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Cheap hotels in Basel

Basel sits on the Rhine where Switzerland, France and Germany meet. It is a compact, walkable city, and hotel guests are often given a free public-transport card for their stay.

Finding cheap rooms in Basel is easier when you know where to look. We compare live hotel rates across the top booking sites and point you to the neighborhoods where hotels are cheap but the location is still great.

Basel is the southern start or end point for most Rhine river cruises between Switzerland and Amsterdam.

Where to find cheap rooms in Basel

Grossbasel Old Town

The medieval center around the Münster and Marktplatz, above the Rhine.

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Kleinbasel

The livelier bank of the Rhine, with riverside bars and the trade-fair grounds.

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Near Basel SBB Station

Convenient hotels at the main station, with trains to Zurich and across Europe.

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St. Johann

A residential riverside district in the north of the city, toward the river-cruise moorings.

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Map of cheap hotels in Basel

Zoom and pan the map to compare hotel prices by neighborhood; rates come live from the booking sites.

When to book a cheap hotel in Basel

The Rhine cruise season runs from spring to late fall; rooms are scarce and pricey during major fairs such as Art Basel in June.

See all Basel hotel deals

Frequently asked questions

Should I spend a night in Basel before a Rhine cruise?

Yes — arriving a day early avoids flight-delay stress, and the compact old town is easy to explore.

Which airport serves Basel?

EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is closest; Zurich Airport is also used, with direct trains to Basel.

Is Basel expensive for hotels?

Switzerland is pricey, but staying outside major fair dates and near the station helps.