Experience the Best Craft Beer in Basel with a Self-Guided Tour
Basel is often known for its vibrant culture and appealing cuisine, but did you know that it boasts some of the best craft beer in Switzerland? With undiscovered taverns full of rich, delicious beer, Basel is an ideal destination for travelers looking to get a taste of Swiss beer. A self-guided craft beer tour can be the perfect way to get an insider-look into Basel and experience the craft beer culture for yourself.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect beer bar to kick off the night or gazing to explore different flavor profiles in crafted beers, there is something for any enthusiast to enjoy. Here is your guide to experiencing the rich craft beer in Basel.
What is Craft Beer?
Craft beer is all about flavor, creativity, and looking to innovate within the world of brewing. Craft brewers often look to push the limits and origin an inventive way of brewing beer by using ingredients, like seasonal fruits and local ingredients, that produce unique, flavorful beer. The brewing process itself can vary from addition of extra hops or malt, different fermentation methods, or changing up the source of water used.
This type of beer is typically made with high-end ingredients and is served fresh. You can find craft beers in pubs or local breweries. These types of beers are often not mass-produced and have a limited production.
Where to Find Craft Beer Bars in Basel
Basel is laced with countless pubs serving up a wide selection of locally crafted beer. Be sure to check out these bars:
- Muerrenbräu, located in Murgenthal, is a speciality beer pub with over 40 different Swiss Craft beers on draft.
- Bier.bar Taproom located in the Elisabethenstift is a great option for the after work crowd that serves regionally brewed craft beers.
- Gastprovisorium located in Bachletten is a unique bar with endless row of taps offering many varieties of craft beer including their own brewed ales.
- Giardino brewery located in Riehen has 12 different beers on tap that all come from their own brewery.
- Klybeckstrasse 57 located Am Wasenbodenoffers craft beers from around the world.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for smaller pubs. Basel is home to small artisan taverns that have mastered the art of crafting beer and are worth visiting for their unique atmosphere and delicious beers.
Beats to Make the Most Out of your Basel Craft Beer Tour
- Choose your plan – Start by deciding who you want to go with and what kind of budget you want to use.
- Research – Look up different places online so you can discover what you would like to try once you get there.
- Make a list – Create a list of places so you can streamline your stops while on the tour.
- Take notes – After you try a new beer, make sure to write down your thoughts and reviews. These notes can be useful if you want to remember which beer you liked best.
- Ask questions – If you can’t seem to figure out what type or flavor a beer might have, don’t hesitate to ask questions. The bartenders in Basel love to share their knowledge.
Basel’s craft beer scene isn’t limited to just taverns. There are also excellent events focused on craft beer where you can learn more about exploring different flavors and styles from knowledgeable brewers.
For instance, there’s the Basel Craft Beer Festival which takes place every year in April and is ideal for discovering local breweries and tasting their specialities right at the spot. Additionally, there’s FluxuskulTOUR – a night travelogue on beer culture that offers an immersive tour through Basel’s cultural scene including stops at breweries and local pubs while learning about the culture that goes along with drinking craft beer.
No matter what kind of craft beer tour you’re looking for, Basel provides many amazing experiences. A craft beer tour is perfect for those looking to try something new, have fun, and explore Basel’s understated culture. So if it’s flavor and adventure you’re after, look no further than Basel!
At the end of your tour make sure to book an activity with GetYourGuide. they offer the most amazing experiences that will make your tour even more enjoyable!
Experience Basel Like a Local: An Insider’s Guide
As a tourist, it can be easy to get caught up in the busy attractions and miss the authentic experiences that make a city unique. That’s why we’ve put together an insider’s guide to experiencing the best of Basel, Switzerland, and its craft beer scene. From hidden gems to off-the-beaten-path suggestions, your trip to Basel will be unforgettable.
Local Attractions: Beyond the Tourist Spots
Basel is a city with an abundance of museums, galleries, and historic landmarks. But if you want to experience it like a local, you need to explore some hidden gems. Start by taking a stroll through St. Alban and the picturesque lanes around it. This cobblestone district offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past, with historic homes, chapels, and winding alleyways. Another must-visit spot is the St. Johann neighborhood, which is home to many small shops, cafes, and bars that offer a glimpse into the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
For a scenic view, take a walk to the Merian Gärten. This garden is tucked away in a residential neighborhood and offers a diverse collection of plants and flowers. The park’s highlight is the architectural garden pavilion, which was designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
Dining Spots: Local Cuisine and Stories
Basel is known for its love for hearty, traditional dishes such as Basler Mehlsuppe, a flour soup, and Zwiebelwahe, an onion tart. These dishes are must-try for anyone interested in Basel’s food culture. For a unique dining experience, head to Restaurant Markthalle. This eatery is located in a charming historic market hall and offers a diverse range of dishes with local ingredients.
If you’re looking for a spot to have a traditional Swiss breakfast, Cafe Spitz is the place to go. This charming cafe offers delicious pastries, coffee, and tea in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Dining in Basel is not only about the food. It’s also about the stories behind the food and the people that create it. Therefore, we highly recommend trying out the Swiss cheese raclette in one of the traditional restaurants like Schlüsselzunft, which dates back to the 14th century.
Cultural Experiences: Festivals, Art, Music, and More
Basel is known for its vibrant cultural scene, featuring world-class museums, galleries and festivals. One of these festivals is the Fasnacht, which is the biggest event in Basel’s calendar, attracting visitors from around the world. It’s a three-day carnival that sees the city transform into a giant party. People dress up in elaborate costumes, play loud drums, and march through the streets.
If you’re interested in contemporary art, head to the Fondation Beyeler, one of Switzerland’s premier art museums. It has a diverse collection of modern art, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Warhol. Basel is also home to the Museum der Kulturen, which features ethnographic and archeological exhibitions that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of Switzerland.
Local History: Stories From the Past
Basel has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. One of the most remarkable stories involves the Basel Minster, which was built in the 12th century. According to legend, a devil promised to complete the church in exchange for the first living being that entered it. The people outsmarted the devil by sending a rooster instead. Today, the church stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and ingenuity.
Another fascinating story is the use of the Rhine River as a means of defense. Basel was a fortified city that relied on the river for protection. The Rhine River created a natural moat around the city, and a system of gates and bridges kept invaders at bay.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences
To experience the city’s craft beer scene, we suggest you go on a self-guided tour. Basel has many excellent breweries that offer tours and tastings. Start at the Brauerei Fischerstube, which is one of the oldest breweries in Switzerland. They offer tours and tastings, where you can try some of their signature beers like the Fischerstube Original and the Porter.
Another unforgettable experience is taking a guided bike tour through Basel. Guided tours are a fantastic way to explore the city and its surroundings. They offer unique insight into the city’s culture and history while taking you to some of its hidden gems. Basel is also known for its bike-friendly infrastructure, and guided bike tours are a great way to explore the city in an eco-friendly way.
In conclusion, Basel is a city that offers unforgettable experiences for curious travelers. Whether you visit for the museums, food, craft beer, architecture, or culture, you’re sure to fall in love with it. We hope this insider’s guide has inspired you to explore the city beyond the common tourist spots and indulge in the culture, history, and charm that make Basel truly unique.
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