Getting started: About Basel
- Basel has a long history, with the area’s first settlements dated to around 130,000 years ago.
- Basel is in northwest Switzerland and shares borders with Germany and France. Due to its location, Basel offers easy access to major cities in Germany and France via public transportation.
- The University of Basel, Switzerland’s oldest university, is located within the city limits.
- Basel is known as an art city, hosting a number of museums and venues as well as art-related events such as festivals, carnivals and fairs.
- You can start planning a visit to this Swiss city rich in history, art and entertainment by booking a flight to Basel.
Places to visit in Basel
Kunstmuseum Basel (Basel Art Museum)
The Kunstmuseum Basel, at the top of the list of places to visit in Basel, is a popular destination for the city’s local and visiting art lovers. Dating from 1661, when the city purchased the Amerbach Cabinet, the Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the world’s oldest modern art museums and houses one of the oldest art collections – the museum’s public art collection contains more than 300,000 artifacts dating to the late Middle Ages. The museum welcomes visitors at three venues in the center of Basel and also features an extensive calendar of events, including special exhibitions and programs.
Museum Tinguely
Located on the banks of the Rhine River, the Museum Tinguely was designed by architect Mario Botta and opened in 1996. Hosting the works of Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely, the museum organizes exhibitions featuring contemporary artists. It also offers a comprehensive calendar of events with classical music, workshops, and adult and children’s programs.
Fondation Beyeler Museum
Established by Ernst and Hildy Beyeler in 1982 to make their collection accessible to the public, Fondation Beyeler stands out among the places to visit in Basel and is widely recognized worldwide for its excellent collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum also offers special exhibitions and publications in addition to workshops and tours.
Basel Abbey (Basler Münster).
One of Basel’s most notable historical sites is Basel Abbey, with its two mammoth towers dominating the cityscape. The monastery, one of the city’s iconic symbols, is also a significant example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture in Basel. Erected in 1019, the monastery was destroyed by an earthquake in 1356, prompting Johannes Gmünd to begin a reconstruction completed by architect Ulrich Ensingen in the early 15th century. Hans Von Nussdorf built the south tower in 1500. Basel Abbey also houses the tomb of Erasmus.
Mittlere Brücke
When planning your Basel sightseeing itinerary, do include the Mittlere Brücke historical bridge, another monument with great symbolism for the city of Basel. Opened in 1226, the bridge is one of the oldest crossings between Lake Constance and the North Sea; following the introduction of the electric tramway, the old bridge was replaced in 1905 by the current one.
Rathaus
The Rathaus, or town hall, is also one of the city’s most important historical buildings, known for its red facade. The structure took on its current form when Basel joined the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise. Featuring a grand tower, the Rathaus also has a collection of sculptures and paintings.
St. Alban-Tor
Dating to the 1400s, St. Alban-Tor (St. Alban’s Gate) is the entrance to the city’s quaint St. Alban neighborhood. The gate was once part of the fortifications of the medieval walled city and is considered an important historical landmark.
Toy Worlds Museum Basel (Spielzeug Welten Museum)
The four-story Toy Worlds Museum Basel houses an extensive collection of teddy bears, dolls, contemporary miniatures and other fascinating artifacts. With more than 6,000 objects, the museum appeals to a diverse range of visitors, including families and collectors.
Zoo Basel
Zoo Basel, Switzerland’s first zoo, opened in 1874. Topping animal lovers’ lists of places to visit in Basel, Zoo Basel houses over 500 animal species from every continent on the planet. The zoo manages wildlife conservation projects. In addition, it offers a venue for birthday parties.
Markthalle
Located near the SBB train station, the bustling Markthalle food market, has long served as a gathering place for food and culture. With food stalls and kiosks proffering local, regional and international fare and other products, the Markthalle also hosts special events. We recommend visiting the farm shop, where you can purchase organic products.
Kleinbasel
Kleinbasel, the city’s entertainment center, is gaining acclaim for its vibrant squares, streets, restaurants and gourmet markets. Claraplatz, Kleinbasel’s famous street, is one of Basel’s most popular shopping destinations.
Transportation in Basel
Urban transportation in Basel
Basel has a robust public transportation system consisting of green and yellow trams along with an extensive inter- and intra-city bus network offering transport even to neighboring countries such as France and Germany.
Airport Transportation in Basel
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg serves Mulhouse, France and Freiburg, Germany, as well as Basel and its surrounds. For those driving, signs at the airport indicate the Germany, France and Basel exits; the airport is approximately seven kilometers from the Basel city center. Various buses operate between the Basel city center and the airport.
Dining in Basel
From traditional restaurants to street food, the city offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. While in Basel, do sample delicious flavors such as Switzerland’s famous fondue and the nation’s celebrated chocolate. Basel’s local honey cookies are another wonderful snack and coffee is one of the most popular hot beverages in Basel.
Useful information about Basel
- The population of Basel is approximately 170,000.
- In addition to German, other languages spoken in the city include French and Italian.
- Summer is the best time to enjoy the city’s natural beauty, although Basel can be visited in any season.
- Basel is among the Swiss cities with the most museums.
- Visitors to the city can purchase a BaselCard, which offers discounts at tourist attractions as well as free public transportation.
- It is also common to explore the city on foot or by bicycle.
