Ereda’s Adventures

Are you planning a trip to Switzerland in 2024? In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experience exploring two beautiful Swiss cities—Basel and Zurich—during a spring getaway in April 2024. Whether you’re searching for travel tips, affordable sightseeing options, or just want to know what Switzerland is really like, this post will give you a first-hand look into Swiss city life, food, costs, and cultural highlights.

Why I Traveled to Switzerland?

Living in Germany for a few years gave me easy access to Switzerland, and in April 2024, I finally decided to visit. My first stop? Basel, a charming city near the borders of France and Germany. While part of my reason was nostalgic (two of my favorite childhood football players were from FC Basel), I also wanted to explore Swiss culture, especially in the German-speaking region.

Basel, Switzerland – Top Things to See and Do

If you’re searching “what to do in Basel Switzerland” or “Basel travel guide 2024,” here’s what I recommend:

🏙️ Best Attractions in Basel:

Mittlere Brücke (Middle Bridge) – One of the most iconic landmarks in Basel, perfect for photos and a view of the Rhine River. Tinguely Fountain – A playful mechanical fountain near the theater that reflects the city’s artistic vibe. Basel Old Town (Altstadt) – Stroll through the cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. Kunstmuseum Basel – A must-visit for art lovers featuring world-class collections. Hidden Art Neighborhoods – I discovered areas with vibrant street art and murals, which are rare but beautiful in Switzerland. Statue Park in City Center – A peaceful green space dotted with sculptures (still trying to recall the name!).

🧳 Basel Travel Tips:

Cost of food: Expect high prices. A single espresso cost me 6 EUR—yes, really! Walkability: Basel is extremely safe and easy to explore on foot. Public transport: Reliable and punctual, like everything in Switzerland.

Day Trip from Basel to Zurich – Travel Guide

One of the easiest day trips from Basel is Zurich, Switzerland’s financial capital. I took a train and spent a sunny day exploring Zurich city center, Lake Zurich, and more. If you’re Googling “Zurich one-day itinerary” or “Zurich vs. Basel travel,” here’s my take:

🌟 Highlights of Zurich:

Zurich Opera House (Opernhaus Zürich) – A beautiful architectural gem near the lake. Lake Zurich (Zürichsee) – The views were stunning, with white sailboats floating peacefully under the sun. Paradeplatz – The heart of Zurich’s banking district; classy, clean, and filled with luxury. Local cafés and restaurants – I grabbed a coffee and something to eat in the city center—yes, pricey, but the ambiance was worth it.

⚖️ Zurich vs Basel – Which is better?

Zurich is more glamorous, bigger, and wealthier—but more expensive. Basel feels cozier, more artistic, and laid-back.

Swiss Food and Coffee Culture

If you’re into food tourism in Switzerland, here’s what to know:

Espresso prices in Switzerland can be shockingly high. Try local dishes like: Rösti (potato pancakes) Swiss fondue Basler Läckerli (a spiced biscuit unique to Basel) And of course, Swiss chocolate – everywhere!

Fun Facts About Switzerland

Zurich is home to some of the wealthiest people in Europe. Switzerland has four official languages, and in Basel and Zurich, German is most commonly spoken. Trains in Switzerland are among the most reliable and scenic in the world. Swiss cities are among the safest in Europe—perfect for solo travelers or digital nomads.

How Long to Stay in Switzerland?🌌

If you’re wondering how many days to stay in Zurich or Basel, here’s my advice:

Zurich: 3–4 days is enough to see the highlights. Basel: 2–3 days is perfect, especially if you enjoy walking and art.😊😊

In general, Switzerland is ideal for short city breaks, unless you’re heading into the Alps for skiing or hiking.👍🏻👍🏻❤️

Will I Go Back to Switzerland?

Probably not soon. After exploring much of Europe, I’m ready to venture further—possibly Asia, North Africa, or even South America. But if I do return to Switzerland, Luzern (Lucerne) is next on my list. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

Maybe I’ll be back in 2026. Or 2027. Or maybe even this year. Who knows?😀✈️