Call me a stupid Americano, but I had no idea what language to speak when I came to Basel. I wanted to visit because it is the crossroads between Switzerland, Germany, and France. I speak French and Italian so I thought I was in good hands, but I was confused nevertheless. LOL : ) Still, Basel was an interesting place! The currency (Swiss Francs) may mess you up if you have only Euros, but some of the shops do take Euros. Basel was pretty neat to hear all the languages mixed together.
One of the best cities we visited. Returned several times. The Carnival in March called 'Fasnacht' is possible the best festival in Europe. It runs from a Sunday night/Monday morning until the Wednesday. It is crazy fun. People walk around in costume and they play a lot of music. Big street parades. If you are going to visit Basel, visit during Fasnacht. Try and make it to Liestal Fasnacht, 15 minutes by train out of Basel. It is on the Sunday night. They send burning carts down the streets, a lot of fun, and warms you up!
Avoid spending the night in Basel! Basel is very very dull, and worse the hostels all close like 8 p.m. I had one bill me for the night because I'd booked online but refuse to give me a room. I found the Swiss train people extremely unhelpful too.
Basel … There's not much going on in this town, but it's a nice stopping point on your way to/from Germany.
BaselBackPack in Basel … I was very impressed with this place. Clean and central, with everything you need. Finding it was a tad difficult, as it's quite hidden -- keep walking down the alley past the restaurant and you'll find it. The Basel Mobility Card was a definite bonus, as it allows you to explore the city for nothing! They also offered half-price Indian takeaways when I was there (Aug. '06). But the thing that stood out most about this place was the brilliant staff -- they were so keen to help, offering to book more hostels for you, and advising you on the best ones. Although I was tempted to give this place four stars because the atmosphere was a bit dull (yet I stayed only one night in a relatively quiet period), it gets five stars for the excellent staff. Don't go anywhere else in Basel!
HI - Basel Hostel - St. Alban in Basel … This was only my second time in a youth hostel, and I couldn't have picked a better one.
HI - Basel Hostel - St. Alban in Basel … This place doesn't have much going on by way of a party scene, but it certainly is good value for money. It has large rooms, a nice big bed, clean and spacious toilets and showers, a locker with key, and a filling (if simple) breakfast. Add the mobility pass, and the price (CHF 30.50) doesn't seem like bad value.
HI - Basel - City Hostel in Basel … The hostel located very near to the railway station. The room reservation service by internet is very effective. The building is a standard swiss one, the welcome is anonymous but polite, as usual in big towns. Rooms are rather clean, but anonymous, the garden is quite dirty, the breakfast is fair. It is very difficult to find a free parking for cars and I would not suggest it to car drivers.This hostel is in the very average, but it has a very convenient location for train travellers.
BaselBackPack in Basel … Good value! The hostel is near the SBB railway station and fifteen minutes by foot to the old town. There are clean shared toilettes and showers. There is also a good kitchen for guests.
HI - Basel Hostel - St. Alban in Basel … I was in this same youth hostel about eight months ago on a choir tour. Wow!!! Yes, this place is awesome! Besides the freezing water and the not-so-much heat, but still . . . :) The downstairs bit is the best place to sit and to do nothing. :)
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