments. It was built in the late 14th century as a wooden bridge chapel, the K\u00e4ppelijoch was replaced by a stone chapel a hundred years later. Be aware that this is a replica made after the bridge\u2019s reconstruction (1903 to 1905).<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Tinguely Fountain<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Address: Klostergasse 7, 4051 Basel, Switzerland \/\/ <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Opening hours: 0-24 h \/\/ Free<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 1977 Jean Tinguely created sculptural machines in a shallow fountain and surprisingly or not, it became Basel a famous new landmark. The Swiss artist lined a shallow fountain with black asphalt and created inside mechanical figures powered by low-voltage current who appear to be playing in the water. The 10 machines are constantly moving and super eclectic to say the least \u2013 but as you can expect they entertain kids like nothing else. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1852\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1852\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1852 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-04-1024x455.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"284\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-04-1024x455.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-04-660x293.jpg 660w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-04-440x196.jpg 440w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-04-768x341.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-04-1536x683.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-04-2048x910.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-04-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-04-600x267.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/284;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1852\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Basel Cathedral, Tinguely Fountain and K\u00e4ppelijoch Chapel On Middle Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-8\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"8\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Neighborhood Of St. Alban (Venice of Basel)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Free<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This quarter is a charming and romantic, quiet district surrounded by myth and mystery. With its millstream and riverside setting, welcomes you in a cute maze of timber-framed buildings and modern architecture.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Drink The Spring Water \u2013 Fountains All Through Basel (And Switzerland)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Throughout Basel \/\/ <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Opening hours: 0-24 h \/\/ Free<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While exploring Basel we can come across nearly 300 beautifully maintained fountains \u2013 literally almost every corner. More than 200 of them are available to the public. For reference check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=14An4F58DfTw5IJYF9YK-VLtQ3Jk&amp;ehbc=2E312F&amp;ll=47.56124577779826%2C7.580786535055504&amp;z=13\">this map out<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The water is drinkable so you can fill your water bottle for free. (I heard from a friend that there are a few exceptional ones where drinking is not permitted). Here is a recap:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>drinking fountains (Trinkbrunnen),<\/li>\n<li>non-drinking fountains (Brunnen ohne Trinkwasser),<\/li>\n<li>as well as the 15\u00a0fountains best suited for bathing in Basel (Badebrunnen).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On top of this experience during summertime you will spot many residents are bathing in these fountains- like a free jacuzzi (but with cold water). You can read more about this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basellife.com\/basels-beautiful-historic-fountains-a-cool-choice\/\">in this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are curious how many fountains did we count during 1 day, watch <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/C6tOz6gIpJz\/\">this video<\/a>. While we were visiting Basel in a way colder temperature in early March, we found this tradition so cool. \ud83d\ude0e Although my always worrying self would question to soak myself in a public fountain.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Would you do it?<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1854 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-05.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2304\" height=\"1024\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-05.jpg 2304w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-05-660x293.jpg 660w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-05-1024x455.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-05-440x196.jpg 440w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-05-768x341.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-05-1536x683.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-05-2048x910.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-05-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-05-600x267.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 2304px) 100vw, 2304px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 2304px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 2304\/1024;\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-9\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"9\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Rauthaus (Basel Town Hall)<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Address: Marktpl. 9, 4001 Basel, Switzerland \/\/ <\/em><\/strong><strong><em>Opening time: no \/\/ Free<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The town hall is another attraction in Basel that can be spotted from afar, as its bright red color is not common. The inner open space of the town hall, built in the Burgundian Gothic style, is free to visit. It also houses the statue of Lucius Munatius Plancus (founder of Basel).<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><u>Roche Towers<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong><em>Address: Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These twin towers considered to be the modern landmark of Basel. Basically, anywhere from the city you can spot them. We didn\u2019t go close to them but every time we crossed any bridge or been up at the Cathedral, we did have a good look at it. Did you know that these towers are the tallest office buildings in Switzerland? These two skyscrapers are home to the offices of the Roche pharmaceutical group. Building 1 was completed in 2015 and, at 178 metres, was the tallest office building in Switzerland until it was overtaken by Building 2 in 2022. Building 2 is 205 metres tall and has a total of 50 floors. It is one of the most sustainable, energy-efficient office buildings in the world. \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basel.com\/en\/attractions\/roche-towers-1f4d756da1\">source<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1856\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1856\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1856 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-06-1024x455.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"284\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-06-1024x455.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-06-660x293.jpg 660w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-06-440x196.jpg 440w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-06-768x341.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-06-1536x683.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-06-2048x910.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-06-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-06-600x267.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/284;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1856\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rathaus, Roche towers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-10\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_ndm-small-title\" data-index=\"10\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-ndm-small-title so-widget-ndm-small-title-default-d75171398898-1868\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h4 class=\"ndm-small-title text-start ndm-color--turkiz mt-1 mb-2 mb-lg-4\">BASEL CARD<\/h4><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-11\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"11\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Basel card is basically a tourist card. Since 2018 you cannot purchase it by yourself. \u201e<em>The reason is that if you do not stay overnight in Basel, you do not contribute city tax which goes towards paying for the card<\/em>.\u201d \u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basel.com\/en\/baselcard\">basel.com<\/a> \u00a0This CAN be given by the accommodation you book if that accommodation is part of the program. Which is normally listed clear on their site (on Booking too).<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The card is distributed upon arrival to the accommodation but what about getting TO the accommodation from the airport? The great thing is if you have a booking confirmation with you (which you obviously have), the ride from the airport directly to the accommodation is free. Additionally public transport is free of charge for the period of time you booked your accommodation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This program is open for AirBNB type of rentals too (not just hotels).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1860\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1860\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1860 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-08-1024x455.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"284\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-08-1024x455.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-08-660x293.jpg 660w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-08-440x196.jpg 440w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-08-768x341.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-08-1536x683.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-08-2048x910.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-08-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-08-600x267.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/284;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1860\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Basel card<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-12\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_ndm-small-title\" data-index=\"12\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-ndm-small-title so-widget-ndm-small-title-default-d75171398898-1868\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h4 class=\"ndm-small-title text-start ndm-color--turkiz mt-1 mb-2 mb-lg-4\">GASTRO<\/h4><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-13\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"13\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<div>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">Once in Switzerland\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">Eat cheese fondue! <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\">\ud83e\uddc0\ud83e\uded5<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">We didn\u2019t have fix plan for the short trip we did in early March, but we knew 1 thing: we wanted to eat cheese fondue! <\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\">\ud83e\udd24<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\"> I picked a semi-touristic place with great deals (although it\u2019s still expensive), but we had a blast. Believe me I hardly remember a time we ate so delish cheese in restaurant. Those melted bites were dancing tango in our mouth! Our toddler went with kids\u2019 choice but still this was an epic experience for all of us! \u00a0Not to mention the staff was super kind with us, especially paid attention on our daughter.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-US\">\ud83d\udccd<\/span><span lang=\"EN-US\"> Walliser Kanne - Basel<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1858\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1858\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1858 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-07-1024x455.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"284\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-07-1024x455.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-07-660x293.jpg 660w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-07-440x196.jpg 440w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-07-768x341.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-07-1536x683.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-07-2048x910.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-07-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Basel-07-600x267.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/284;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1858\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fondue<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-14\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_ndm-small-title\" data-index=\"14\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-ndm-small-title so-widget-ndm-small-title-default-d75171398898-1868\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h4 class=\"ndm-small-title text-start ndm-color--turkiz mt-1 mb-2 mb-lg-4\">MONEY QUESTIONS<\/h4><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-15\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"15\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without listing everything, I try to summarize the most important (&amp; obvious) costs you need to work with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><em>Flight ticket<\/em><\/strong>: ours were ridiculously cheap but right now (2025.01) I still see tickets for <strong><em>20 EUR<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Accommodation<\/em><\/strong>: we stayed in <strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/ch\/alexander-basel.hu.html?label=gen173nr-1BCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaGeIAQGYARG4AQfIAQ3YAQHoAQGIAgGoAgO4AqH7jbwGwAIB0gIkY2IyOTc0ZDAtYTBlYy00NTZjLTkzNTMtOGE4ZGYyYzNlN2E22AIF4AIB&amp;sid=f00c2f8622dd1a24aa389d9ae823d784&amp;aid=304142&amp;ucfs=1&amp;arphpl=1&amp;checkin=2025-03-07&amp;checkout=2025-03-09&amp;dest_id=244164&amp;dest_type=hotel&amp;group_adults=2&amp;req_adults=2&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_children=1&amp;req_children=1&amp;age=0&amp;req_age=0&amp;hpos=1&amp;hapos=1&amp;sr_order=popularity&amp;srpvid=4be63bd897e40092&amp;srepoch=1736670645&amp;all_sr_blocks=24416402_91914210_2_2_0&amp;highlighted_blocks=24416402_91914210_2_2_0&amp;matching_block_id=24416402_91914210_2_2_0&amp;sr_pri_blocks=24416402_91914210_2_2_0__22920&amp;from=searchresults\">Hotel Alexander<\/a><\/em><\/strong> which was in a walking distance from the shopping street as well as the Rhine. 3 nights were <strong><em>330 EUR<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Street food (subway, pizza, kebab) <\/em><\/strong>\u2013 app. <strong><em>30-40 EUR<\/em><\/strong> for 2 people<\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Starbucks<\/em><\/strong> for 2 people \u2013 <strong><em>15-20 EUR<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Dinner from Coop<\/em><\/strong> (sandwich, fruits, yoghurt etc.) \u2013 <strong><em>16 EUR<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><em>Fondue lunch<\/em><\/strong> in old town for 2 people (+ 1 kid choice) <strong><em>120 EUR<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it expensive? Is it affordable? \u2013 I\u2019ll let you decide. For measuring Hungarian wages and cost of living, Switzerland is on the more expensive side, but still for a long weekend I think you can manage it without breaking the bank. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-16\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_ndm-small-title\" data-index=\"16\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-ndm-small-title so-widget-ndm-small-title-default-d75171398898-1868\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h4 class=\"ndm-small-title text-start ndm-color--turkiz mt-1 mb-2 mb-lg-4\">OUTRO<\/h4><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1868-0-0-17\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"17\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My opinion is that Basel is charming and compact city. The value is increasing giving the fact, it\u2019s close to the French and the German borders. Although the cost of living and in general a tourist\u2019s spending is high, I\u2019ve tried to show you a few tricks here &amp; there, how to make your travel more affordable.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basel is nice, but also in total honesty I wouldn\u2019t spend here more than a long weekend unless I combine it with other cities or hikes in its proximity. But one thing for sure: this random long weekend in Basel with a toddler was epic!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It wouldn\u2019t have been our trip if I hadn\u2019t researched for some good money saving ideas&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1846,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[162,161,163],"class_list":["post-1868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-steps-en","tag-basel-en","tag-bazel-en","tag-long-weekend"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1868","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1868"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1868\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1872,"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1868\/revisions\/1872"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justdiariestravel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}