Wondering where to stay in Basel Old Town? I hope my post will help you understand what to expect from accommodations in this city and find the best spot for you!
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
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If you don’t want to dive into this detailed guide, my quick recommendation is to stay where I did – The Passage Hotel – or check out one of these highly-rated hotels instead:
1. Der Teufelhof Gast und Kulturhaus (a unique complex in an 18th-century building)
2. Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel (4-star hotel with many amenities)
3. Hotel Märthof Basel (super central, more upscale)
4. HITrental Marktplatz Apartments (aparthotel)
You can also book yourself a guided tour of Basel Old Town.
Why You Should Stay in This Area
Basel is the third-largest city in Switzerland, which might suggest there are several neighborhoods to choose from when looking for a place to stay.
However, it’s clear that the compact old town is the heart of the action and the best location for first-time visitors seeking a hotel.
In this post, I will only refer to Altstadt Grossbasel, which is the old town district located on the southwestern bank of the Rhine River, where you can find landmarks like the Basler Münster (Basel Cathedral), Rathaus (town hall), and several museums, as well as dozens of restaurants and cafes.
I utterly adored exploring this maze of charming streets and squares boasting stunning architecture, a chilled yet lively atmosphere, and a plethora of things to do and see.
If you want to, you can also look for accommodation in Altstadt Kleinbasel, the small old town district located on the northeastern bank of the river.
Things to Know Before Booking Accommodations in Basel Old Town
Prices
Switzerland, in general, is not considered a budget-friendly destination (especially compared to other European countries), so accommodations are also quite pricey.
Expect to pay at least 165-220 euros for a double room per night in Basel, though prices may be higher, depending on the month you visit and the chosen accommodation. Note that the local currency is CHF, and 1 EUR = around 0.94 CHF.
Location inside the Old Town
Some hotels are situated on pedestrianized streets and/or quite steep streets (this area is not as flat as I thought it would be), so I highly suggest looking at the Street View to get a better understanding of the hotel’s exact location.
This also means that if you’re renting a car, you need to find accommodation with proper parking space (which isn’t free, especially if it’s private), and if you’re arriving with a taxi, it might not be able to drop you off right at the entrance.
Air conditioning
While heating is provided by most (if not all) accommodations for the colder months, don’t expect air conditioning to be an obvious feature as well. If you visit in summer, it’s a must, so look for it when searching for a place to stay.
Basel Card
Offering free use of public transport and a 50% discount on museums and other attractions, you automatically get the BaselCard when you arrive at your hotel.
Even the bus/tram journey from the airport or train station is free with your hotel booking confirmation email.
Where to Stay in Basel Old Town
Where I stayed – The Passage Hotel
Situated only one bus stop from the train station Basel SBB, The Passage Hotel is a wonderful accommodation choice.
The friendly staff (available 24/7) made me feel welcome, and my room was spacious, bright, quiet, and comfortable.
I did not use all the facilities and amenities it provided, but if you wish, you can have breakfast at the hotel, use its gym or sauna, and ask for private parking.
The location is also convenient, as it sits on a main urban street, but a stone’s throw away is a staircase leading to Steinenvorstadt, a lovely street in the old town packed with restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can also walk all the way to the Spalentor city gate and start exploring the old town from there.
Overall, I had a short but great experience, and I would definitely go back for another stay.
Read more reviews and book The Passage Hotel here.
Other Highly Rated Places to Stay in Basel Old Town
Der Teufelhof Gast und Kulturhaus: This is a unique hotel complex, not only because of the decor of some of its rooms (some are minimalistic while others are more colorful and artistic) but also because on-site, you’ll find two high-end restaurants, a cafe, a wine shop, and even a theater. Note that it’s housed in a historic 18th-century building, so there is no elevator.
Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel: Technically located one street away from the old town, this 4-star hotel offers cozy rooms and suites for 1-4 people. Facilities and amenities include free water, coffee, and tea, free bicycle rental, gym & sauna, private parking, optional breakfast, and more.
Hotel Märthof Basel: If you don’t mind splurging, this super central 4-star hotel on the town hall square (Marktplatz) might be right up your alley. Beyond the cozy-looking rooms and suites, there’s a 24/7 reception, a rooftop terrace overlooking the square, a bike rental service, and an on-site restaurant & bar, gym, and spa.
HITrental Marktplatz Apartments: If you’re searching for a place that accommodates up to 6 people or just prefer staying at an apartment, this aparthotel in the heart of the old town might be for you. The units are bright and fully equipped, though some are quite compact while others are more spacious.
Related Posts
- Day trips from Basel by Train, including a day trip to Colmar
- Places to visit in Switzerland in June
- I spent some time in Basel after 5 days in Alsace, France
- European winter city breaks
* I haven’t stayed at every hotel I mention in this post, but each one is well-researched by me, has high ratings of 8.8+ on Booking.com, and is a place I would book for myself. That said, you should always read the reviews and all the details about the facilities and services to see if they match your needs.
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