Basel is about to become football's centre of attention as it hosts the opening match and final of UEFA Women's EURO 2025.
But when you're not cheering until your voice cracks at St. Jakob-Park, there's an entire city waiting to be explored.
Things to do in Basel: UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Edition
Consider this your complete guide to making the most of your time in Basel during the 2025 Women's EURO tournament.
1. Get To The Game At St. Jakob-Park
Wikimedia Commons / Luca-bs
Starting with the most obvious activity, Switzerland's largest stadium isn't just hosting any old kickabout.
Built by architectural legends Herzog & de Meuron, St. Jakob-Park will be the tournament's beating heart.
The opening ceremony kicks off on 2nd July, with the final on 27th July and plenty of matches in between. The atmosphere will be electric and the games, unforgettable.
2. Celebrate at Basel's Fan Zones
Head to the official Fan Zones at Barfüsserplatz and Messeplatz when you want to keep the vibes going.
These aren't your average setups. Big screens, street food, cinema nights, concerts and DJs are just some of what's in store.
It's basically a festival that just happens to include football. What's not to love?
3. Stroll Through Basel's Old Town
Adobe Free Stock / MiguelAngel
In between matches, take a breather in Basel's Old Town.
Let your mind wander among cobbled lanes, medieval buildings and photogenic corners at every turn.
Taking in a great view is a top way to introduce yourself to a new city.
And Basel Minster's tower is where you'll find the best one around.
🏟️ Home of History: Five Key Matches - Basel isn't just opening the tournament - it's also hosting five pivotal UEFA Women's EURO 2025 matches, including both the opening match, Switzerland vs Norway on 2nd July, and the grand final on 27th July at St. Jakob‑Park.
Elsewhere in Old Town Basel, the Town Hall and Spalentor Gate are must-sees for architecture lovers.
4. Visit Basel's Top Museums
Wikimedia Commons / Louis-Fabrice Jean
From classic masters to contemporary brilliance, the Kunstmuseum Basel is a treasure trove.
Fondation Beyeler is set in stunning surroundings, while the Tinguely Museum will have you questioning what art even is.
It's quirky, mechanical and pure Basel.
5. Float Down the Rhine Like a Local
Adobe Free Stock / Ekaterina Pokrovsky
Yes - locals swim in the Rhine.
Grab a Wickelfisch bag, toss in your clothes and float downstream like a proper Basel resident.
Heads Up: Only swim when conditions are safe: water above 18°C, water level below 650 cm, height below 246.5m. Check the official guidance here.
If that sounds a bit extreme, book a river cruise instead and see one of Europe's major rivers in a more leisurely manner.
6. Sample Basel Bite by Bite
Adobe Free Stock / alex.pin
You can't visit Switzerland without digging into some of its world-famous foods.
And it goes well beyond fondue - although that's a must too.
In between matches, hunt down some Basler Läckerli.
This chewy spiced biscuit is made with honey, nuts and candied peel, often with a dash of Kirsch.
It's over 700 years old and basically the city's official snack.
For something warm and savoury, try Basler Mehlsuppe. This rich flour-based soup is topped with grated cheese and traditionally eaten during the city's legendary Fasnacht carnival.
Also worth a nibble is Fastenwähe, a cross-shaped Lent bread topped with caraway seeds.
And if you've got a sweet tooth, grab a Schoggiweggli. This soft roll is stuffed with chocolate and makes a perfect on-the-go treat while exploring Basel.
If you're a chocolate lover, head to Xocolatl near Schifflände.
This speciality shop showcases stocks from around the world, as well as goodies from top Swiss chocolatiers.
7. Enjoy Summer Events Beyond Football
The Basel Tattoo, taking place this year between 11th and 17th of July, brings military music to the streets. It's dramatic, loud and fun.
Open-air concerts, food festivals and rooftop cinema nights also keep the summer buzz going strong.
8. Take Day Trips to Three Countries
From Basel, you can hop between Switzerland, France and Germany in under an hour.
Colmar, France - An Ideal Day Trip from Basel - Adobe Free Stock / Overburn
Explore Colmar, a ridiculously photogenic French town thought to have inspired the Studio Ghibli film Howl's Moving Castle.
Alternatively, the eco-friendly German gem Freiburg and classic Swiss Alpine hotspot Lucerne are also within easy reach.
9. Explore Basel's Creepiest And Coolest Museum
Had your fill of pretty squares and chocolate shops?
Head to the Anatomical Museum of the University of Basel, where it's all about muscles, bones and brains.
You'll wander among spectacles such as real human specimens and antique surgical instruments.
Not to mention one of Europe's largest historical collections of anatomical models.
This curveball is morbidly fascinating and is sure to keep you occupied once you've explored the guidebook sights.
10. Dive Into Basel's Alternative Nightlife
Adobe Free Stock / master1305
Pints in the pub is very football and very British.
But sometimes you want something a little more interesting.
And once the sun sets and the streetlights shine, Basel delivers.
Check out some of these unique spots to fully experience Basel by night.
- Werk 8 - Fancy a few cocktails in a converted machine hall? Tucked away in the industrial quarter of Gundeldingen, this former-factory-hall-turned-bar is all concrete, copper and candlelight. The bartenders are alchemists, so expect high-concept cocktails with edible smoke or flaming garnishes. It's a little Berlin, a little Basel, and totally unexpected.
- Club 59 - This compact underground club near the Rhine looks like nothing from the outside - because it is nothing from the outside. But below street level, you'll find an electro-heavy, cash-only rave bunker full of locals, art students and off-duty bartenders.
- Das Viertel - This multi-floor bar and club hybrid built from shipping containers is buzzing with culture, food, live music, artsy performances, and a rooftop vibe.
- Kaschemme & Kleinbasel Riverside - This large-scale outdoor gem sits on previously undeveloped industrial wasteland and is known for its summer events and underground sets.
Getting Around Basel
When you're flitting between matches, chocolate shops and underground bars, you'll need a reliable way to get from A to B.
And thankfully, Basel is one of those cities where public transport really shines.
Whether you're relying on the train, trams or buses, you'll find it reliable, punctual and clean.
Your UEFA Women's EURO 2025 match tickets include access to free public transport on match days.
And even without that, Basel easy and affordable to get around.
Avoid An Own Goal with A Switzerland eSIM From Airalo
Don't make a surprise mobile data bill part of your Basel Women's EURO adventures this summer.
Get connected and stay online from the moment you land with an eSIM for Switzerland from Airalo.
Easy to install, affordable and reliable, eSIMs are your best friend when navigating Basel's attractions or sharing those match day selfies.
Visit the Airalo store to choose the best package for your needs and make your Basel footy adventures as smooth as possible.
FAQs
1. What Are The Best Things To Do In Basel During The UEFA Women's EURO 2025?
Top things to do in Basel include watching matches at St. Jakob-Park, exploring the Old Town, swimming in the Rhine, visiting Basel's museums and enjoying local Swiss food.
2. Is It Safe to Swim In The Rhine In Basel?
Yes, but only if conditions are safe. The water must be over 18°C and the level below 650cm. Always check official info before taking the plunge.
3. What's The Best Way To Get Around Basel During The Tournament?
Basel's trams and buses are reliable and easy to use. Match tickets include a free transport pass on game days.
4. Can I Take Day Trips From Basel To Other Countries?
Yes - Basel is perfectly placed for day trips to France (Colmar), Germany (Freiburg) and Switzerland (Lucerne).
5. How Do I Stay Connected In Switzerland Without Roaming Fees?
Get an eSIM for Switzerland from Airalo. It's cheaper than roaming, easy to set up and gives you instant internet access when you land.