Guide to the BEST Museums in Basel, Switzerland 2025
Wondering which museums in Basel to prioritize?
As professional travelers who have personally visited the museums in Basel, we are excited to share our insights with you.
Basel is a city rich in art, history, and culture which is evident by their over 40 unique museums.
In this guide, we’ve narrowed it down to our top 18 favorites, covering everything from fine art and design to natural history and quirky toys.
For each museum, we include important details like if it is free with the Swiss Travel Pass, location, hours, and museum details.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or looking for a family-friendly outing, we are here to help you navigate Basel’s museum scene and make the most of your visit.

History of Museums in Basel, Switzerland
Basel, Switzerland, is a city with a deep appreciation for art and culture, which is reflected in its many museums. This tradition dates back to the 16th century when Basel became a center of the Renaissance in Switzerland.
The city’s commitment to preserving and showcasing art and history began with the establishment of the University of Basel in 1460, the oldest university in Switzerland.
One of the earliest and most significant museums, the Kunstmuseum Basel, was founded in 1661. It was the first public art collection in Europe and set the stage for the city’s museum culture.

The city’s museums gained international prominence in the 20th century. Basel’s commitment to education and cultural exchange is a key reason for its rich museum landscape.
How Many Museums does Basel, Switzerland have?
Basel, Switzerland is home to over 40 museums, covering everything from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge modern art.
With so much variety, it’s easy to find a few that match your interests.
Need help planning?
We’re travel experts and would love to plan and
book your trip at $0 expense to you!
Get Started →
18 BEST Museums in Basel, Switzerland
While there are over 40 museums in Basel, we wanted to narrow down the list a bit to the best museums in Basel!
Below are our favorite museums, ranked in the order we recommend prioritizing them.
To us, Kunstmuseum Basel, Fondation Beyeler, and the Tinguely Museum are must-visits for all during a trip to Basel. The rest are still awesome but can be chosen based on personal preferences.
Kunstmuseum Basel
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with the Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Fine Art Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 3 hours per building (there are 2 buildings)
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm (8 pm on Weds), Monday Closed
Kunstmuseum Basel is a must-visit of the Museums in Basel, especially for art lovers.
As Switzerland’s oldest public art collection, it features an impressive array of works spanning from the 15th century to contemporary times.
We visited several Kunstmuseums all over Switzerland and the one in Basel was by far our favorite – the variety of art is impressive!

You’ll see pieces by renowned artists like Hans Holbein the Younger, Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet, Picasso, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and Jasper Johns.
It is important to note that there are 2 buildings – the original, older building is home to the older pieces while the new, more modern building is home to the more contemporary pieces. You can travel between the 2 museums via an underground passage.
The museum has a nice cafe in the old building if you are in need of a snack or meal!
Fondation Beyeler
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? No
🎭 Museum Type: Modern and Contemporary Art Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
📍 Area: Riehen – a suburb of Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm (8 pm on Weds)
Fondation Beyeler was founded by art dealers Ernst and Hildy Beyeler, the museum is housed in a stunning building designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano.
You can expect to see masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Cézanne, van Gogh, Picasso, and Rothko. The museum’s collection also includes contemporary works by artists like Warhol, Bacon, and Richter.

Fondation Beyeler is known for its temporary exhibitions, which often highlight significant movements.
Outside of the art, we enjoyed the beautiful setting. The building is surrounded by lovely gardens and offers views of the surrounding countryside! It is definitely worth venturing beyond the Old Town of Basel.
Tinguely Museum
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Art Museum (Kinetic Art)
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Kleinbasel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 6pm (9pm on Thursday), Monday Closed
The Tinguely Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely.
This unique museum showcases a variety of Tinguely’s kinetic sculptures, which are fascinating moving machines made from found objects (usually from the dump!).

The museum has an engaging experience with interactive exhibits. We really enjoyed “turning on” the artwork.
Beyond the exhibits, the building, designed by architect Mario Botta, is beautiful and in a stunning location along the Rhine River! It is a bit of a walk from the Old Town but easy to get to via the bus.
Basel Historical Museum – Barfüsserkirche
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: History Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, Monday Closed
The Basel Historical Museum at Barfüsserkirche is a key destination for those interested in Basel’s history.
Housed in a former Franciscan church, this museum shows Basel’s past from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. You’ll see a wide array of exhibits, including religious art, historical artifacts, and medieval treasures.

Key exhibits include the 16th-century Lällenkönig clock, beautifully carved altars, and a vast collection of tapestries.
While there was a lot to see, we enjoyed our brief visit and kept our visit under an hour by sticking to the exhibits that were the most interesting to us.
Vitra Design Museum
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? No
🎭 Museum Type: Design and Architecture Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours
📍 Area: Weil am Rhein, Germany near Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
The Vitra Design Museum, located just outside Basel in Weil am Rhein, Germany, is a must-see for design enthusiasts.
Renowned for its innovative exhibitions on design and architecture, the museum features works by influential designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Frank Gehry, and Le Corbusier.

The museum building itself, designed by Gehry, is a work of art and a highlight of our visit.
The exhibits cover furniture design, industrial design, and everyday objects which we found super fascinating.
Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Archaeology and Ancient Art Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 11am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday 11am to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm, Monday Closed
The Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig is dedicated to the art and culture of ancient civilizations.
It is one of the few museums in Switzerland exclusively focused on antiquities. You’ll see artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, Italy, and the Near East.

The museum’s collection includes stunning sculptures, intricate pottery, and exquisite jewelry, providing a comprehensive look at the ancient world.
It is situated in a beautiful historic building in the Old Town which we thought added to the experience!
Museum of Cultures Basel
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Ethnographic Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, Monday Closed
The Museum of Cultures Basel explores the diverse cultures of the world with a focus on ethnography and cultural artifacts.
The museum showcases objects from Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. You’ll learn about different ways of life through exhibits that include traditional clothing, ritual objects, and everyday items.

We enjoyed the extensive collection of masks from various cultures and the beautiful textiles.
Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Medical and Pharmaceutical Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, Monday Closed
The Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel offers a unique glimpse into the history of medicine and pharmaceutical sciences.
The museum is in a charming historic building and has an extensive collection of medical instruments, rare books, and medicinal plants.

While we are not in healthcare, we both found this museum to be fascinating. Some of the highlights include beautifully preserved apothecary jars, antique medical equipment, and historic remedies.
The museum also has a fascinating display of traditional pharmacy shops, giving visitors an idea of how medicine was practiced in the past.
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (Toy Worlds Museum)
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? No
🎭 Museum Type: Toy Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel, also known as the Toy Worlds Museum, has an impressive collection of over 6,000 toys.
This collection spans several centuries, offering a nostalgic journey through the world of toys.

Our top highlights were the antique teddy bears, detailed dollhouses, and charmingly crafted miniatures. There are many interactive elements that enhanced the experience as well!
Anatomical Museum Basel
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Medical and Anatomical Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Monday to Friday 2pm to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm, Saturday Closed
The Anatomical Museum Basel offers an in-depth look at human anatomy and medical science.
Located within the University of Basel, the museum features a wide range of anatomical specimens, models, and exhibits that illustrate the complexities of the human body.

You can explore detailed displays of skeletal structures, organs, and anatomical models.
We highly recommend this museum over some of the other museums in Basel for anyone thinking of pursuing the medical field or who is interested in how the body functions.
Cartoon Museum Basel
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Cartoon and Comics Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm, Monday Closed
Cartoon Museum Basel is the only museum in Switzerland dedicated exclusively to the art of cartoons and comics.
It is a really cool look at the history and evolution of these art forms, featuring works by both Swiss and international artists. The museum’s collection includes original drawings, comic strips, caricatures, and illustrated books.
You’ll see a wide range of styles and genres, from classic comic strips to contemporary graphic novels. Plus, they frequently host workshops so be sure to check out their schedule!
Of all the Museums in Basel, Cartoon Museum Basel is a quirky, fun, and unique experience.
Museum of Natural History Basel
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Natural History Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, Monday Closed
The Museum of Natural History Basel is a pretty good Natural History Museum.
Established in 1821, the museum features extensive collections in zoology, entomology, mineralogy, and paleontology.

We enjoyed the impressive dinosaur skeletons, detailed dioramas of various ecosystems, and their temporary exhibits. They also gave us an audio guide in English which was helpful, even though some of the descriptions were pretty lengthy.
The building the museum is in is also quite lovely! We would say it is worth popping in at least (especially if you get in for free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Basel Paper Mill
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Papermaking and Printing Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Just outside of Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11am to 5pm, Saturday 1pm to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm, Monday Closed
The Basel Paper Mill is all about the history of papermaking, bookbinding, and printing.
We loved that this Basel Museum is housed in a historic mill building. During your visit, you’ll be taken through the traditional processes of producing paper and printing books.
You can participate in hands-on demonstrations like making your own paper, setting type, and operating vintage printing presses. It is a really neat experience for kids and adults!
In addition to being in a beautiful, historic mill, Basel Paper Mill is also located along the picturesque Rhine River. It is a really lovely visit!
Museum Kleines Klingental
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: History and Architecture Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
📍 Area: Kleinbasel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Wednesday and Saturday 2pm to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm, Closed Other Days
Housed in a former convent, Museum Kleines Klingental showcases the development of Basel through a range of artifacts, models, and exhibits.
You can see the architectural evolution of Basel through detailed models of the city’s landmarks and historic buildings.

Key highlights include the collection of medieval sculptures and the models of Basel’s old city gates. The museum also provides insights into the daily life and religious practices of the convent’s former inhabitants.
Basel Historical Museum – Haus zum Kirschgarten
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Historical and Cultural Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 hour
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm, Monday and Tuesday Closed
Housed in a beautiful patrician mansion, the Basel Historical Museum – Haus zum Kirschgarten showcases the elegant lifestyle of Basel’s wealthy families during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The museum’s rooms are furnished with exquisite period furniture, ceramics, and decorative arts, creating an authentic historical atmosphere.
You can explore the rooms, including a grand salon, a kitchen, and a children’s room, all filled with original artifacts and furnishings.
Basel Historical Museum – Musikmuseum
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? Yes – 100% free with Swiss Travel Pass
🎭 Museum Type: Music Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 hour
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm, Monday and Tuesday Closed
The Basel Historical Museum – Musikmuseum is located in the former Lohnhof prison. This museum is dedicated to the history of music and musical instruments.

You will explore an extensive collection of instruments from various periods and regions, ranging from medieval to contemporary times. Key exhibits include historical keyboards, string instruments, wind instruments, and percussion.
The museum also has interactive displays where you can listen to the sounds of different instruments and learn about their evolution which we really loved!
Basel LEbrickGO museum
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? No
🎭 Museum Type: Toy Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 to 3 hours
📍 Area: Just outside of Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Changes depending on the season – check their website
Were/are you a fan of LEGOs? This is the museum for you!
The Basel LEbrickGO Museum is dedicated to LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. They have an extensive collection of LEGO creations, from intricate architectural models to whimsical scenes and beloved characters.

You can marvel at detailed cityscapes, historic landmarks, and creative dioramas that showcase the versatility and creativity of LEGO building.
Our favorite was the hands-on building activities!
S AM Swiss Architecture Museum
🎟️ Included in Swiss Travel Pass? No
🎭 Museum Type: Architecture Museum
⏱️ Typical Visit Duration: 1 hour
📍 Area: Old Town Basel (Google Maps Location)
📆 Hours: Changes depending on the season – check their website
The S AM or Swiss Architecture Museum is a good museum for those interested in architecture and urban design.
This museum focuses on contemporary architectural practices and urban development. It hosts a variety of exhibitions that explore different aspects of architecture, from innovative building designs to sustainable urban planning.
You’ll see detailed models, architectural drawings, and multimedia presentations that highlight both Swiss and international architecture. The museum also frequently hosts lectures, workshops, and guided tours so check their schedule!
Basel Museums Map
Here are the top 18 Basel Museums we recommended and where they are located.
Basel Museum Night
Basel Museum Night is a much-anticipated annual event that takes place in January, where over 40 museums and cultural institutions across Basel open their doors from 6 pm to 2 am.
During Basel Museum Night, you can enjoy special exhibitions, interactive workshops, guided tours, and live performances. The museums and cultural venues put on exclusive displays and activities specifically for this night.
A single ticket grants access to all participating venues and includes free transportation on special museum night shuttle buses.
Basel Museum Night is a fantastic opportunity to explore the city’s museums and enjoy a night filled with art, history, and entertainment.
Check out the details for the next Basel Museum Night on their website.

Basel First Sunday
Basel First Sunday is a special event held on the first Sunday of every month, where several museums in Basel offer free admission.
This initiative aims to make art and culture more accessible to the public. This is a great opportunity to explore the museums in Basel if you are on a tight budget.
You will, however, have much larger crowds on Basel First Sunday so if you are going on a first Sunday, we recommend arriving at open to avoid peak crowds.
Many museums in Basel participate in Basel First Sunday like:
- Kunstmuseum Basel
- Fondation Beyeler
- Tinguely Museum
- Basel Historical Museum – Barfüsserkirche
- Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig
- Museum of Cultures Basel
- Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel
- Museum Kleines Klingental
- Anatomical Museum Basel
- Cartoon Museum Basel
- Museum of Natural History Basel
- Basel Paper Mill
Basel First Sunday is a fantastic opportunity to explore many of the museums in Basel for free.
Tips for Visiting Museums in Basel, Switzerland
When in Basel, Switzerland we always visit at least 1 museum because there are so many amazing options to choose from.
Along the way, we have learned many things about visiting the museums in Basel so here are our 6 top tips:
- Check Museum Passes:
- The Swiss Travel Pass includes free entry to A LOT of the museums in Basel. Check here if the museums you want to visit are covered to save on entry fees.
- Basel Card, provided by hotels, also offers discounts on museum entries and other attractions.
- Plan Your Visits and Check Open Hours
- Plan your itinerary based on the size and opening hours of each museum.
- Many museums are closed on Mondays.
- Verify the opening days and hours on each museum’s website since we find the Google Maps info to be wrong sometimes.

- Public Transportation:
- Basel has an efficient public transport system. Use trams and buses to get around the city easily. The Swiss Travel Pass and Basel Card include free public transport.
- Guided Tours and Audio Guides:
- Some museums offer guided tours or audio guides in multiple languages. They can really enhance your visit so take advantage of them when offered!
- Cafes and Rest Areas:
- Larger museums often have cafes where you can take a break. Plan for a rest, especially if visiting multiple museums in one day.
- Bags Go in Lockers
- Almost all museums in Basel and the rest of Switzerland require you to place any bags, bulky jackets, water, and/or purses in a locker to enter the museum. Typically, they are free to use or require a CHF or Euro deposit.

Following these tips can help you make the most of your museum visits in Basel.
Where to Stay to Visit the Basel Museums
When staying in Basel, we recommend picking a hotel in the Old Town area. You will have the easiest access to the main sites and the top museums in Basel.
Our top choices are:
| Category | Hotel | Top Features | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌟 Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience | Grand Hôtel Les Trois Rois | – one of Europe’s oldest city hotels – hosted many famous people such as Napoleon, Elizabeth II, Pablo Picasso, and Thomas Mann. | BOOK ➡️ |
| 💎 Luxury Stay | Hotel Märthof Basel | – beautifully designed rooms – amazing spa – excellent restaurant | BOOK ➡️ |
| 🔑 Moderate Hotel | Motel One Basel | – stylish and affordable accommodation – central location – modern amenities | BOOK ➡️ |
| 👌 Budget-Friendly Accommodation | HITrental Marktplatz Apartments | – well-equipped apartments – close to key attractions – kitchens | BOOK ➡️ |
FAQs for Museums in Basel, Switzerland
What is Art Basel?
Art Basel is an international art fair held annually in Basel, Switzerland. It features modern and contemporary works from leading galleries worldwide, attracting collectors, artists, and art enthusiasts.
The event includes exhibitions, installations, and panel discussions, making it a premier destination for the global art community.
Which museums are free in Basel?
In Basel, museums typically have some admission fee unless you are under a certain age or a student. Many Basel Museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Additionally, most of the larger museums are free with the Swiss Travel Pass.
How many museums are in Basel?
Basel is home to over 40 museums. These range from art and history museums to specialized institutions focusing on subjects like architecture, cartoons, and natural history, making it a vibrant cultural hub.

In Conclusion: Best Museums in Basel, Switzerland
From the impressive art collections at Kunstmuseum Basel and Fondation Beyeler to the fascinating kinetic sculptures at the Tinguely Museum, the museums in Basel are diverse and captivating.
We hope our guide to the best museums in Basel helps you plan your visit and make the most of your time exploring this cultural gem. Happy exploring!
We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!”
🌟 Loving our content? Support the journey and buy us a coffee! ☕️
Read More About Switzerland
Basel
- Is Basel Worth Visiting? Honest Review & GREAT 2025 Guide
- Guide to the BEST Museums in Basel, Switzerland
- 3 Days in Basel, Switzerland: GREAT Itinerary and Tips
- Basel Old Town Guide: 23 Best Things To Do, Where To Stay + More!
- Basel Zoo: The Complete Guide to Visiting
- 2 Days in Basel, Switzerland: GREAT Itinerary and Tips 2025
- 21 BEST Day Trips from Basel, Switzerland
- 11 BEST Hotels in Basel, Switzerland Near Train Station (Basel SBB)
- 1 Day in Basel, Switzerland: GREAT Itinerary and Tips
Geneva
- Is Geneva Worth Visiting? Honest Review & GREAT 2025 Guide
- The BEST Way to Spend 3 Days in Geneva, Switzerland
- 13 BEST Day Trips From Geneva You Can’t Miss
- 11 BEST Hotels Near Geneva Train Station
- The BEST Way to Spend One Day in Geneva, Switzerland
- BEST Hiking in Geneva, Switzerland 2025 (Map Included)
- How Many Days in Geneva, Switzerland: 15 Tips for a GREAT Trip!
- Geneva to Zermatt: 3 EASIEST Travel Options
- 11 BEST Geneva, Switzerland Hotels on the Lake
- The BEST Way to Spend 2 Days in Geneva, Switzerland 2025
- Geneva to Annecy: 5 BEST Options
- The BEST Way to Spend a Half Day in Geneva, Switzerland
Swiss Riviera
- 21 BEST Lake Geneva, Switzerland Things to Do
- Geneva vs Lausanne: Which City Should You Visit in 2025?
- Top 11 Lake Geneva Switzerland Boat Tours You Can’t Miss
- Is Gruyères Worth Visiting? Honest Review & GREAT Guide
- Is Lausanne Worth Visiting? Honest Review & 2025 Guide
- Lausanne or Montreux: Which is better?
- 23 BEST Things to Do in Montreux, Switzerland (Includes Map!)
- 21 BEST Day Trips from Montreux by Train, Car, Boat, and Tour
- Is Montreux Worth Visiting? Honest Review & Great Guide
- 15 BEST Things to Do in Vevey, Switzerland 2025 (+ Map!)
Zermatt
- How Many Days in Zermatt is Enough? + BEST Seasonal Itineraries
- Is Zermatt Worth Visiting? Honest Review & GREAT 2025 Guide
- Best Fondue in Zermatt – TOP 10 Places + Map
- The BEST Time to Visit Zermatt, Switzerland 2025
- 15 BEST Things to Do in Zermatt in Summer
- 12 BEST Day Trips from Zermatt, Switzerland
Switzerland Travel Planning Guide
🚙🚄 Is renting a car or public transportation better in Switzerland?
For traveling in Switzerland, we recommend using public transportation. Switzerland’s train system and other public transportation options are some of the best in the world.
We always buy the Swiss Travel Pass, which provides access to trains, funiculars, boats, lifts, and buses. It also gives you free access to over 500 museums.
Renting a car in Switzerland has its pros and cons. Pro: You get the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit remote areas. Con: Parking can be expensive and challenging in cities. When we rent a car, we always use Discover Cars for reliable service.
📲 Will my phone work in Switzerland?
Maybe, but it will be expensive! Depending on your provider, plans can charge you $10 per day while in Europe.
To use your phone in Switzerland and save money, we recommend an eSim with Airalo. Airalo simplifies the steps and provides you with all the necessary data for convenient travel.
There is not a lot of free WIFI in Switzerland, so you’ll need your phone for navigating.
🌐 Do I need a VPN when on the internet in Switzerland?
While abroad, we consistently prioritize our online security by using a VPN to appear as if we’re streaming from the US and protect ourselves from cybercrime.
NordVPN serves as an incredibly convenient solution for both mobile phones and laptops, effortlessly ensuring our safety while browsing or streaming.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Switzerland accommodations?
Our go-to for Switzerland hotels is Booking.com. They offer the widest range of choices, and their filtering system simplifies the process of discovering the perfect accommodation for your needs.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Switzerland?
For finding cheap flights to Switzerland, we recommend Kayak. Their awesome multi-city flight search and handy price notifications help us save big, allowing us to splurge on other adventures once we arrive.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is usually our airline of choice while in Switzerland.
🚐 Should I book tours in Switzerland? Do the guides speak English?
We LOVE taking tours in Switzerland.
We prefer to book our tours on Viator and GetYourGuide for easy searching, trusted reviews, and transparent pricing. We always filter for the tours that are offered in English.
For free walking tours in English, we always book through GuruWalk.
🚑 Should I buy Switzerland travel insurance?
100% YES! Switzerland has a publicly funded healthcare system known as the LAMal (L’Assurance Maladie Obligatoire), also known as the Swiss Health Insurance Law, which provides basic health insurance to all Swiss citizens and legal residents!
Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. We recommend Safety Wing – they provide general travel coverage as well as medical!
💧Can you drink the water in Switzerland?
Drinking water in Switzerland is exceptionally safe and clean. You can drink tap water anywhere, and it’s often better than bottled water.
There are many public fountains in cities and towns where you can fill your water bottle. If a fountain is not safe to drink from, there will be a sign indicating this. Generally, no sign means the water is safe to drink.
For an extra layer of protection, we recommend always using a LifeStraw Go Series to stay safe and hydrated.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Switzerland?
Citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries do not need a visa for short stays.
For travelers from many other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, no visa is required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, always check the latest visa requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
💸 What currency is used in Switzerland?
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash for smaller purchases.
🗣️ What languages are spoken in Switzerland?
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.



