Basel Vs. Zurich: Which City Is Right For You?

Want to visit Switzerland but can’t decide if you should stay in Basel or Zurich? Then you are definitely in the right place because this detailed comparison of two of the best Swiss cities will help you make up your mind!

Both Zurich and Basel are beautiful cities with unique tourist attractions. Each offers something different to its visitors, but the tourist attractions aren’t the only thing you should consider when deciding which Swiss city to visit. Our travel tips on the differences and similarities between Zurich and Basel will help you decide which is the better fit for you!

Answer: Zurich (But Not Always)

If this is your first time visiting Switzerland, you should definitely travel to Zurich. For one, it’s much easier for most travelers to get direct flights to Zurich than Basel, and convenience is usually an important factor when deciding where to travel.

Zurich is also the bigger of the two cities and home to more interesting attractions, which makes it the obvious choice for first-time visitors. It’s home to some of the most famous landmarks in Switzerland, it’s surrounded by spectacular nature, and it’s got the better clubs and restaurants.

On the other hand, Basel is considered the cultural capital of Switzerland, with more than 40 museums. If you’ve already done some traveling through the country – especially if you’ve previously visited Zurich – consider making arrangements to go to Basel. It’s a beautiful city with lots to offer to visitors, plus it’s slightly more affordable than the largest Swiss city.

Basel Vs. Zurich: Cost

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world, so neither of these cities is a good option if you’re backpacking or on a tighter budget. Both cities are pretty expensive, but Zurich is generally the pricier one, at least in terms of accommodation prices and going out to bars and restaurants.

However, it’s important to note that the difference in prices isn’t huge – maybe a couple of Swiss Francs per item, but the costs add up quickly.

It’s worth noting that you can save some money if you stay in accommodation outside the city center. In both Basel and Zurich, the priciest hotels and apartments are always situated in the heart of the city and they’re close to all the famous attractions.

But, because both these Swiss cities offer an excellent public transportation network, you don’t have to be in close proximity to the center to be able to explore all the interesting attractions. Trams and busses will get you where you need to be in no time, and you’ll see that the cafes and restaurants are also a bit cheaper if when you’re not so centrally located.

Basel Vs. Zurich: Food

Both Zurich and Basel are situated in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, and the German influence is evident in the local foods. The dominant cuisines in the two cities are similar, but you’ll also find a variety of international restaurants as well as those that serve traditional Swiss dishes in either city.

When it comes to the quality and variety of food, either city is a great option. Zurich has a bit of an advantage if you’re mostly interested in chocolate city tours, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find delicious Swiss chocolate in Basel!

Zurich also has a larger choice of restaurants because it is a bigger city and the people seem to have a lot more money to spend on going out. It’s also a great place to go out for a drink, but it tends to be a little pricier than Basel. However, you will still be able to find enough great restaurants in Basel, but they will definitely be more affordable.

Basel Vs. Zurich: Nightlife

Zurich is thought to have the best nightlife in all of Switzerland, so choose it over Basel if nightlife is an important factor in your decision-making. That’s not to say that there’s no nightlife in Basel – there is, but you won’t have as many options as you would in Zurich.

On the other hand, it’s worth noting that Basel has managed to rebrand itself as a top Swiss destination for lovers of electronic music. With an abundance of trendy bars and clubs where you can dance the night away, Basel’s club scene can be split into free clubs for the younger crowd, and top clubs with famous techno DJs. The top clubs charge a steep entrance fee, but the drink prices are generally the same in both.

Basel Vs. Zurich: Location And Exploring Switzerland

Limiting yourself to just one of these two cities is not the best way to spend your time in Switzerland. The country is known for having an excellent railway network, which allows travelers to easily explore even the remotest areas.

Train travel time between Basel and Zurich is approximately an hour, so if you decide to stay in one city, you can always visit the other on a day trip. Lucerne and Bern are both just a short train ride away from either city, and they both make for great day trips from Basel or Zurich.

Basel is located right on the border with France and Germany, so it’s a better destination if you want to visit either of those countries. Zurich, on the other hand, is closer to the Alps, so it’s the better choice for travelers who want to spend most of their time in the mountains, exploring the wonderful Swiss nature.

Basel Vs. Zurich: Flying Into Switzerland And Getting Around

The availability of direct flights might be an important factor in which city you decide to visit. Zurich airport is the busiest airport in the country and it sees more than 30 million travelers every year. The Basel airport is the third busiest airport in Switzerland, but it only gets around 9 million passengers, which is less than a third of the number of people that fly into Zurich.

This means that you’re more likely to find a direct flight to Zurich than to Basel. On the other hand, it’s important to note that the airport in Basel is special because it services three countries and is jointly administered by France and Switzerland.

As a result, plane tickets are often cheaper if you land in Basel, so be sure to look for deals before you decide on anything.

In terms of getting from the airport to the city and maybe even exploring a bit further, you will be able to get around by trains and buses easily. Switzerland has a great network of public transportation, and the country is particularly well known for its excellent railway network. And if you want to go somewhere where the trains don’t, 9/10 times there’s a bus that can take you there!

Basel Vs. Zurich: Things to Do

The basic facts about Zurich/Basel didn’t help you decide which city is the better option for you? Then keep reading to see what the best things to do in each Swiss city are, and maybe then it will be easier to make up your mind!

Top Sights In Basel City

Basel is a beautiful city with lots to offer to its visitors. Whether you want to explore the culture, architecture, or history of the city, you won’t be disappointed with Basel’s best attractions!

Basler Münster

Basler Münster is the most popular tourist attraction in the entire city. The Gothic cathedral dates back to the 9th century, and it is best known for its twin spires and tiled roof. It was originally built as a Catholic cathedral but today it functions as a Reformed Protestant church.

The original building was constructed between the 11th and 16th centuries in a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque styles. It’s important to note that this wasn’t the first structure of its kind on the grounds, and there is historical evidence that a cathedral existed on the same grounds in the 9th century.

The Basler Münster was built over five centuries by multiple renowned architects. Touring the interior of the church immediately lets you know why this is such an important city landmark.

Additionally, it’s possible to climb to the top of the church tower, where you can experience a fabulous panoramic view of the city’s skyline.

Basel Altstadt (Old Town)

If anything will convince you to go to Basel instead of Zurich, it’s the Basel Old Town. Boasting an architectural diversity few places on the planet can compete with, the landmarks and buildings in Basel’s old town are mesmerizing to observe.

Old city gates, bridges that are hundreds of years old, and sprawling public squares are all equally impressive. You won’t miss out on modern attractions either, what with the Tinguely Fountain, landscaped parks, and an abundance of museums!

Go on a guided walking tour to discover all the top sights in Basel’s old town and learn something about each one.

Toy Worlds Museum

The Toy World Museum is one of the most popular museums in Basel. It’s particularly a great place to visit if you’re traveling with kids because the museum boasts four floors of toys, dolls, and teddy bear exhibits.

That makes the museum exhibits sound a little too childish, but for the most part, they’re not. The details in all the exhibits are absolutely impressive, from the teddy bear tea party to the miniature-scale apartment building with fully furnished apartments.

The museum isn’t for you if you’re not at all into any kinds of toys, dolls, or fun in general. But if you want a quick trip to your childhood or you’re looking for ways to keep a child busy while you’re in Basel, definitely go to this awesome museum.

River Rhine Cruises

Cruises on the River Rhine are an excellent way of discovering some of Basel’s most famous landmarks. The rivers separate the city in two, and boat cruises offer a fabulous perspective on all the beautiful buildings that line the city’s two shores.

Boat cruises are very popular in Basel, so naturally, you can choose from a variety of options. If you just want to see the city’s best landmarks from the water, opt for a quick one-hour cruise through the heart of Basel.

Another cruise will take you to the port of Basel and through the more modern parts of the city, so you can see just how the newer architecture compares with the old. You also have the option of going on a brunch cruise – spend two hours admiring the sights while munching on some of the best local delicacies.

Winter cruises are also a thing, and they’re even more fabulous than you would expect. Boat cruises in the winter usually take place in the evenings, and you get to admire all the Christmas lights and decorations sparkling against the dark sky.

Basel Museums

It’s no secret that Basel is the cultural capital of Switzerland, with more than 40 museums. Whether you’re interested in arts, history, or just unique exhibits, there are at least a couple of museums in Basel that will wow you with their collections.

The Fine Arts Museum in Basel is the most important art museum in the city with the world’s oldest collection of public art. It was established more than 350 years ago, and it is considered a heritage site of national significance.

The Museum of Natural History in Basel is also popular with tourists, particularly those who are interested in natural sciences. It boasts a collection of more than 7.7 million objects from the fields of paleontology, zoology, anthropology, and entomology, among others. This museum is also designated a heritage site of national significance.

The Basel Paper Mill is a great example of a unique museum in the city. It is dedicated to papermaking, book printing, and writing in general, so it’s an absolute must for all writers and bookworms.

There are dozens of other museums in Basel, so be sure to look them up and see which ones seem like the best fit for you. The Caricature & Cartoon Museum Basel, Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Cultures Basel are all very popular with other travelers.

Top Sights In Zurich City

When it comes to things to do and see, few cities in Switzerland can compete with Zurich. It might not be the capital, but it is the largest city in the country with the most attractions!

Lake Zurich

The city of Zurich is situated on the northern bank of Lake Zurich, which happens to be one of the best natural attractions in Switzerland. And with many tourist attractions situated near the water, this is a natural landmark that you really can’t miss while you’re in the city.

Even if you don’t want to head to the lakeshore to enjoy the views, you’ll catch a glimpse of the lake while visiting some other famous Zurich attractions like the Opera House, the Chinese Garden, or the Rieterpark park. Also, if you decide to visit any viewpoint or observation deck in the city of Zurich, beautiful lake views are inevitable.

Visiting Zurich in the summer means you will have plenty of opportunities to have fun on the lake. Kayaking, pedal boat riding, SUPing, and swimming are all popular summer activities on the lake! Boat cruises are also popular year-round, and they’re a great way to see the city from the water, but also visit some of the areas that are further away from the city center.

Visit The Museums

Zurich is home to some of the best museums in Switzerland, so don’t miss out on this opportunity if you happen to travel to this wonderful city. There’s a plethora of traditional history museums, art museums, and natural history museums, but also a variety of niche museums, like the Wow Museum.

The Swiss National Museum is undoubtedly the most popular museum in Zurich. It is the most visited cultural history museum in the entire country and definitely worth it if you want to learn more about Swiss history and traditions.

Kunsthaus Zurich is also extremely popular with both locals and tourists. The art museum boasts collections of works from the 15h century onwards, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Marc Chagall, Alberto Giacometti, and many others.

The FIFA Museum is one of the niche museums in Zurich and an absolute must for all lovers of football. It has more than 1,000 exhibits on football, including equipment from previous centuries, world cup trophies, and jerseys from all the current and most iconic players.

Uhrenmuseum Beyer Zürich is another unique museum in Zurich worth checking out, especially if you are interested in watches and the watchmaking history of Switzerland. The museum is situated on the lower level of the Breguet Boutique shop on Bahnhofstrasse, and it boasts a collection of unique and ancient timepieces. It’s an homage to the Swiss watchmaking tradition and one of the best unique museums in the city.

Other notable museums in Zurich include Zurich University’s Zoological Museum, Museum Rietberg, Pavillon Le Corbusier, and Museum Haus Konstruktiv, among others.

Walking City Tour

Walking tours in Zurich is a great way to get to know the city a little better. Zurich has quite a few notable attractions and landmarks in its old town, and there’s no better way to see them than to be guided around by a knowledgeable local who can tell you all about their history and significance.

Fraumunster and Grossmunster are the two landmark churches in the city of Zurich. They’re situated on opposite banks of the Limmat River, separated by the historic Münster Bridge. You’ll discover both on the walking tour, but consider a cruise on the Limmat River for an entirely different perspective on the waterfront landmarks.

You’ll also walk through Bahnhofstrasse, which is Zurich’s most iconic shopping street. Teeming with high-end boutiques and luxury fashion designers, it’s the perfect street for all shopaholics who are dying to part with their hard-earned money.

Church of St. Peter, Lindenhof, Augustinergasse, and Niederdorf should all be included in the walking tour as well.

If you wish to do your own self-guided walking tour of Zurich, you can check out our post here.

Uetliberg & Other Mountains

One of the main appeals of this beautiful city is that its location is great for further exploration of Switzerland and its magnificent nature. Uetliberg is a mountain that overlooks this city, and you can easily reach it from central Zurich.

You can be at the top of the mountain in 20 minutes if you take the train from the main train station in Zurich, or in a little more than an hour if you decide to hike to Uetliberg from the city. Take the train and save your energy for the hiking trails that await at the top of the mountain!

Uetliberg is just the closest mountain to Zurich, it’s certainly not the only one you can visit while you’re staying in the Swiss city. Zugerberg, Rigi, and even Pilatus are all about an hour outside the city, and they’re absolutely worth exploring if you are into hiking and mountaineering.

On top of that, many people will base themselves in Zurich when they want to explore the Jungfrau and the Engadine region. The mountains of southern Switzerland are more easily accessible from Zurich than Basel, so keep this in mind if you’re planning to visit some of the tallest peaks in the country.

Parks & Botanical Gardens

Switzerland is known for its spectacular nature, whether it’s in the remote areas of the country or right in the middle of its busiest city. Zurich city is home to many parks and gardens that are worth exploring, especially if you want a quick break from the city’s busy streets.

The Old Botanical Garden is situated close to the center of Zurich and it can be easily visited during a walking tour of Zurich’s old town. It’s a 19th-century garden with a collection of medicinal plants and an octagonal greenhouse with palms, so you can see some wonderful plants that don’t really belong here.

China Garden is also worth visiting, even if it’s situated a bit outside the city center. You can easily reach it by public transport and when you first enter it, you’ll think you’ve somehow traveled to Asia! It’s a traditional Chinese garden with ponds, pavilions, and beautiful landscapes, situated on the shore of Lake Zurich.

Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich is an excellent botanical garden housing a huge collection of succulents. With large greenhouses and an even bigger outdoor plant area, the beautiful botanical garden is an absolute must for those who like succulent plants.

Rieter Park is also worth a mention. It’s located on the western shore of Lake Zurich, on the grounds of a 19th-century villa (Museum Rietberg). The park boasts beautifully landscaped gardens, statues, unique flora, and even playgrounds for kids.