The Swiss city of Basel is a very interesting place to visit which lies on the banks of the Rhine river, and has long been a cultural crossroads, as it lies near the point where the Swiss, German and French borders meet. Traveling in Europe isn't always the cheapest experience, but one good way for solo travelers to avoid spending too much is by staying in hostels. The YMCA Hostel in Basel is one of the best and most popular hostels in the city, and provides a great base from which to explore the attractions of the city.


 

Rooms And Dorm Bed Accommodation

If you are on a strict budget or enjoy the social aspect of staying in hostels, there are dorm rooms with either eight or five beds in each room, and these generally offer the cheapest way of staying in the city. If you are looking for a little more privacy, basic and premium rooms are also available, and have all of the advantages of the hostel while also making your stay a little more comfortable. One of the most interesting innovations that the YMCA Hostel has introduced is that there is a daily travel card available for visitors to allow them to use public transport which is included as a part of the price of the room.

 

Social Areas

Although you may arrive in Basel traveling solo, there are plenty of areas in the hostel where you can meet other like minded travelers exploring this wonderful Swiss city. The large well equipped self catering kitchen is great for those who are trying to save the pennies by cooking for themselves, while the dining hall also has plenty of space to eat.

There is also a lounge, a separate TV room and a chill out room which means there is plenty of space to relax and unwind before heading to bed in the evening.

 

Things To Do In Basel

This interesting city offers a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy, and as a well established city one of the oldest buildings is the Basler Munster, which is the cathedral of the city. For a small fee you can climb one of the towers to enjoy spectacular views across the city. The banks of the Rhine are popular among visitors and locals for a stroll during the good weather, while it is also possible to take a tour of the dark and spooky underground sewerage system, which is straight out of a film.

The city is also famous for its thriving arts and culture scene, and during the summer and autumn there is a regular schedule of festivals and events held in the city. If you don't mind mingling with the crowds, the Morgestraich is a late night parade through the old town that is wonderfully atmospheric, and is held during the annual carnival.

 

The Hostel's Location

Although you are given a card to allow you to use the local public transport for free, the convenient location of the hostel means that it is perfectly possible to enjoy your visit on foot. The hostel is just a couple of minutes from the railway station, while there are plenty of attractions and the city center within an easy fifteen minute walk.

 

What To Expect During Your Stay

One of the unusual aspects of this hostel is that it tends to attract a slightly different clientele to most hostels, with the range of rooms meaning that families and more mature couples mingle freely with the usual travelers in their twenties. This gives the hostel a very nice atmosphere, while the package also includes towels and free wireless internet, which is a very popular feature among younger visitors to the hostel.