Are you in search of the best hostels in Basel? Oh congrats, you WILL LOVE these hostels and the city!! There’s not a single city in Europe that can match Basel’s cultural allure! The second-biggest city of Switzerland borders two countries – France and Germany. Because of this, Basel has a strong identity and features remarkable architecture that is bound to make a striking impression.
In this guide, we share with you the absolute TOP Hostels with purple slides in dorms, super-fast WiFi and social vibes.
Want to travel to other parts of Switzerland? We have a detailed guide to the best hostels in Switzerland.
Our favorite hostels in Basel are:
- Hyve Hostel Basel - best for solo travelers
- Basel Backpack - best for female solo travelers
- Basel Youth Hostel - best for digital nomads
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Hyve Hostel Basel
2. Basel Backpack
3. Basel Youth Hostel
The city is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Basel, attracting scholars and teachers since the 1400s.
However, Basel’s most prominent feature is its cultural scene – it is the city of art! Today, we would like to give you a more in-depth look at Switzerland’s gem, including our recommendations for the best hostels in Basel. Buckle up; you’re in for a treat!
Basel is located in northern Switzerland, and it is considered to be the cultural capital of Europe. The city is nested on the banks of the river Rhine, and thanks to its Mediterranean charm, it has attracted travelers year-round.
Even better, Basel has over 300 sunny days in a year, so you’ll be able to bask in some rays disregarding the season! What makes the city unique, though, is that there is one museum per square km, totalling 40 overall. This means that its 170,000 citizens enjoy 40 museums, in contrast to New York’s 8 million, who only get 83. It’s no wonder that the culture here is unparalleled!
Good To Know: We have detailed guides to the best hostels in Interlaken and the best hostels in Lucerne.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
In addition to Basel’s historical allure and rich culture, the city is famous for its delicacies. The area has many restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars. In contrast, a quick visit to Marktplatz will provide you with super-delicious traditional dishes. Finish off your culinary adventure by going to Basel’s Indoor Market; you’ll be graced with specialities worldwide.
Visiting Basel provides a one-of-a-kind journey where you will experience cultural rebirth. Naturally, we’d like to show you our picks for the best hostels in Basel that are on par with the city’s grandeur and whimsical atmosphere!
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Basel
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Basel cost $47 – $52 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $159 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Safety in Basel: Basel is considered a safe place to live and visit. Crime rates are low, and visitors can feel at ease exploring the town and its neighboring areas. The local police force is well-trained and responsive, and they are always available to help if needed.
Getting around in Basel: Basel is an easy city to get around. The city has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metro lines. The city is also very bike-friendly, with bike lanes and cycle paths everywhere. For those who prefer to drive, there are plenty of parking options both on-street and off-street. Taxis are also available, although they can be expensive.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read my guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. I especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels?
- Understanding Hostels in Europe - and what makes them special
The 3 Best Hostels in Basel are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Basel.
- Hyve Hostel Basel – best for solo travelers
- Basel Backpack – best for female solo travelers
- Basel Youth Hostel – best for digital nomads
These are our favorite hostels in Basel. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Hyve Hostel Basel
2. Basel Backpack
3. Basel Youth Hostel
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Hyve Hostel Basel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Basel Backpack |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Basel Backpack |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Hyve Hostel Basel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Hyve Hostel Basel |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Basel Youth Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Hyve Hostel Basel |
| 📍 Top Location: | Basel Youth Hostel |
1. Hyve Hostel Basel
Aiming for aesthetics? Then the Hyve Hostel is the place to be! Hyve Hostel Basel is nested in a quaint residential area, offering immense tranquillity.
The Hyve Hostel has plenty of room options! Apart from your usual dorm rooms, there are single, double and even family rooms! This could be the ideal setting for couples, as you’ll get a lot of privacy. In addition, for all of you adventurous types, there are capsules available that fit up to four people.
Depending on your liking, the rooms have an underwater or forest ambience, and the capsules are quite spacious and comfortable. Finally, most of the rooms feature balconies that overlook the stunning greenery of the nearby parks.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Let’s get one thing straight: this is not your most social hostel (sorry to all social butterflies)! However, this may be beneficial for digital nomads, since the Wi-Fi is superb and fast, and the common areas can be excellent temporary workstations! But, don’t worry, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained! The kitchen is also a very nice addition to the hostel since it’s very well-equipped.
Location: The city center is just 15 minutes away on foot; however, the SBB railway station is just a few meters away.
The best choice in Basel for
- solo travelers
- digital nomads
- families
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Basel Backpack
For those of you who like a dash of history in your accommodations, we’ve got the perfect place for you!
As far as room options go, you can choose from an assortment of colourful dorms, single, double, and private rooms for up to four people. They’re spotless and spacious and include all the necessary amenities, like sockets and nightlights. Bed linens are changed regularly; however, some travellers have found their pillows pretty thin. Ultimately, there’s an option for an all-female dorm, so solo female travellers are more than welcome!
Basel Backpack includes a cozy café, where you could have a delicious breakfast. You can even snag a refreshing cocktail if you’re spending a night in! The kitchen is well-equipped if you decide to make your own meals. The patio is also a noteworthy feature where you can just chill out and revel in the uniqueness of the Guldendinger Feld area.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: It is situated in a historic factory that’s been recently renovated, located in the hipster Guldendinger Feld neighborhood. You’ll get to enjoy plenty of great restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a few theatres and ateliers.
Additionally, the main train station is 10 minutes away from the hostel, and as an added amenity to your stay, you’ll receive a free public transport card!
A great choice for
- female solo travelers
- families
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Basel Youth Hostel
We’ve got the perfectly chic accommodation to finish our list of the best hostels in Basel – Basel Youth Hostel! Since this is a designer hostel crafted by the talented architects Bucher and Brundler, the furnishings alone will leave you in awe! They were aiming for a modern and sophisticated ambiance, so they paid extra attention to decor and lighting.
There is a vast array of room options, so you can choose from shared dormitories to double rooms with private bathrooms. Consistency in style is ensured, so all the rooms feature a modern and minimalistic feel to them – expect a lot of wood and ceiling-to-floor length windows! Comfort and cleanliness are guaranteed, and you’ll get to enjoy some pretty stellar views from your window.
The Basel Youth Hostel has a pretty attractive location – right in front of the Rheine’s banks! Additionally, the St. Alban district is dubbed as “the forest of the city”, so you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and crisp air. You can also find plenty of interesting museums in the area, so you can spend time exploring Basel’s unique art scene!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Location: Located in the middle of Basel, this hostel is a 5-minute stroll from the Basel Paper Mill, a museum dedicated to paper, printing, and writing. It is also the same distance to the Basel St. Albantal ferry dock and the Hardstrasse tram stop. A 15-minute stroll will bring you to the Basel SBB Train Station.
This is one of the best hostels in Basel for
- digital nomads
- backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Basel for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Basel is Hyve Hostel Basel.
Hyve Hostel Basel is a great option for solo travelers. The hostel has a social atmosphere, with a bar, restaurant, and common areas, so it is easy to meet other travelers.
The staff are also friendly and helpful, and the rooms are comfortable and secure.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth mentioning here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Backpacking Tips for Basel
We believe art enthusiasts are already booking their tickets to Basel as we speak! We always aim to make the most out of your visit; therefore, we would like to offer tips that guarantee an unforgettable experience!
1. Many people visit Basel just for the Basler Fasnacht! It is the most famous festival in Switzerland that lasts three days and starts in the morning’s wee hours. You can witness musicians wearing ghoulish masks parading the streets of old town Basel.
2. You can’t visit all the museums – we advise you to do a quick search before your trip to find the ones that appeal most to you. However, the Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts) is an absolute must-visit, where you can see the works of world-renowned artists such as Van Gough, Picasso, Cezzane, and many others!
3. You’ll be impressed with Basel’s Zoo if you’re an animal lover. It’s one of the oldest in the world, featuring many animals, including endangered ones. By 2024 the city plans to open the “Ozeanium”, which aims to showcase the exquisite wildlife of the world’s oceans.
4. Theatre geeks are sure to love Basel! Check out The Musical Theatre Basel or The Theatre Basel to catch a live show, like operas, plays and modern renditions of the classics.
What about the cheapest hostels in Basel?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Basel.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Basel
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
From time to time, I receive special promo codes for booking platforms, hotels, or hostels. I will be sharing these here once received. Bookmark this page to get an update.
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
I included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
I recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Basel best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
My Best Hostels in Basel for Female Traveler on a Map + Sights
We’re listing all the three best Basel hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
About Basel
That brings us to Basel’s finest attribute – its art scene. Words cannot suffice for how meticulous and diverse it is, however, we’ll try our best! Mainly, Basel has an abundance of museums, art centers, and galleries. Even throughout history, the people of Basel deeply appreciated it as they voted to buy some of Picasso’s work in the late 1960s. He was so honored that he donated the paintings to the city as a token of gratitude! Now, the city is home to noteworthy exhibitions and features the finest works of art worldwide.
Furthermore, Basel annually hosts “Art Basel” – the world’s most prestigious art exhibition. The fair brings over 4000 artists and 200 galleries together to showcase the year’s best works. Finally, the love of all things artistic is evident throughout the entire city – intricate murals and vibrant street art are sure to provide the perfect backdrop for your pictures!
Summers in Basel are simply unforgettable! Since the city experiences sun almost throughout the whole year, you can see a lot of people swimming in the Rheine to beat the heat and chilling at its banks. And don’t be surprised to see so many people jumping off bridges into the water – it almost seems like it’s a tradition! Speaking of customs, it’s common to find many Baslers bathing in the city’s fountains – some even as big as swimming pools!
The water is pristine (it’s Switzerland, after all) and perfectly safe to drink, so you can refill your water bottles directly from the fountain. As you can see, Basel is pretty quirky!
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
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