Basel or Bern: Which Swiss City To Choose?
If you’re looking for a historic Swiss city break, you may be deciding between Basel or Bern. They both share a rich medieval heritage, with streets dotted with old-world architecture and historic landmarks dating back centuries.
Plus, they’re among the safest and most beautiful cities in Europe, so they’re the ideal destination for first-time solo travellers and those looking for a non-touristy area to visit.
But while they have definite similarities, these two beautiful Swiss cities do offer different experiences.
I’ve been to both cities, and I’m here to share my experiences to help you decide whether Basel or Bern should be on your next travel list.
I’ll cover their overall vibe, best things to do, best places to visit, food and drink scenes, accommodations, and, of course, the cost.
Basel vs. Bern: a brief overview
Basel: a hidden gem on the Rhine
Located in northwestern Switzerland, Basel is known for its rich cultural scene and strategic position at the borders of France and Germany.
It’s also where most of the Rhine River cruises start or end, serving as a key trading centre for centuries.
Basel is home to some of the most stunning historic buildings I’ve seen, with the most memorable being the deep red 500-year-old Town Hall with a gilded spire.
Overall, Basel is a mix of modern and medieval. It has dozens of well-preserved medieval architecture flanked by modern facilities.
It has a relaxed and welcoming vibe, a city where you can stroll through the streets without feeling rushed and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Bern: a city of fountains and fortresses
Bern is the capital city of Switzerland, celebrated for its historical significance and picturesque setting.
It’s home to over 200 public fountains, many of which date back to the 16th century and multiple walls, towers, and gates, which once served as defensive structures.
It also has a lot of green spaces and parks, like the Rosengarten which offers gorgeous views of the Old Town.
That said, Bern is certainly not as vibrant as Basel. Most facilities close at around 10pm, and the nightlife is pretty much non-existent.
But if you’re into a slower pace of life, Bern is a city that deserves a visit at least once.
Getting there: are both cities easily accessible?
Flying into Bern
Despite being the capital of Switzerland, getting to Bern isn’t as straightforward as I’d like it to be. The city’s main airport is Bern-Belp Airport, a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
To reach Bern from the airport, travellers can either book a local taxi or take a bus service (line 334) that connects directly to Belper train station.
Flying into Basel
Basel is in the same boat as Bern, with the nearest airport – EuroAirport – being 30 minutes away from the city centre.
The airport bus number 50 provides a direct connection to Basel’s main railway station.
However, I’d recommend flying into Zurich and then getting a train to Basel.
Basel or Bern: things to do
Both Basel and Bern offer a wealth of activities that cater to every type of traveller. Let’s explore the unique experiences each city has to offer:
Basel: a city of art, culture, and outdoor Fun
Here are some activities to enjoy in Basel. I’ve written a more comprehensive list in my article of 10 fun things to do in Basel for those looking for more options.
But these are some of the highlights:
Visit museums: Basel is home to more than 40 museums. One of the most notable is the Kunstmuseum Basel, a massive 10,000-square-metre museum that features collections by Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, and Paul Cézanne.
Explore the Old Town: Wander through the narrow and hidden streets of Basel’s Old Town, featuring medieval architecture and landmarks like the Marktplatz and the Town Hall.
The Old Town has been around since 1220 and the Basel Münster (Cathedral), which towers over the city, is at least 800 years old.
Take a Rhine river cruise: Enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Rhine, soaking in the beautiful views of the city and its surroundings.
Stroll through the Botanical Garden: Relax in the University of Basel’s Botanical Garden, home to more than 7,500 plant species and peaceful walking paths.
Bern: historic charm meets natural beauty
As for Bern, here are some activities to add to your itinerary.
I’ve created a more extensive list in my article on 18 amazing things to do in Bern, so be sure to check it out if you’re planning a visit!
Visit Bear Park (Barenpark): See Bern’s iconic bears in their natural habitat at this park located near the city centre.
Take a stroll in the Federal Palace: Tour the seat of the Swiss government, where you can learn about the country’s political system and history.
Check out the Old Town: Like Basel, Bern has its own historic town. Bern’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town features medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and landmarks like the Zytglogge clock tower.
Spend time in Bern Münster: Also known as the Cathedral of St Vincent or simply Bern Cathedral, Bern Münster is a 15th-century Gothic structure that towers above the city.
As the tallest cathedral in Switzerland, Bern Münster offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city below.
Food and drink scene: which Is better?
There’s no real winner in this category because it depends on your personal preferences.
But when it comes to diversity, Basel takes the lead over Bern. It features a mix of fine dining and casual eateries.
Plus, it boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, including the three-Michelin-star Cheval Blanc which serves exquisite French cuisine.
On the other hand, Bern has numerous cosy cafés and traditional eateries where visitors can enjoy local pastries and coffee.
It has a more relaxed food scene compared to Basel, making it a great place for leisurely dining and enjoying local flavours.
Accommodation
If, like me, you have a preference for luxury hotels then you won’t find a plethora of options in either city.
Both Basel and Bern have a limited number of five-star hotels, while the hotels in Bern tend to lean more towards traditional Swiss charm.
The best luxury hotel in Basel is the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, one of Europe’s oldest city hotels.
For more boutique options, I’d recommend Boutique & Design Hotel Volkshaus Basel or Hotel Märthof Basel.
If you’re after high-end hotels in Bern, I’d recommend either the Hotel Bellevue Palace Bern or Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa.
Price
As you’d imagine from anywhere in Switzerland, neither city is particularly budget-friendly.
Travel expenses to both cities are somewhat comparable, with Bern being approximately 6% cheaper than Basel.
Transportation costs are similar, as well as accommodations and food prices – so the price difference is negligible.
Final words
I have loved visiting both Basel and Bern, but if I had to choose then my personal favourite would be Basel. I enjoyed the more laid-back, lively vibe – plus the food scene is excellent.
Do you have a preference between Basel or Bern? Let me know in the comments below!
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