Cafés in Basel: Recommendations from Our List of the Best

Basel lies on the Rhine and offers plenty of choice for a coffee break, from a place in the old town to a café in one of the neighbourhoods. On this page we introduce eight addresses worth a visit from our list of the best. You can find the full selection at Best Cafés in Basel.

For each café we give the name and the address. For current opening hours, menus and prices, it is best to ask the business directly.

Eight Cafés from Our List of the Best

Caffè Vola

You will find Caffè Vola at Freie Strasse 36.

Café Engel Basel

Café Engel Basel is at Spalenberg 12.

Stadthauscafé

Head to Stadthauscafé at Stadthausgasse 13.

Café Klostergärtli

Café Klostergärtli can be found at Klosterberg 10.

Cafe St. Johann

The address for Cafe St. Johann is Unterer Rheinweg 16.

Gemeinsam Café

You will find Gemeinsam Café at Markgräflerstrasse 14.

Café Gleis 58

Café Gleis 58 is at Feldbergstrasse 58.

caffè eccetera

Head to caffè eccetera at Spalenvorstadt 12.

💡 Tip: Look at the café's website or its details on the map before you visit. That way you will know whether it is open and whether a reservation makes sense.

How to Find the Right Café

A different place suits each occasion. For a short break between two appointments, the location matters most, while for a longer meeting a quiet place to sit is better. If you want to work on a laptop, it is best to ask in advance about Wi-Fi and power sockets.

• On the go: cafés near stops or shopping streets
• For a meeting: places with enough seating, with a reservation for larger groups
• For fine weather: cafés with an outdoor area, ask beforehand if possible
• For dietary needs: ask directly about vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free options

A Coffee Break in the City

Basel is easy to explore on foot. A break in a café therefore fits well with a walk through the old town or along the Rhine. Allow some waiting time at weekends and at lunchtime, as popular places are often busy then.

📍 Discover more: Explore more recommendations for Basel on our city page.

Conclusion

The eight addresses presented are an introduction to Basel's café scene. You will find more places with link and address in our list of the best.