Sunday Afternoon Walks in and around Basel

There’s something magical about a Sunday afternoon in Basel. The city slows down to an easy pace, cafés spill out onto the streets and quiet squares, the Rhein glistens as if inviting you to take a float or meditate its flow. It’s the perfect time for a gentle wander: not a sweaty hike, but a stroll that clears the mind, stretches the legs, and ends—if you’re lucky—with ice cream or a riverside drink.

Here are six lazy Sunday walks in and around Basel, each lasting between half an hour and an hour and a half. They’re easy, scenic, and full of little surprises that remind you why Basel is such a walkable city.

Rhine Promenade Stroll

Time: 30–40 minutes (Easy)

If you want to see Basel in all it’s glory, the melting pot of residents and tourists, the first stop is the Rhein promenade. To start this walk, take a bus or cycle to Kleinbasel near the Tinguely Museum and start your amble in the direction of the current. The path hugs the river, where, in summer, swimmers drift by clutching their famous Wickelfisch bags and families stop for ice cream, while others lunch at the multiple cafes and bars.

Keep going until you reach Mittlere Brücke, the historic stone bridge linking Grossbasel and Kleinbasel. From here, you can watch the ferries glide silently across the river, powered only by the current and a cable. This walk affords you the opportunity to relax in Solitude park, and to spot the red squirrels that frequent the park, view the alley ways leading from the river into the heart of Kleinbasel, stop for a coffee, beer or lunch at any Buvette, Café or restaurant. It’s short, simple, and endlessly soothing—the perfect antidote to a long week.

Kannenfeldpark Loop

Time: 45 minutes (Easy)

Kannenfeldpark is Basel’s answer to a Hyde park in London or Central Park in New York, albeit on a cozier scale. Once a cemetery, it’s now a green oasis in the heart of the city. A leisurely loop around the park takes about 45 minutes if you stop to admire the flower gardens, sculptures, and occasional impromptu musical performances. The Planschbecken is used as a pull during the summer season converting to a skater park in the off season.

On sunny Sundays, the lawns are dotted with people picnicking or playing frisbee. The playground is buzzing with kids, while the old plane trees provide plenty of shade for those who prefer to just sit and people-watch. It’s the kind of walk where you can’t help but feel part of Basel life. Even better, it is a dog friendly park. You can reach the park by Bus and Tram.

Münsterplatz & Pfalz Terrace to St Johann

Time: 45 minutes (Medium)

Sometimes you want a walk that’s as much about atmosphere as distance. Start at Basel’s iconic Münster, with its red sandstone towers, front facade depicting St Martin and St George, and colourful roof tiles. Wander around the Münsterplatz, a cobbled square that feels frozen in time, before slipping through to the Pfalz terrace. If you have time grab a coffee or lunch at one of the cafés surrounding the square.

Behind the main façade of the Cathedral, is the Pfalz terrace. From this elevated platform, the Rhein stretches out before you, a view that never fails to impress even lifelong Baselers. From here turn to your right, and take a slow meander through the surrounding medieval streets, with their pastel-painted townhouses. Don’t forget your camera—it’s one of the most photogenic corners of the city.

Strolling down towards Schifflande and the Les Trois Rois, peak into the windows of the closed unique stores that line the street. Keep the river on your right, follow the promenade until you reach the St Johann Park. This is the embarquement point for the river cruises. St Johann offers plenty of Cafés and bars for you try.

St. Alban & the Paper Mill Quarter

Time: 1 hour (Easy)

For a walk with a storybook feel, head to the St. Alban quarter, often called 'Basel’s Venice.' Begin near the old city walls at the St Alban Tor (Tram 3) and wind your way through shady lanes lined with ivy-clad houses. The gentle sound of running water follows you thanks to the surviving mill streams. These mill streams are powered from the St. Albanteich, locally known as the Dalbedych.

At the heart of the quarter is the Papiermühle, the Paper Mill museum. If you have time, stop in and see a working version of the Gutenberg press, or have lunch at the excellent Café. Even if you don’t step inside, the waterwheels and timbered buildings are worth pausing for. From here, loop back via the riverside promenade, enjoying a quieter stretch of the Rhein, then head through the historic streets towards the Kunstmuseum.  An hour passes quickly in this enchanting pocket of Basel.

Botanical Garden & Spalentor Circuit

Time: 1–1.25 hours (Easy)

If you prefer your Sunday walk with a dose of history and greenery, try this loop. Begin at the University of Basel’s Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanical Garden’s in the world. Tucked away behind the old city walls, it’s a hidden gem where exotic palms share space with medicinal herbs. Especially pleasant on an Autumnal or winter walk.

From there, stroll through the university quarter until you reach Spalentor, the most beautiful of Basel’s three surviving medieval gates. Take a few minutes to admire its towers and colourful tiled roof before wandering the picturesque backstreets that lead you back towards the city centre. It’s a gentle mix of nature, history, and Basel’s quieter charm.

Lange Erlen Riverside Path

Time: 1.5 hours (Medium)

When you crave a little countryside without leaving town, Lange Erlen delivers. Just a short tram ride from the centre, this riverside park stretches along the Wiese, a tributary of the Rhein. Start at the Tierpark Lange Erlen, where deer and goats roam in enclosures, then follow the flat gravel paths along the river.

The meadows are popular with joggers, dog-walkers, and cyclists, but there’s always space to find your own pace to walk the riverbank. The further you go towards the German border, the quieter it gets—just the sound of the river and the rustle of trees. At an easy pace, you’ll cover a loop in about an hour and a half, returning refreshed but not exhausted.

Basel at Walking Pace

Lazy Sunday walks remind us to take a beat. Exploring the city doesn’t always mean rushing from one spot to another, it can be a leisurely pursuit. In Basel, beauty is often just around the corner: a leafy park, a medieval alley, or a serene riverside view. Whether you have half an hour or the luxury of a full afternoon, these six routes prove that the best way to get to know the city is on foot—and at your own pace.

So this Sunday, leave the hiking boots at home. Slip into your comfiest shoes, grab your family or a friend and let Basel show you its slower side.

Rhona Will

Rhona, a long-term Basel resident, is CEO of a Pharma and Biotech consultancy and an author, writing under the pen names A Willing Guide and ROJ Dee, MSc. She enjoys blending science with storytelling, and after more than 20 years, Basel still inspires both her work and her heart.