Some travelers mentioned the Ibis Basel Bahnhof as a good option due to its proximity to the main train station and its affordability. This hotel offers convenience for those needing to catch early or late transportation, as it is close to where the airport bus (no. 50) arrives.

According to forum posts, staying at any Basel hotel, including the Ibis Basel Bahnhof, provides guests with a BaselCard. This card allows for free public transport and discounted museum entries, which can be a significant saving for travelers.

Travelers have called out the Hotel Basel as centrally located, making it ideal for those who have limited mobility but wish to explore the city center. It is situated close to the Marktplatz, which is well-connected by trams and buses, easing the exploration of the city.

For those looking for a more scenic or historic experience, staying in the Altstadt (Old Town) was suggested. Hotels in this area are described as more attractive, with easy access to major sights and a short walking distance to tram stops that connect to the main station.

According to forum posts, the primary public transportation from Basel Airport to the city center is the Bus no. 50, which offers a direct route. This bus is recommended for its direct access to major stations like Basel SBB, from which travelers can connect to other buses or trams for further destinations within the city.

Some users have highlighted that while Basel Airport is situated in France, it has a dedicated half with direct, customs-free access to Switzerland. However, it's important to note that French COVID-19 rules apply to passengers heading directly to Switzerland, which might affect the convenience of this route for some international travelers.

For late arrivals or those with additional needs such as traveling with children, forums suggest checking transport schedules on www.sbb.ch/en or considering a taxi, especially late at night when public transport may not be available. For travel to specific destinations like Europa-Park, options include taking a Flixbus to Freiburg followed by local transport or utilizing direct bus services from Basel.

According to forum posts, transferring at Basel SBB generally takes a short amount of time. Some travelers mentioned that changing trains at Basel SBB can be done in as little as three minutes, and even with luggage, a 45-minute window is more than adequate. This indicates that Basel SBB is designed for quick and efficient transfers.

Some users have called out that while Swiss trains generally maintain punctuality, trains coming from Germany, such as the ICE, often experience delays. However, the frequency of subsequent trains (at least three trains per hour to destinations like Zurich) mitigates the impact of these delays, ensuring that travelers can still reach their destinations with minimal disruption.

Travelers have suggested checking real-time updates and platform information on the official SBB website or its app. This is especially useful for ensuring smooth transfers, particularly when coming from locations where delays are common.

According to forum posts, Basel hosts two main Christmas markets, each offering distinct experiences. The market at Barfüsserplatz is described as a more traditional market, large and featuring a variety of stalls, while the one at the Munster (cathedral) focuses on arts and crafts, providing an opportunity to interact with artisans.

Travelers have called out the Munster market for its atmospheric setting, which adds to the festive experience. This market is particularly noted for its crafts and the chance to see the artisans at work, making it a unique visit.

Some posts mentioned that beyond the markets themselves, Basel offers a charming surrounding area with good food and the possibility to make day trips to nearby towns like Colmar and Freiburg im Breisgau, enhancing the Christmas market experience with more regional exploration.

Overall, Basel's Christmas markets are highlighted for their variety, unique arts focus, and beautiful settings, making them a must-visit during the holiday season according to users on the travel forum.

According to forum posts, for skiing near Basel, travelers have recommended the Berner Oberland, Engelberg, Andermatt, and the Feldberg/Hochschwarzwald region. However, the latter reportedly had no snow at the time of the posting, suggesting altitude is a factor for snow availability.

Some travelers said that for winter hiking around Basel, options are limited due to the city's warm climate. The Jungfrau area was mentioned as a place to find snow for such activities, albeit requiring some travel.

For hiking and cycling, forum users suggested several nearby routes accessible by public transport. Websites like komoot.com provide guides for hiking around Basel, and the Switzerland Mobility website helps plan cycling routes. Rental options for road bikes and e-bikes in Basel were also discussed, with specific rental shops mentioned.

Travelers have called out the possibility of visiting historical outdoor sites like Augusta Raurica, which showcases Roman ruins and is recommended for clear days.