We are taking a Christmas market river cruise in December( Amsterdam to Basel). We have added three days in Basel to the end and are looking for suggestions for those three days. We enjoy museums, trying local food and wine, and pretty much any experience that has a local flavor. We are also open to a day trip as well. Any suggestions to help us get the most out of our time in Switzerland are appreciated! Thank you!

You can easily spend a few days in the museums of Basel. https://www.museenbasel.ch/en/museen
Or take a train and reach
Bern
Lucerne
Zurich
Solothurn
Schaffhausen (Rhine Falls)
in less than an hour (trains every 30-60 min).

Trips to alpine viewpoints would take more time:
Heiligenschwendi: 2 hrs OW
Belalp/Aetsch Glacier: 3 hrs OW
Crans-Montana: 3 hrs OW
Riederalp (Aletsch area) 2 3/4 hrs OW
Eggishorn (in the middle of the Aletsch Glacier area): 3 1/4 hrs OW
Revolving Glacier Restaurant Mittelallalin (Saas Fee): 3 1/2 hrs OW

As a Basel resident for nearly 20 years, welcome to our city! Basel has a lot going for it. I will post some detailed recommendations tomorrow.

…. and for anyone in Basel now, it’s a great time for long walks in and around the city…you don’t have to be in the Alps to see some beautiful scenery

WeisserTee - Your photos are bringing back wonderful memories! We lived in Basel in the 80s. Such a great city.

Do your post-cruise extension in Lucerne instead of in Basel, much more to do and the offered excursions are the best. When you are on said-cruise and talking with your fellow passengers, you will find that this is what the majority of them are doing.

I loved visiting Basel with lots of options for things to do. Colmar would be a good day trip.

Hi !
Take a look at this thread 2 days in Basel for tips on where to stay and eat.
Since museums are your thing, Basel has some real treasures you shouldn’t miss:
- First, the Kunstmuseum Basel: a world-class museum, taking you on a journey from the Renaissance to contemporary works, all displayed in bright, beautifully curated galleries.


Cézanne - Banks of a River

- Second, the paper Mill & Printing Museum : a hands-on museum in a medieval mill, where you can see old presses, including impressive cylinder presses, try paper-making, and explore the history of printing. It’s fascinating for both kids and adults.


If you’re in town on Saturday, don’t miss the English-language walking tour of the Old Town, organized by the Basel Tourism Office. It’s the perfect way to discover the city’s medieval heritage.The guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and full of local anecdotes.