Basel is a city in northwest Switzerland, situated on the Rhine River close to the borders of France and Germany.
Known for its exceptionally sunny climate, Basel is a good choice year-round. The city has a prestigious sports heritage, tennis fans may know that it is the place where tennis legend Roger Federer was born.
Basel has a unique mix of French and German heritage, which is reflected in the language, culture, and cuisine. This charming Swiss city really does have the best of both worlds.
Here’s a list of the top things to do in Basel…
The Old Town
Basel’s Old Town is a gorgeous historical district that never fails to attract visitors and tourists from around the world. It shows Basel’s past and present, mixing ancient architecture and modern amenities.
This charming place is full of winding cobblestone paths, colourful buildings, and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bistros where you can relax and take in a unique atmosphere.
If you’re looking for somewhere that sums up Basel’s culture and heritage, the Old Town is the place to go.
The Fine Arts Museum
The Fine Arts Museum in Basel is home to the oldest collection of art in the entire world. This prestigious museum is by far the most famous in Switzerland, and it alone brings in many visitors each year.
The displays here include the last selection of Mediaeval art, Renaissance art, 17th, 18th, and 20th-century pieces, and some modern works.
It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, although some visitors advise that it can take more than one day to view all the exhibits.
Basel Minster
The Basel Minster is a beautiful cathedral made from vibrant red sandstone and crafted in a mix of the Romanesque and Gothic styles.
The cathedral was built between 1019 and 1500 and was originally a Catholic establishment, however, it later became a Reformed Protestant church and remains so to this day.
The cathedral is situated near the city centre, on a hill overlooking the Rhine River, and it makes a wonderful sightseeing spot.
Merian Garten
Merien Garten is a beautifully landscaped garden that centres around a charming 18th-century villa, which has been turned into a cafe.
You’ll find a wide collection of flowers, shrubs, and plants including irises, snowdrops, and rhododendrons. It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Basel.
This well-kept garden is a horticulturalists paradise, that is full of life year-round, whether you visit during the summer or the winter.
Rheinufer Basel
The Rheinufer Ferry can be used to cross the small stretch of water of the Rhine River and only takes about 5 minutes.
It’s a small trip on a small boat, but it’s a great experience, and it’s also an environmentally friendly method of travel that uses only the current.
If you get seasick easily, don’t worry, there are plenty of bridges where you can cross the Rhine too. But the ferry is a scenic way to cross the river and adds that extra special ‘holiday’ feeling.
Spalen Gate
Spalen Gate is a unique building that looks like it’s just been plucked straight from a fairytale book. It’s both beautiful and harsh, creating an impressive visage.
In ancient times, people arriving from the Alsace region would approach the impressive fortification and be allowed through the gate, so it’s kind of like an old customs area.
Spalen Gate dates from 1400 and is notable for its intricate facade that depicts the Madonna and two prophets that look out from the city.
Marketplatz
The Marketplatz is a lively market square in the city centre that is surrounded by beautiful architecture and fascinating buildings.
The market here is a big draw, for tourists and locals alike, and is a great place to find some souvenirs to take back home with you.
You’ll also find a delicious range of local delicacies from fresh fruits and cheeses to charcuterie, so if you’re wondering what to do for lunch, then Marketplatz has the answer.
Art Basel
Art Basel is a modern art gallery full of eclectic exhibitions and unusual displays. The pierces here are all for sale, and the price tags are pretty high, but it’s well worth a look just to soak in the incredible atmosphere.
It is a truly gigantic display, with works from over 4000 artists housed on three levels. Here artists, buyers and enthusiasts mingle and sip (slightly overpriced) cocktails while exploring the works on display. It’s a unique experience and one of Basel’s top attractions.
Kannenfeldpark
If you’re after a more mellow, relaxing day then Kannenfeldpark is the perfect place for you. The park is made up of rolling meadows, towering trees, and winding, shaded paths.
Kannenfeldpark is a great place for a picnic or a BBQ in the summer, as there’s plenty of space and lovely tranquil views to enjoy.
Once you’ve looked around the city and the historical attractions, this is a lovely place to come and unwind away from the hustle and bustle.
Roche Tower
The Roche Tower is a uniquely shaped skyscraper that stands at a height of 178 metres, making it the tallest building in Switzerland.
The skyscraper, also known as ‘Building 1’, cost a total of 550 million Swiss francs to build and was financed by the pharmaceutical company Hoffman La Roche, hence its name.
The tower opened in 2015 and is a popular destination for tourists since it offers the best views in Basel as well as a restaurant and cafe that overlooks the city below. Be sure to book the tour in advance as it sells out quickly.
Zoo Basel
The Basel Zoo is a popular destination for families and children and is wheelchair accessible.
You’ll find a wide range of enclosures here, there’s a vivarium, a penguin habitat, rhino, giraffe, snow leopard, elephant enclosures, and much more.
The zoo adheres to strict social distancing procedures and is exceptionally clean and well maintained. It’s located right in the city centre and is very reasonably priced.
Jean Tinguely Museum
The Jean Tinguely Museum is an art museum devoted exclusively to the artworks and sculptures of the Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely.
The museum is located in Solitude Park and has been open since 1996. It was designed by the architect Maria Botto.
Visitors can enjoy viewing the exhibits and displays inside the museum and learning more about the stories behind these unique works.
Solitude Park
Solitude Park is another peaceful oasis in the city. It’s located near the Old Town, on the north bank of the Rhine River, not far from the Tinguely museum.
Ironically, given its name, Solitude Park can become very busy during the summer, especially at lunchtime when many office workers come to have their lunch here.
The park is very well maintained despite its frequent use and is absolutely worth a visit, whether the sun is shining or not.
Novartis Campus
Basel has many architectural highlights, and the Novartis Campus is one of the most unique modern buildings and is sure to delight any architecture fan.
The campus is included in the city sightseeing bus tour as a point of interest, and it is also easily accessible from the city centre.
Many of the buildings in Basel are famous as historic landmarks, but Novartis Campus ia a modern marvel that makes a great photo backdrop.
Botanischer Garten der Universität
The Botanic Gardens are part of the university and have just about every plant species you could imagine.
You’ll find an array of tropical plants in greenhouses and hothouses, old trees that have lived for hundreds of years, native plants and shrubs as well as benches and seating areas placed throughout the gardens.
The best part is that the Botanic gardens are completely free to visit and are open 7 days a week.
