Book cheap flights to Basel

Basel is a city with many activities on offer, no matter what time of the year you visit! Summer, occurring between June and September, is often a busy season with tourists taking advantage of the beautiful weather. The Christmas season, from December through to January, sees temperatures dropping to below 0, making it ideal for skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts. Should you be in Basel at the start of the Advent calendar (marking the beginning of Easter) you can witness the traditional Fasnacht Festival, likened to Carnival in Rio, where streets are adorned with band parades and dazzling costumes.

South African passport holders travelling to Basel require a Schengen Visa to enter Switzerland.

Passports may not be older than 10 years, must have 2 blank pages and be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of departure from the Schengen state.

The visa process can take up to several months to start your application early!

The Embassy of Switzerland is located at the following address: 225 Veale St, Pretoria.

Tel.: 012 452 0660

Switzerland is considered to be a remarkably safe and peaceful country and the city of Basel is no exception. Remain watchful of personal belongings at all times, especially in crowded areas and during festivals when pick-pockets are on the prowl for easy targets.

It is perfectly safe to walk around in the evening long after midnight, provided you stay in busy, well-lit areas. Female solo travellers need not fear to walk around on their own and should you run into some trouble, the locals will happily try to assist you.

Switzerland is generally a rather expensive country to visit, so unless you have the means of splurging on swanky hotels, cheaper options in the form of hostels, camping and apartment rentals are worth exploring.

Most hotels and lodges are located on either side of the Rhine River. You can also find some basic hotels along Riehenring Road and within walking distance to the Munster Cathedral in Grossbasel. The old town has an old-school charm about it, coupled with modern buildings and trendy boutique shops.

Many hostels and mid-range hotels are renditions of their former glory, keeping with their old-style, grungy feel with a punchier, upscale twist. Hostels cost anywhere between 30–80 CHF.

Keep in mind that places on the outskirts of the city centre are more affordable. Also, if you are planning to visit during any of the major festivals it is wise to book accommodation a few months in advance.

Basel has a thriving café culture and you’ll be sure to try some of the local confectionaries while walking around. Although the city has an impressive array of eateries, eating out can be expensive, so it is recommended to prepare meals at your hostel or eat at the local markets. Not all establishments accept credit cards, so be sure to check before ordering.

With so many transport options at your fingertips, Basel is one of the easiest cities to get around. Walking around is the standard mode of travel for locals and tourists. Shopping streets in the old city are closed to car traffic so you can really explore the cobbled alleyways and winding streets at your leisure.

Basel is a bike-friendly city with designated bicycle lanes and routes to travel along. Watch out for the trams – they tend to have right of way!

The city has an extensive network of trams and buses which are relatively cheap, very convenient and clean. Tickets can be purchased at stops and can be paid with Swiss Francs or Euros. All hotels and hostels in Basel issue guests with a free ‘mobility pass’, allowing you unlimited travel within the city.

Another way to view the city is from inside a Fähri, a small ferry transporting passengers between the two banks of the Rhine.