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

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Is Basel safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 46 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 46 local experiences

I felt really safe in Basel. I didn't have to worry about getting home safely after dark. I believe it is really safe for women becasue I think people are willing to help when you are in danger or if you ask for help.

Posted: June 6, 2025
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Maruca

Maruca

Basel is quiet, safe, well-lit, has public transport running into the night. Some hotspots (Claraplatz and the crowd in front of the station) I avoid at night. Stay to lit roads but there's (friendly) police, the locals are friendly and leave you alone. I was only harassed about 5 times in 6 years. If you sit quietly next to other commuters or a larger group, others will leave you alone. It's fine to ask locals about directions, most are nice.

Posted: May 30, 2025
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Safety in Switzerland