Is Basel Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Basel is one of the safest cities for a solo female traveler. The crime rate is very low and the local law enforcement is efficient and responsive. It's clean, well-lit, and the locals are generally friendly. However, as with any destination, it is always recommended to understand local customs, be aware of your surroundings, and heed localized advice.

Safety rating

Make friends while traveling solo

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet other women, find travel buddies and stay with locals for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Basel?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Very safe

Basel is reputedly safe, even during nighttime. The crime rate is low and the city is fairly well-lit and populated, even at night. The public transportation operates for extended hours and is considered very safe. Locals are generally friendly and happy to help. However, as with any location, it's recommended to maintain usual safety precautions like sticking to the main streets, keeping valuables secure, and staying alert to one's surroundings.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Basel is exceptionally safe. Buses, trams, and trains are well-maintained, punctual, and have a strong security presence. Even during odd hours, they are safe to travel on. While minor incidences are rare, they are quickly dealt with by the efficient local authorities. Passengers are generally respectful and public decorum is maintained. It is highly recommended to use public transportation as a solo female traveler in Basel.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Very low

Compared to other parts of the world, Basel has a very low level of street harassment. The city is known for its respect towards women, and its residents generally uphold Swiss cultural norms of privacy and courtesy. Instances of catcalling, stalking and disrespectful behaviors towards women are relatively rare.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Basel generally enjoys a reputation of being very safe. However, like any urban area, some level of petty crime such as pickpocketing and minor thefts do exist. Nevertheless, these are relatively rare, particularly when compared with larger, more densely populated cities. As a traveler, it's always advisable to adopt common precautions such as keeping personal belongings close and avoiding flashy displays of wealth.

Is Basel worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.2 /5

based on 7 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

2.6/5

Safety

4.2/5

Food

2.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Solo travel

Basel is overall a very beautiful city and truly feels like a border town. The people are genuinely kind and helpful. However, Switzerland is unbelievably expensive. Since it’s a small city, you can explore all the main attractions in just two days, which is sufficient. Of course, I tried fondue and Swiss chocolate, as they’re famous there, and they were absolutely delicious—though, as I mentioned, incredibly pricey. Accommodation is also very expensive, but I was lucky to have a friend there, so I stayed with them. Overall, Basel is a safe and charming city.

Posted: January 1, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Khanyisa

Khanyisa

Netherlands

Couple travel

We were in Basel for 2 days. Found the place to be expensive especially based on the foreign exchange rate...but we felt safe and loved the free public transport...it rained a lot but we still managed to walk the city..

Posted: August 29, 2024Experienced: November, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Beyza

Beyza

Turkey

Family travel

It was safe. Nature was very beautiful. But everything was very expensive. It’s impossible to drink coffee or eat out. Swimming in Rhine is very enjoyable. As long as you do free activities, Basel is very nice. Hiking in nature, definitely go to Well am Rhein

Posted: July 24, 2024
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0
Öznur

Öznur

Poland

Solo travel

It was a very safe and calm city. It was more cosmopolitan than I expected. Transportation was very easy, but in general it was an expensive city. I felt that everyone spoke at least three languages and was helpful

Posted: April 23, 2024Experienced: November, 2023
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0
Selin

Selin

Turkey

Solo travel

I felt safe in Basel. Its very expensive but coffee and chocolate inexpensive in the city. Im happy for visited to Basel. Its cold when I went. If you will visit in April, you should take winter the clothes.

Posted: April 22, 2024Experienced: March, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Şüheda

Şüheda

Turkey

Solo travel

I spent approximately 7.5 hours in Basel. It was a day where I walked alone for hours, covering 15 km without the internet on my back. Except for Münsterplatz, I couldn't find free internet outdoors. Museums were closed because it was Monday, so I couldn't visit a few museums I wanted to see. Even if they were open, I wouldn't have had enough time, but oh well. Basel is a city worth exploring if you are passing through or nearby, but if you don't have the money and time, especially, there's no need to go. I don't think you'll find something different in this city that you can't find in Central Europe.

Posted: February 17, 2024Experienced: July, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Yasemin

Yasemin

Germany

Solo travel

Been to Basel with no expectations honestly but being there it had nothing really to surprise me. There is not much to see. The streets look full and chaotic. I walked a lot like usually but found nothing great to see expect an botanic garden from a university nearby which was the best thing during my stay. It was very hot and everything was way too expensive. Good in Switzerland it u have drinking fountains everywhere.

Posted: July 10, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 1

Is Basel safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 41 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 41 local experiences

It depends very much on where you are going, especially at night. During the day I have always felt pretty safe. At night I would avoid walking alone along the Rhein river. In a group I think it’s fine.

Posted: April 18, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Very safe even at late weekend nights, i don't worry on public transport either, as they are checked by warkers and cameras can be found everywhere, the least safe area is Kaserne, in Kleinbasel, although I have walked in that area at night before and it was still okay.

Posted: March 29, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Basel

Sophie

Sophie

About Me

I am Sophie, I have been going traveling alone for soon 10 years, mainly around Europe. What I love about it is coincidence, so I try to never plan too much to leave space for that. I try to be as low-impact on the environment as I can be, for example by traveling by hitchhiking and I constantly reflect on how my cis-white female privilege can reproduce inequality while traveling. I am into politics, feminism, antiracism, anticapitalism and I love a good dive into local history.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Juliana

Juliana

About Me

Hey! I’m Juliana Rosas. A visual artist and illustrator studying my master In Experimental Design in Basel. I love traveling a meeting people from different countries. Life is too short so I just want to enjoy my time here.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Basel

Nana

Nana

Basel

Can host for:

3 days

About me

🧳 I loveee traveling! (Kinda obvious i know) 🥟 Eating is my passion (but i have to confess i am not the best cook but i try) ⚔️ i am looking for adventures/getting out of my comfort zone 🌿i am really flexible and spontaneous person 🧵 i love to learn new things, especially handcrafts Unexpected detours, are the best thing that happened to me :)

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Ronja

Ronja

Basel

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hi, I’m Ronja (21), a student in Basel. I’m easygoing, and love to explore new cities. I enjoy all kinds of sports, flea market shopping, reading, and cooking. I live in a FLINTA WG with 3 amazing girls.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Basel

Zora

Zora

About Me

I love to meet new people and share our thoughts, opinions and fun stories ✨

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Katharina

Katharina

About Me

Hi, I'm Katharina, I'm from germany, Ortenberg (near Offenburg). I also speak english and french. I'm 22 years old:)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Switzerland