Where to stay in Basel [Most Comprehensive Guide for 2023]

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - Panorama of the Rhine Embankment. City view from the Dreirosenbruecke bridge. City of Basel, Switzerland, Europe

Basel is a beautiful medieval city on the Rhine River in northern Switzerland near the French and German borders.

Switzerland’s third-largest city is often overlooked for the larger cities of Geneva and Zurich or the smaller towns of Lucern, Bern, or any of several villages in the Swiss Alps.

However, Basel is a lovely city worth a few nights on your Central European tour. The city is best known for art and has a lively cultural scene.

When planning your visit, there are many hotels in Basel Switzerland to choose from. Let us help you find the best area to stay in Basel, with Basel hotels for each price range and travel style.

We will cover off all types of Basel accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Basel hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Basel Switzerland 2023, the best Basel hotels, best places in Basel to visit, the best places to stay in Basel, hotels near Basel attractions, best neighborhoods in Basel and many more.

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Table of Contents

Altstadt Grossbasel – Where to Stay in Basel for Tourists

The old town area of Basel is split into two distinct sections. Altstadt Grossbasel and Altstadt Kleinbasel are separated by the Rhine River.

Altstadt Grossbasel has the typical old town feel and is the best area for tourists who are visiting Basel for a short time or for their first time.

Many of the best attractions and sites are within walking distance of the hotels located here. Explore several churches, the town hall, and museums, and if you wish, take a stroll across the bridge, or hop on a ferry to Altstadt Kleinbasel.

Wondering where to stay in Basel for Christmas markets? Well Old Town is where the Christmas markets are located, Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz to be exact.

Where to Stay in Altstadt Grossbasel

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Altstadt Grossbasel
Basel Youth Hostel
Hyve
Basel Backpack

Budget Hotels in Altstadt Grossbasel
Hyve Hotel & Apartments
ibis budget Basel City
Hotel Stadthof
easyHotel Basel

Mid range Hotels in Altstadt Grossbasel
Steinenschanze Stadthotel
Hotel Rochat Basel
Hotel Motel One Basel
East West Hotel Basel

Family Friendly Hotels in Altstadt Grossbasel
Hotel Krafft Basel
Sorell Hotel Merian
Hotel Balade
Hotel Basel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Altstadt Grossbasel
Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
B & B Auf dem Wolf
Hotel Rochat
Hotel D – Basel

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - Old town Grossbasel. Historical houses on the Muensterberg street. City of Basel, Switzerland, Europe

Altstadt Kleinbasel – Where to Stay in Basel for Nightlife

On the right bank of the Rhine River is the district of Alstadt Kleinbasel. Whereas Alstadt Grossbasel is a bit more expensive and has long been home to the city’s wealthier residents, Kleinbasel was usually a working-class neighborhood attracting all sorts of residents.

Alstadt Kleinbasel best area to stay in Basel Switzerland for nightlife, it has a lot of pubs and clubs within it’s area.

Today, it remains densely populated and is known as the nightlife hub of Basel. Popular with locals and tourists, there are tons of entertainment options, from posh nightclubs, live music, and tasty restaurants.

There are several town squares here that are always lively; a great place to meet friends or just sit and watch the world go by.

Where to Stay in Altstadt Kleinbasel

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Altstadt Kleinbasel
Basel Youth Hostel
Hyve

Budget Hotels in Altstadt Kleinbasel
Casa Esperanza
Apaliving Basel – Budget Hotel
Hyve Hotel & Apartments

Mid range Hotels in Altstadt Kleinbasel
East West Riverside Hotel Basel
Hotel Basel
Der Teufelhof Basel
Motel One Basel

Family Friendly Hotels in Altstadt Kleinbasel
Hotel Krafft Basel
Hotel Rheinfelderhof
Hotel Wettstein
Aparthotel Adagio Basel City

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Altstadt Kleinbasel
Hotel Restaurant Resslirytti
Consum Residence By Krafft Basel
Set Hotel Residence by Teufelhof Basel

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - . Rhine river on a spring sunny day. View of the Middle Bridge. City of Basel, Switzerland, Europe.

Centralbahnplatz – Where to Stay in Basel near the Train Station

Just south of Old Town, you’ll find Bahnhof Basel, the main train station. Just outside is Centralbahnplatz, a busy neighborhood surrounding the station.

There are many Basel hotels in this neighborhood, including budget-friendly options opposite the train station.

This is the best area for tourists who plan to take many day trips from Basel using the train system of Switzerland, as most hotels are within walking distance of the train station.

Also, for travelers with mobility issues, the Altstadt neighborhoods are quite hilly. You might prefer to stay near the train station so you can take advantage of public transit to get around, rather than walking up and downhill all the time.

Where to Stay in Centralbahnplatz

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Centralbahnplatz
Hyve
Basel Backpack
Basel Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels in Centralbahnplatz
ibis budget Basel City
Apaliving Basel – Budget Hotel
Casa Esperanza
easyHotel Basel

Mid range Hotels in Centralbahnplatz
Hotel Victoria
GAIA Hotel Basel
Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
Hotel Euler

Family Friendly Hotels in Centralbahnplatz
Hotel City Inn
Hotel Birsighof
Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel
Metropol Hotel Basel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Centralbahnplatz
Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - . Old town. Beautiful old houses on the Heuberg street. Grossbasel district, city of Basel, Switzerland, Europe

St. Alban – Where to Stay in Basel for Relaxation

Not far from Old Town is the leafy residential area called St. Alban. St. Alban’s gate marks the part of the old walled city and dates back to 1400.

The streets are winding and lined with trees, while canals flow through the neighborhood, giving it a medieval charm.

Mixed in with historic buildings, you’ll find modern architecture, which is what makes this neighborhood unique. A bit quieter than Old Town or Centralbahnplatz, this is the perfect family-friendly place to stay in Basel.

Where to Stay in St. Alban

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in St. Alban
Basel Youth Hostel
Jugendherberge Basel

Budget Hotels in St. Alban
ibis budget Basel City
Hotel Stadthof
Basilisk Hotel

Mid range Hotels in St. Alban
Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel
Motel One Basel
hotel brasserie au violon
Hotel Euler

Family Friendly Hotels in St. Alban
Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel
Metropol Hotel Basel
Hotel Restaurant Resslirytti
Set Hotel Residence by Teufelhof Basel

Picturesque view of Basel city with St. Alban Gate

Bachletten – Where to Stay in Basel with Family

Just west of the train station is the Bachletten quarter, home of the Basel Zoo. Several parks, including Schützenmatt Park and Benkenpark, make this a great place for family-friendly accommodation in Basel.

At Bachgraben recreational area, you can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool and miniature golf course.

The neighborhood is filled with quaint cafes and unique shops, and the Markthalle food hall is just a few minutes’ walk from the Basel Zoo.

You won’t find as many large hotels in this district, however, there are dozens of guest houses and bed and breakfasts, as well as apartment rentals for longer stays.

Where to Stay in Bachletten

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Bachletten
Hyve

Budget Hotels in Bachletten
Casa Esperanza
Hyve Hotel & Apartments

Mid range Hotels in Bachletten
Ibis Basel Bahnhof Hotel
Hotel Spalentor Basel
Hotel Spalenbrunnen
The Passage

Family Friendly Hotels in Bachletten
Hotel Balegra
B&B Adriana
Hotel Birsighof
Hotel Odelya

Two adult predators, the family of a lion and a lioness rest on a stone in the zoo of the city of Basel in Switzerland in winter in cloudy weather

Gundeldingen – Where to Stay in Basel on a Budget

South of the train station is the district of Gundeldingen. Like Centralbahnplatz, it’s a good area to stay if you plan to take advantage of public transportation for day trips out of Basel.

Being a bit out of the city center, this is also the area where you’ll find the most budget-friendly accommodation in Basel, including several hostels.

This is one of the more diverse neighborhoods of Basel, with many cultural influences showing up in the local restaurant scene.

This is a fun Basel neighborhood that almost feels like a separate town, thanks to the train station cutting it off from the rest of Basel.

Of course, it’s just a few minutes’ walk through the train station to reach popular destinations like Centralbahnplatz and Markthalle.