Exploring Basel with kids: a perfect day trip from Zurich
Whilst there’s plenty to explore in Zurich, there’s so much to gain from venturing further afield, especially when you’re travelling with kids. Using the financial capital of Switzerland as a jumping-off point opens the door to incredible adventures from Zurich, and Basel is one such adventure that’s both enriching and surprisingly family-friendly. A day trip to Basel is always a great idea.
Nestled along the banks of the Rhine River, Basel is Switzerland’s cultural capital. It’s home to world-class museums, unique medieval architecture, and a vibrant mix of Swiss, French, and German influences. With its walkable city center, engaging attractions for children, and relaxed pace, Basel offers a perfect blend of charm and sophistication for all ages.
This guide will walk you through the must-see sights, local eats and insider tips to make your day trip to Basel unforgettable.
How to get to Basel from Zurich
Fortunately a day trip to Basel is made easy by Swiss Rail’s frequent trains that connect the two cities. The trip from Zurich to Basel takes around an hour, departing from Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB) and arriving at Basel Schweizer Bundesbahnhof (SBB). Trains are high frequency, running every 30 minutes or so.
Buying train tickets
An adult fare one-way is around 19-40 CHF and a child fare (between 6-12 years) is usually half that. The good news for families with young kids? Children under 6 travel free of charge.
Tickets can be purchased at the railway station, but in order to make sure you don’t miss out on your preferred service, particularly if you’re travelling with kids or a large group, it is recommended that you purchase in advance from either the SBB website directly or via Rail Europe.
Consider a Swiss Travel Pass
If you’re planning to explore more of Switzerland, whether you’re taking day trips from Zurich or staying in multiple Swiss towns, then you may also want to consider the Swiss Travel Pass. This handy and flexible pass will give you unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats around the country.
What to expect onboard Swiss trains
Store any luggage on the lower decks. There’s usually overhead compartments to stow bags, but larger luggage including prams, portacots and suitcases should be stored in the appopriate sections in between the seating compartments. A nappy bag or picnic basket should fit at your seat nicely.
You can bring your own food and drink on Swiss trains and there are also options to purchase items onboard. When travelling by train with kids, snacks are a very important part of the journey, so to save money you should definitely stock up at the local supermarket ahead of your trip. We bought a bunch of fresh fruit and pastries for our little one so that we could avoid filling her up with lots of sugar.
Find the Family Zone onboard
The best part about Swiss trains? There’s usually a family friendly play area, which is absolutely wonderful to keep your kids amused. Try and reserve space here ahead of time as it does get very popular. Look for the FA (Family Coach) or FZ (Family Zone) codes when booking to ensure your train has one of these areas. This is honestly a game changer on a day trip from Zurich to Basel and back with little ones!
Why is Basel worth visiting?
Basel is an absolute cultural powerhouse tucked along the Rhine River, where Switzerland meets France and Germany. There’s nowhere else in the world you can be in three countries at once!
With over 40 museums, a beautifully preserved Old Town, and a thriving art and design scene, Basel offers a perfect blend of history and modern creativity. It’s honestly just so picturesque; even the retail stores are beautiful!
For those travelling to Basel with kids, you’ll also find the city to be wonderfully family-friendly with plenty to keep kids entertained. From the Basel Zoo (called Zolli by the locals) to interactive museums like Toy Worlds Museum and the Basel Paper Mill, there’s no shortage of hands-on experiences for curious little minds.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the amount of green space and playgrounds. There’s even a waterpark called Aquabasilea with specific toddler zones and slides for older kids. Everything is very easily accessible by public transport or on foot, making Basel a stress-free day trip from Zurich for the whole family.
Tips for a great day trip to Basel
There’s a few things you should remember in order to have the best day trip to Basel.
- Try to travel outside peak commuter times (i.e. 7am – 9am and 4pm – 6pm) to avoid crowded trains
- Arrive early for your desired train, so that you don’t have to rush in an unfamiliar place
- Book train tickets in advance and if travelling with kids, make sure you reserve the Family Zone
- Bring a stroller and a carrier for little ones, you’ll be doing a lot of walking and they will get tired
- Swiss weather can change quickly, so pack light but bring layers in case you need them
- Bring a change mat for nappy changes on the go. Public toilets are readily available and many attractions do have change facilities, but you never know when you might need to do an emergency change. For us it was while we were walking through the historic Basel City Hall!
Itinerary for a day trip to Basel from Zurich
Morning
Exploring the old town of Basel
Start the day with a 9.30 train from Zurich to Basel, which should help you avoid peak commuter crowds. You’ll arrive in Basel around 10.30 and from there, make your way to the charming old town, easily recognisable with the spires of Basel Minster.
On the way, make a stop at the vibrant ochre-coloured City Hall in the Marktplatz. This 500 year old building is impressive from the street and has a little courtyard you can take a look in. It still functions as the Basel council chambers today.
The walk through Basel towards Basel Minster is a mere 10 mins, so take your time exploring the many shops along the way. Once you arrive at the cobblestoned plaza in front of the huge cathedral, make your way towards the back of the church to take in a beautiful view of the Rhine River below. Our daughter loved watching the small boats taking customers across the river and marvelled at the turquoise colour of the water.
Though it may not be your kiddos favourite activity of the day, a short wander through the cathedral itself is also worthwhile. Our baby happened to be napping on the go in our pram when we arrived, so we took the opportunity to walk through the cathedral and surrounding buildings. I particularly enjoyed wanering by the cloisters and seeing the sculptures and memorials within.
It’s totally free to visit, so a nice activity to give the wallet a break from the cost of Swiss living!
Midday/Lunch
Wander back towards the City Hall to the Marktplatz where there are plenty of kid-friendly options available for a casual lunch from street food stands.
Alternatively, you could also try Markthalle which is an indoor food market full of cuisines from all over the world. There’s something here for even the fussiest eater including tacos, Afghan, Indian, Thai, sushi, Turkish, Vietnamese and Italian.
For more of a pub-style vibe and a courtyard dining experience, try the Löwenzorn, not far from the City Hall. Our baby loved munching on the fresh, warm German pretzel and the rest of our party made the most of the traditional Swiss-German menu, ordering a variety of sausages and schnitzel dishes.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, you have several options to choose from as on a day trip to Basel you simply can’t squeeze them all in. If you’re travelling to Basel with kids, then perhaps an afternoon at the remarkable Zoo Basel might get them excited.
Alternatively, you might decide to visit one of the city’s great museums for kids – the Basel Paper Mill Museum or the Toy Worlds Museum Basel. All three options are within 20 minutes walking distance from Marktplatz.
If you’d rather not spend your afternoon indoors in a museum, then the kids will also love taking a boat ride on the Rhine River. A City and Port Cruise takes around 75 minutes and not only will you see some of Basel’s most lovely sights from the water, you will also see France and Germany as well! Board the boat at the Basel Schifflände and like most attractions, it is a good idea to book online in advance. If that’s not possible, tickets can be purchased on the boat.
Evening
If your littles are exhausted from their day trip to Basel, then you may prefer to head back to Zurich to get them tucked into bed. However, if your kiddos are still happy then a trip to the border triangle monument, the Dreiländereck, where you can see between France, Germany and Switzerland is a very cool thing to do to wrap up your day.
Technically, the tri point is in the middle of the river, however the monument on the banks is still worth a look. At the Dreiländereck, you find yourself on the border of Basel (Switzerland), Saint-Louis (France) and Weil-am-Rhein (Germany) and can walk between the three countries!
Getting to the Dreiländereck is possible via public transport or by taking a leisurely evening stroll along the banks of the Rhine. To take the tram from Marktplatz, look for the number 8 bound for Weil-Am-Rhein and ride 10 stops to Kleinhüningen. From there, its an easy 15 minute walk to the monument.
If time is no issue, then a walk of just under an hour along the picturesque river bank will get you to your destination. It’s a stroller-friendly walk, pick up a gelato on the way and enjoy the scenery as the daylight starts to fade.
FAQs: A day trip to Basel
Is Basel suitable for a day trip?
Absolutely! Basel’s compact city center, efficient public transport, and rich cultural offerings make it ideal for a one-day visit. You can easily explore the Old Town, visit a museum or two, enjoy a riverside stroll, and sample local cuisine—all within a single day. There’s also plenty of green space for the kids to have a good play before getting on the train to head back to Zurich.
How do I get to Basel for a day trip?
Basel is well-connected by train to major Swiss cities like Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne. The central train station (Basel SBB) is just a short walk or tram ride from the city’s main attractions.
What are the best things to do in Basel with kids?
Basel is very family-friendly! Kids will love:
- Zoo Basel – one of the oldest and most popular zoos in Switzerland.
- Tinguely Museum – features fun, moving sculptures that fascinate children.
- Rhine River ferries – a short, scenic ride across the river is a hit with little ones.
- Spielzeug Welten Museum – a toy museum with thousands of dolls, teddy bears, and miniatures.
Is Basel stroller-friendly?
Yes, most of Basel’s streets and public transport are stroller-accessible. The Old Town has some cobblestones, but they’re manageable. Trams and buses are easy to board with strollers, and many museums offer family-friendly facilities.
Where can families eat in Basel?
Many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus and casual atmospheres. Look for places like:
- Markthalle – a large food market with food from all over the world at reasonable prices
- Löwenzorn – restaurant with a beautiful outdoor courtyard serving traditional Swiss food. Kids will love the fresh, doughy pretzels!
- Restaurant Kunsthalle – spacious and welcoming for families.
- Café frühling – great for brunch with relaxed vibes.
- Burgermeister – for a quick, satisfying bite that kids will love.
Do I need to speak German in Basel?
While Basel is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas. Basic German phrases are appreciated but not essential.
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