It is located on the border of three countries, Switzerland, France and Germany and this makes it special. Its medieval buildings, its brilliant neighborhoods, its cobbled alleys, its museums and of course the Rhine river that runs through it, rank it as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Ιt’s divided into Grossbasel and Kleinbasel located respectively on the left and right banks of the river. Basel is not only known for its football team, but also for its art buying and selling. It is a city that you will love from the first moment you walk through it.
Currency: Swiss Franc
Calling Code: +41
Nearest airports from city center: Basel Airport (6km), Zurich Airport (92km), Bern Airport (113km), Strasbourg Airport (132km), Stuttgart Airport (260km), Frankfurt Airport (318km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** BASLER RATHAUS and MARKPLATZ
The City Hall is about five centuries old and dominates the largest and most famous square of the city. For the locals it is the meeting point, as in the square you can find everything you want for your shopping, for your food, for your coffee or for your chocolate.
*** BASLER MUNSTER (Münsterplatz 9, 4051 Basel)
Visit the cathedral which suffered catastrophic damage in the 1356 earthquake and reconstruction work was completed in the 15th to early 16th century. The red sandstone architecture, its two towers and the colored roof make the temple one of the most impressive in Europe.
*** SPIELZEUG WELTEN MUSEUM (Steinenvorstadt 1, 4051 Basel)
In this four-story building you will be a child again, as you will see an awesome collection of dolls and toys that every child would dream of having.
*** SPALENTOR CITY GATE (Spalenvorstadt, 4056 Basel)
Be sure to visit one of the three surviving city gates dating from the 1400s, when Basel was heavily fortified.
*** KUNSTMUSEUM (St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel)
If you want to enjoy exhibits, works of art from the 15th century to the present and also works of contemporary art, then you have come to the right place.
*** ANTIKENMUSEUM BASEL UND SAMMLUNG LUDWIG (St. Alban-Graben 5, 4051 Basel)
Visit the only museum in Switzerland dedicated to ancient civilization from the Mediterranean region. You will see works of art from Italy, Greece, Egypt and beyond.
*** BASEL PAPER MILL (St. Alban-Tal 37, 4052 Basel)
In a medieval mill you can learn about many things related to paper, from handmade paper to book composition. It is a unique experience, as you will have the opportunity to try ancient crafts.
*** NATURHISTORISCHES MUSEUM BASEL (Augustinergasse 2, 4051 Basel)
The museum is worth a visit to see up close about 8 million exhibits related to anthropology, zoology, mineralogy, osteology, paleontology and entomology.
*** BASEL ZOO (Binningerstrasse 40, 4054 Basel)
It opened its gates in the summer of 1874 and is one of the biggest attractions not only in Basel, but also in Switzerland.
*** HISTORISCHES MUSIC MUSEUM (Im Lohnhof 9, 4051 Basel)
If you like music, then you’ve come to the right place. Here you will find the country’s largest collection of musical instruments and many items related to music.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Basel Historical Museum and Fondation Beyeler could easily be in the top-10 sightseeing.
*** Pass through the old town, via the distinctive Mittlere Brucke bridge, to the new part of Basel.
*** Other museums such as Museum of Cultures Basel, Jewish Museum of Switzerland, and Museum Tinguely are also very good options.
*** PARK Lange Erlen is a good way to relax and enjoy your coffee or your food in an idyllic setting.
*** Also of great interest is the Caricature & Cartoon Museum Basel.
*** Palatinate (Pfalz) Viewing Platform! Have your camera ready to capture the magnificent view.
*** A visit to the Tram-Museum Basel will also be a unique experience.
FOOD AND DRINK
In general, the cuisine of Switzerland is a combination of German, French and Northern Italian cuisine. You should definitely try the cheese fondue. The steamed pork soup called Zürcher Eintopf is excellent, as is the Basler flour soup. Also, if you want to live like the locals, then try the Brötli which are shrimp, salmon or chicken sandwiches. Definitely, if you want something traditional, then try Lääberli.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find hotels in the city center or nearby for all budgets. Certainly the hotels that are closer to the center are consequently more expensive.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** If you have children with you, then visit Erlenmatt Park and Kannenfeld Park.
*** Even if you can’t cross the ice, the ice rinks at the Kunsteisbahn Margarethen are worth your attention.
*** The Shopping Center St. Jakob-Park which is at FC Basel’s stadium is a great choice for your shopping.
*** For your shopping, also prefer Clara Shopping and Räbgass-Center.
*** Streets that have a lot of shops are Freiestrasse and Feldbergstrasse.
*** Also visit Spalenberg with its small boutiques and fine shops.
*** There can be no doubt that you can find everything at the Marktplatz!
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike or by tram.
CITIES NEAR BASEL
Major cities close to Basel are Colmar (64km), Freiburg im Breisgau (69km), Zurich (87km), Bern (99km), Lucerne (100km) and Strasbourg (136km).
