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Basel City Map

Places to visit in basel.

First, look on the Basel city map for the SBB.

The SBB is the main train station in Basel and where you will most likely enter Basel.

In front of the SBB, you'll find almost every tram and bus that circulates in Basel.

But before you leave the train station, go to the tourist office first and get some maps, books, and other information.

The tourist office is down the hallway where all the little sandwich and pizza stands are.

Just keep going until you see the sign for the tourist office. I believe it's next to a wine and liquor shop.

After the tourist office, you can go outside to the tram and bus station area.

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If you want to go directly to the Marktplatz or City Hall square, there are quite a few trams that will take you there.

Probably the easiest to spot is the number 11 tram going to St Louis Grenze (French border).

Because it's yellow.

Most of the trams are green...like the number 8 tram going to Kleinhüningen.

How to Buy Tram Tickets in Basel

You'll see these little green machines next to all the tram stations.

Nowadays you can choose which language you want when buying tram tickets.

First of all, if you just want to go somewhere in Basel, push "1 Zone".

It will tell you how many Swiss francs you need for 1 person.

After you pay, it will give you a little ticket.

The ticket is good for as many transfers as you want going away from the tram stop where you bought the ticket as long as you are don't leave the city of Basel.

I might also add that there is a time limit...I think it's about one hour. That's plenty of time.

There's no one that will check your ticket on the tram but...

There are tram police that board trams and check everyone's tickets occasionally.

And the fine is about 80 to 100 Swiss francs...

If you're in Basel just for the day, you can buy a tram ticket for the whole day or...

You can buy a multi ticket for multiple separate trips too or...

Tickets for going into France or Germany...just about anything that involves the trams, you could buy on these machines.

You can explore your options on the machine....

If you will be staying at a hotel or hostel in Basel, you will get a "mobility pass" once you check in...

This pass allows you to travel on Basel's public transportation for free.

If you don't want to buy multi tickets with the machine, you can go to any "Kiosk" and ask for the tram tickets. Tram is the same word in German so they'll figure out what you want and give you a  card that allows you to ride the tram 6 times.

It's great if you have a group of people and you are only planning to take one trip on the trams.

It will save you having to find enough coins to pay for everyone if you have a big group...

And you get 6 one way trips for the price of 5.

But if you're planning on making more than 1 trip on the tram, I suggest you consider the day ticket because 2 or 3 rides on the tram will normally be the same price as a day ticket.

And with a day ticket, you can jump on any tram and ride it from one end to the other as many times as you want.

You can see a lot of interesting things in Basel that way...

Places to Visit in Basel on the Basel City Map

There are so many places to visit in Basel.

This is a list of my favorites organized in a way so you can make your own little tour of Basel.

So it's not just a Basel city map, it's also a Basel city tour map.

Everything on this Basel city map are all within walking distance, but I'd put on my really comfortable walking shoes first...

First stop on the Basel city map, there's the SBB (also known as the main train station in Basel) which is probably your starting point. From here you can take the number 11 or number 8 tram to Marktplatz.

Once you are at Marktplatz, you won't need to take the tram unless you just want to...

Basel City Hall or Rathaus

When you get off the tram, next stop on the Basel city map is the City Hall...

It's the big red building with golden spires...

The courtyard is open during the day and you're free to walk around and explore it. Look for a door in the back that leads up some stairs...

If this door isn't locked, you will discover the tiny medieval lanes of Basel leading up to the Munsterkirche.

The Market at Marktplatz

Most every week day, there will be a food market at Marktplatz.

You can buy cheeses, flowers, sausages, meats, breads, and a little something to munch on here.

It starts closing up in the early afternoon...

Mittlere Bruck

If you walk from Marktplatz towards the Globus department store, you'll see a bridge.

This is the Mittlere Bruck.

It was the first bridge built in Basel and one of the first bridges built over the Rhine. The original bridge was built in 1225.

It had to be rebuilt in 1905, but it is identical to the original medieval bridge.

The Way to the Munsterkirche and Medieval Winding Lanes

If the door in the back of the Basel city hall is locked, you can still get to those winding little medieval streets...

When you come out of the city hall, go to your right. You'll see a little stairway leading up a narrow street.

This will take you to Munsterkirche, but you'll still need a copy of this Basel city map because it's not a direct route.

But generally speaking, once you get to the top of the stairs, continue to your right...

And enjoy the wonderful medieval homes and buildings along the way!

The Munster Kirche

The Munsterkirche is the oldest church in Basel. It was built between 1000 AD and 1500 AD.

The original Munster kirche was damaged around 1356 by an earthquake and had to be repaired.

In the crypt, there are graves dating back to 1000 AD.

Sometimes the crypt is open and sometimes it isn't, but the rest of the Munster kirche is open during the day.

And you can climb to the top of its roof for a few Swiss francs...

Behind the Munster kirche you'll see a set of stairs leading down to the Rhine...

It's one of four Faehri crossings in Basel.

The Faehri are boats that cross the Rhine river without an engine only using the current of the river to get from one side to the other.

In the past, the Mitterle bruck was the only way to cross the Rhine in Basel for a long time.

Nowadays, no one really needs these ferries, but the people of Basel still support them and allow them to continue operating.

And after you ride the ferry, you can walk back up the Rhine to Mittlere Bruck...

As you can see on the Basel city map, it's not a long walk...

Barfüsserplatz

Barfüsserplatz is a short walk from Marktplatz as you can see on the Basel city map...

There are a number of interesting places to visit here.

First off is the Barfüsser Kirche which has been turned into the Basel Historical Museum.

Next, sometimes there is a market selling clothing, jewelry and food which can be fun and interesting.

Then there is the "Fastnachts Brunnen" which you can see when you go around the corner of the "Casino". It is a moving sculpture built by Jean Tinguely one of Basel's most famous sculptors.

Words can't clearly describe this piece of art or any of Tinguely's work...

You'll just have to go see if for yourself!

And if you're interested, there is Papa Joe's. It's an American themed restaurant. Have you ever wondered how other cultures define American culture?

If you're from the US, it's a very interesting experience...

And if you missed the tourist office at the SBB, there is another one in the Casino.

To get to the Spalentor, you may want to take the tram...

As you can see on the Basel city map, it's not a long walk, but just in case, you can take the number 3 tram going to Burgfelden Grenze at Barfüsserplatz.

This is the biggest medieval city gate I have ever seen. We're not talking about a village city gate. At the time, Basel had 20,000 residents. For the 1400s, that's a lot of people.

The Spalentor was built after the earthquake in 1356 practically destroyed the the former city gates and walls.

The medieval city walls were destroyed in the late 1800s...

But there are still 3 city gates (and some parts of the city walls) still standing...

And Spalentor is by far the largest and most impressive of them all.

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Map of Basel — Best attractions, restaurants, and transportation info

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We’ve made the ultimate tourist map of Basel, Switzerland for travelers! Check out Basel’s top things to do, attractions, restaurants, and major transportation hubs all in one interactive map.

Visiting Basel? See our Basel Trip Planner.

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Use this interactive map to plan your trip before and while in Basel. Learn about each place by clicking it on the map or read more in the article below. Here’s more ways to perfect your trip using our Basel map:

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Top 17 attractions in Basel

Fine arts museum basel, museum tinguely.

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Home » Travel Guides » Switzerland » 15 Best Things to Do in Basel (Switzerland)

15 Best Things to Do in Basel (Switzerland)

Cosy, walkable and straddling the Rhine, Basel is at the tripoint where the Swiss, German and French borders meet. Basel’s art and culture put it on an equal footing with almost any city in the world. The Kunstmuseum is the shining light, replete with Renaissance, Baroque and modern art.

And the Altstadt is a confusion of alleys and streets with monumental wayfinders like the Basel Minster (Cathedral) and the 15th-century City Hall. In the Altstadt you can make your own paper at a water-powered mill from the 15th century, or step into a house where Erasmus would meet up with his friends 500 years ago.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Basel :

1. Kunstmuseum Basel

Switzerland’s largest and richest assortment of art is yours to enjoy at this superlative museum.

The roll-call of names says it all: Beginning in the Renaissance there’s Konrad Witz, Lucas Cranach the Elder and Hans Holbein (the museum grew from an early collection of his works). There are Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Brueghel the Elder and Rubens.

From the 19th century you can admire pieces by van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Manet and Gauguin.

The Kunstmuseum has an entire room just for pieces by Picasso.

And elsewhere Giacometti, Klee, Franz Marc, Braque and Chagall are just a taste of the 20th-century art collection.

2. Altstadt

Basel’s old town has an uncommon array of Swiss national heritage sites.

If you check in at the tourist office they’ll suggest a few themed walks around Grossbasel on the left bank and Kleinbasel on the right bank of the Rhine.

As the many plaques make clear, the Altstadt’s oldest buildings are from the 14th century.

These streets were once walked by historic figures like Erasmus, the 16th-century theologian and humanist.

We cover many places in the Altstadt later, but some spots to keep in mind are the sweeping Münsterplatz, the irregular townhouses on Petersgasse and the jovial monkey fountain on Andreasplatz.

At Spalenvorstadt is the Holbein Fountain, a Renaissance masterpiece by Hans Holbein the Younger from the 16th century.

Suggested tour : Walking Tour through Basel Old Town

3. Basel Minster

There’s no missing Basel’s medieval minster church and its two 60-metre towers, Georgsturm and Martinsturm.

It’s a mesmerising edifice with pinkish red sandstone walls and a glazed patterned roof.

A lot of the architecture is from the 14th and 15th centuries after an earthquake in 1356 toppled the high medieval Romanesque church.

One of the earlier elements is the main portal, which was partly dismantled by iconoclasts in the Reformation.

But they left the Gothic archivolts, which boast angels, prophets, roses, kings and an image of Abraham.

To the right of this see the “Seducer” courting a young virgin, with snakes and toads behind his back to symbolise evil.

For €5 you can struggle up a narrow spiral stairway to survey Basel and the Rhine.

4. Museum Tinguely

In the Solitudepark on the Rhine’s right bank is a museum for the 20th-century kinetic sculptor Jean Tinguely.

His wacky, needlessly complicated machines are anchored in the Dada spirit and satirise mass production and materialism.

But on any level they’re also fun, fanciful and interactive, so it’s an art museum where kids will never be bored.

You can push buttons and pull levers to start these machines whirring.

The exhibition chronicles Tinguely’s career, from the 1950s to 1980s.

One of his final pieces was Grosse Méta Maxi-Maxi Utopia from 1987, a tangle of pulleys, wooden wheels and electric motors with steps allowing that you can climb.

5. Basel Paper Mill

As early as 1453 this mill on the Gewerbekanal was in the business of producing paper.

Since 1980 the mill has been a working museum where you can get in touch with historic methods for dipping paper, printing and bookbinding.

Machines powered by a waterwheel turn rags and pulp into leafs ofpaper: You’ll be able to make a page of your own on the first floor.

Upstairs are the early printing presses, and quills invite you to perfect your calligraphy, while the crafts of bookbinding and paper marbling are demonstrated on the top floor live before your eyes.

6. Basel City Hall

The City Hall feels at the centre of Basel in every sense.

Martkplatz in front is a nexus for Basel’s tram network, while citizens and tourists flock to the square for the daily market.

The red sandstone behemoth that confronts you on Marktplatz is from the start of the 16th century and no expense was spared in its construction.

There are many symbols to decipher on the facade, like the 12 coats of arms of the Old Swiss Confederacy, including Basel’s, adorning the merlons at the top.

Go through the arch to enter the enthralling courtyard where there’s a 17th-century fresco by Hans Bock and a statue of Basel’s Roman founder Lucius Munatius Plancus sculpted in 1580.

7. Basel Historical Museum

HMB for short, the Basel Historical Museum has four locations.

Three of these are inside the city, and one, the Coach and Carriage Museum, is in Münchenstein to the southeast.

The main attraction is in the converted Barfüsserkirche and concerns itself with the late medieval period and early modern age.

Inside you can examine works from the Cathedral treasury, collections of coins and stained glass, tapestries, altars and possessions belonging to Erasmus.

There are also historic cabinets of curiosity, put together by wealthy collectors in the 1600s and 1700s.

But maybe the most haunting piece of all is Basel’s Danse Macabre fresco attributed to the 15th-century painter Konrad Witz.

8. Spalentor

Basel was once defended by two layers of city walls.

The Inner Wall was built around 1230, and following the earthquake in 1356 a new Outer Wall with 40 towers was raised to accommodate the growing city.

Practically all of these walls were torn down to allow Basel to grow and provide a healthier living environment in the 19th century.

Three gates remain, the most impressive of which is Spalentor.

This controlled the western approach to the city from France and was part of that outer wall begin in the 1350s.

As well as a pair of towers and patterned there’s a lot of ornamentation to look for on the facade, like Basel’s coat of arms framed by two lions.

9. Basel Zoo

With more than 640 species, few zoos on the planet can claim to have as much diversity as Basel Zoo.

This is the largest and oldest zoo in the country, dating back to 1874 but with a completely modern approach to enclosure design.

Expansions and renovations happen by the year, and in 2016 a new elephant house was opened, providing 5,000 square metres for them to roam in.

The aquarium (vivarium) is a perennial favourite and has almost of 500 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians, as well as king and gentoo penguins.

Maybe the zoo’s most famous inhabitant is Goma, the first western lowland gorilla born in Europe and turning 58 in 2017.

Under the minster towers the Pfalz is possibly the best spot on street level to contemplate the Rhine and the rows of houses on the right bank in Kleinbasel.

This terrace is above the Münsterfähre jetty, and is roughly on the site of Basel’s former episcopal palace.

Here and there you’ll notice ornately designed ledgerstones for Basel’s noble families dating back as far as the 1500s.

There’s a telescope on the wall, while the benches in this little square are shaded by trees and just right for a packed lunch.

11. Antikenmuseum Basel

Basel has the only museum in the country dedicated solely to ancient civilisations.

This deals with Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Middle Eastern and Roman objects across more than 3,000 years up to the 1st century AD. The collections were first put together in the 17th century and the museum opened in its current form in 1986 after a major donation by the industrialist Peter Ludwig.

One spellbinding item from Ancient Greece is an intact Laconian volute-krater (a vessel for watering down wine) from the 6th century, while the Egyptian galleries are rich with jewellery, sculptures and sarcophagi.

12. Pharmazie-Historisches Museum

Historic medicine is the subject of this world-class museum in a listed building in the Altstadt.

In the early 16th-century there was a printing press here, part-owned by Johann Froben, a close friend of Erasmus, who would often call in.

The amount of artefacts inside is almost overwhelming and has ceramic vessels from floor to ceiling.

There are mortars, first-aid kids, laboratory instruments, entire pharmacy interiors including cabinets, strange contraptions for practising alchemy and the preserved remnants of historic medications.

But maybe most exciting are the 15th and 16th-century books by physicians Johann de Cuba and Leonhart Fuchs.

13. Spielzeug Welten Museum

On Barfüsserplatz is as a museum to catch the imagination of both grownups and children.

A five-storey building has been made fully accessible, and holds more than 6,000 dolls, miniatures and dollhouses.

But it’s the record-breaking army of over 2,500 teddy bears that makes the headlines.

Many of the exhibits are interactive, including miniature scenes that light up, play music and have moving parts.

It might be hard to believe but this cornucopia of toys was assembled by just one person, the German-Swiss billionaire Gisela Oeri.

14. Fondation Beyeler

Six kilometres outside town, on the German border, the Fondation Beyeler is worth every second of the journey.

Awaiting you is the fabulous modern art collection of the 20th-century dealers Ernst Beyeler and Hilda Kunz.

In the 1990s this trove of 200 works was given a swish permanent home designed by Renzo Piano.

You’ll savour 23 Picassos, and paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Francis Bacon, Lichtenstein, Pollock, Warhol, Monet and Cézanne.

On top of this there’s an ethnological exhibition of 25 works from North America, Oceania and Africa.

15. The Rhine River

The Rhine flows so quickly through Basel that ferries don’t need any form of propulsion other than the river’s currents.

These vessels are tethered to steel lines and zip across the water.

You can catch a “Fähri” at four points along the river in the centre of the city, the most popular being Münsterfähre below the Pflalz.

There are also “Badhysli”, bathing areas where stronger swimmers pit themselves against the currents and others rest in the shallows.

These spots have a resort atmosphere in summer when people lounge in the sun and chat at cafe terraces.

Outside the city the Rhine takes the place of a sea or lake, and has beaches for sunbathing, watersports and barbecues in summer.

15 Best Things to Do in Basel (Switzerland):

• Kunstmuseum Basel
• Basel Minster
• Museum Tinguely
• Basel Paper Mill
• Basel City Hall
• Basel Historical Museum
• Antikenmuseum Basel
• Pharmazie-Historisches Museum
• Spielzeug Welten Museum
• Fondation Beyeler
• The Rhine River

19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Basel

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

With more than 40 museums to choose from and an atmospheric old town to explore, you won't have any trouble finding things to do in Basel. Few cities in Europe can match Switzerland's second-largest city for its concentration of cultural attractions and things to do.

Moreover, many of these are housed in buildings that are themselves works of art, designed by great architects that include Renzo Piano, Frank O. Gehry, and Mario Botta. Basel's university became a center for humanism in the 16th century and continued to be a magnet for distinguished scholars and teachers, which may account for its remarkable cultural heritage today.

The two sides of Basel are joined by six bridges over the Rhine, as it makes a sharp turn before flowing north to become the German-French border.

It's the higher left bank where you'll find the old town and cultural attractions. The river itself is a good vantage point for sightseeing, and you can take short cruises or cross the river on the quirky little cable-operated ferry.

Whether you enjoy sightseeing or immersing yourself in art, you can be sure of finding the best places to visit using this list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Basel.

See also: Where to Stay in Basel

1. Admire Art in the Kunstmuseum Basel (Museum of Art)

2. stroll through the old town, 3. take the kids to the zoologischer garten (zoo), 4. visit basler münster (basel minster), 5. museum tinguely, 6. learn about printing at papiermühle (paper mill museum), 7. rathaus (town hall) and marktplatz, 8. smile at the tinguely fountain, 9. take a break at tierpark lange erlen, 10. historisches museum (historical museum), 11. be a kid again at the spielzeug welten museum (toy museum), 12. tour the museum für gegenwartskunst (museum of contemporary art), 13. antikenmuseum and the sammlung ludwig (museum of antiquities and the ludwig collection), 14. jüdische museum (jewish museum), 15. visit the haus zum kirschgarten, 16. spalentor, 17. fondation beyeler, 18. cross the border to vitra design museum, 19. take a day trip to solothurn, where to stay in basel for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in basel, basel - climate chart.

The Kunstmuseum , enhanced by the added exhibition space of a 2015 wing, is considered the finest collection of paintings in Switzerland, representing both old masters and modern art. On the first floor are the old masters and a collection of French and Dutch paintings.

Outstanding among these are the 15th-century Heilsspiegelaltar (Mirror of Salvation Altar) by Konrad Witz, 16th-century portraits by Holbein the Younger, Crucifixion by Mathias Grünewald, and Rembrandt's David with Goliath's Head from 1627. The second floor houses an outstanding collection of 19th- and 20th-century Impressionists, Expressionists, and Surrealists.

You'll find major works by Gauguin, Van Gogh, Corot, Cézanne, Braque, Picasso, Kandinsky, Léger, Chagall, Klee, Dali, Max Ernst, and others, along with later works and special exhibitions.

Address: St. Alban-Graben 16, Basel

The part of Basel that lies roughly between the river and the old city gate at Spalentor is not large but quite atmospheric with its stone streets, medieval churches, beautifully maintained old homes, and brightly painted fountains. But leave it to Basel to introduce a thoroughly modern and whimsical fountain by Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely in the midst of the stately historic houses.

From Marktplatz , wander west along Spalenberg with detours into some of the narrow side streets, such as Leonhardsberg and Spalenberg, Heuberg. This was the old artisans' neighborhood. Or wander along Freiestrasse, which begins with the Renaissance Geltenzunfthaus , from 1578. At number 25 is the guild-house of the locksmiths dating from 1488 and decorated in Baroque style in 1733.

Look for more wall paintings at the guild-house of the Hausgenossen at 34. In the little Fischmarkt , you'll find a reproduction of a Gothic fountain whose original you can see in the historical museum.

The two-hour Stories of Basel's Old Town walking tour explores the oldest parts of the city with a knowledgeable guide who will explain local history and highlight points of interest, stopping at major sightseeing destinations like Basler Münster , Rathaus , and Tinguely Fountain . The tour focuses on the area's rich history and varied architecture.

Switzerland's oldest and largest zoo, Basel Zoo is affectionately known as the Zolli by locals, and it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Switzerland. It has been named one of the fifteen best zoos in the world.

Founded in 1874 with 510 European animals, today the zoo is known more for exotic species. With predators, primates, mammals, reptiles, birds, and aquatic life, the population ranges from seahorses to elephants, the latter now enjoying an elephant enclosure added in 2015 with wallowing pools, showers, and a savannah-like environment.

The lion enclosure and monkey house are highlights, along with the penguins in the vivarium, which also houses fish and reptiles. The aviary houses both indigenous and exotic birds, as well as birds of prey. The zoo has been particularly successful in breeding rhinoceros and cheetahs. The realistic habitats and variety of exotic animals make this one of the favorite places to visit with children in Basel.

Address: Binningerstrasse 40, Basel

Set atop the highest point on Münsterhügel (Minster Hill), Basel's Minster is easily spotted by its prominent spires and brightly patterned roof tiles. The spacious Münsterplatz , formerly the site of a Roman fort, is an elegant 18th-century square. Built of red sandstone from the Vosges mountains of France between the ninth and 13th centuries, the minster was rebuilt in Gothic style after an earthquake in 1356.

But some of the original church remains. The high altar and much of the furnishings were destroyed by Protestants in 1529, but the greatest treasures were hidden in the sacristy vaulting and survived; you can see some in the historical museum.

Be sure to see the St. Gallus doorway in the north transept, with its many 12th-century Romanesque stone carvings - one of the oldest figured doorways in German-speaking Europe. The tympanum above the doorway shows the Wise and Foolish Virgins, with Christ enthroned above flanked by Peter and Paul.

A large rose window lies above the doorway. Inside, the lower part of the choir is Romanesque; be sure to notice the capitals carved with rich foliage and animals and the Romanesque capitals in the nave and ambulatory. In front of the pulpit, under glass, is a piece of the Late Romanesque pavement from the 12th century.

From inside the church, you can access the stairs to the top of the south tower. The crypt, which can be entered from beside the choir, contains the tombs of 10th- to 13th-century bishops and an excellent Romanesque frieze on the piers; ceiling frescoes depict scenes from the life of the Virgin and other New Testament themes. The beautiful 15th-century double cloister, entered from Rittergasse, contains monuments ranging over five centuries.

Address: Münsterplatz, Basel

The Museum Tinguely contains the largest collection of this influential Swiss artist's work thanks to a generous donation by his widow Niki de Saint Phalle, as well as contributions by other collectors. The collection includes Tinguely's sculptures and drawings, as well as an extensive library of documents and photographs.

The museum also hosts visiting installations that change every three months, focusing on artists who inspired Tinguely, as well as the work of contemporary artists. The building housing the collection was designed by famed architect Mario Botta.

Address: Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, 4002 Basel

Set on a medieval canal with an operating waterwheel, an old paper mill has been turned into a museum of writing, printing, and paper, showing the printing and papermaking processes with actual working machinery.

As you tour the museum, you can watch the laborious production of handmade paper, explore the evolution of printing from before Gutenberg's press through the demise of lead type in the 1980s, and see how books are bound. Displays follow the development of writing from primitive pictographs through modern typography.

Address: St. Alban-Tal 37, Basel

The focal point of the Old Town is Marktplatz, where you'll still find the colorful daily market selling local produce, flowers, and food specialties. Dominating the square is the bright red Basel Rathaus , with its colorful painted facade. The arcaded main building is in Late Burgundian Gothic style dating from 1504 to 1521; the new wing to the left and the tall tower on the right are 19th-century additions.

The clock dates from the building's origins, the work of Master Wilhelms from the early 1500s. Be sure to step into the beautiful courtyard to see the wall paintings, restored from 1608-11 originals. The statue, from 1574, on the outer staircase represents the legendary founder of the town, Munatius Plancus. You can also see the two council chambers, the Regierungsratssaal , with its impressive wood paneling, and the Grossratssaal , decorated by 15 coats-of-arms of the Swiss cantons.

Address: Marktpl. 9, 4001 Basel, Switzerland

Completed in 1977, the playful fountain designed by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely quickly became a Basel landmark. Placed inside a large shallow pool, 10 large figures made of scrap metal seem to be playing with each other in the water as they move and spray jets of water into the air.

Powered by low-voltage current, these playful and ingenious water-spouting mechanical figures are built from pieces of metal equipment from the old theater that once stood on this spot. In the winter, the fountain becomes a series of fantastic ice sculptures as the water freezes around the figures. You can see more of his unusual and imaginative sculpture in Basel at the Jean Tinguely Museum.

Address: Theaterstrasse, Basel

When you need a break from Basel's abundance of museums and historic attractions, or if you are looking for things to do with children, take a tram or bike to the Tierpark, an expanse of green parkland alongside the river. Here, you'll meet a variety of local wildlife — deer, lynx, wild boar and others — roaming free in their natural habitat, discreetly fenced from the public.

Swans and ducks swim as herons fish in the ponds, and colorful peacocks roam about the grounds. More birds inhabit the spacious aviary, and an assortment of farm animals are in stables and paddocks. It is a peaceful green space for walking and relaxing, and a good place for children to meet animals in a non-zoo environment. They can also let off energy in the large playground.

Address: Erlenparkweg 110, Basel

The 14th-century Barfüsserkirche (Church of the Barefoot Friars) was renovated in the 1970s to house the Historical Museum with important collections on local history and culture. It spotlights particularly the city's unique position at the crossroads between Swiss, German, and French cultures.

In the nave of the church are the Late Gothic tapestries and the curious Lällenkönig (Babbling King), a crowned head with a movable tongue and eyes that was the emblem of Gross-Basel in the 17th century. In the aisles are weapons and furnished period rooms, in the choir religious art, and in the crypt is the minster treasury, recovered after being saved from destruction during the Reformation.

Interesting exhibits deal with the importance of silk ribbon manufacture in Basel from the late 18th through the 19th century.

Address: Barfüsserplatz 7, Basel

The Spielzeug Welten Museum collection of more than 6,000 toys, including dolls, stuffed animals, dollhouses, shop models, and carousels is not just for children. The dollhouses are exceptional, not only the historical examples but the newly commissioned works of artists who create rooms and shops in miniature.

One section is devoted to the Neapolitan folk art of nativity scenes set in the context of everyday life in early Naples , with figures dressed in infinitely detailed costumes. The museum's collection of 2,500 teddy bears is thought to be the world's largest.

Even if you don't tour the museum, don't miss walking around to look in the windows. Six display-sized windows facing the street are dedicated to changing displays from the collections, based on seasonal and other themes and representing current special exhibitions.

Address: Steinenvorstadt 1, Basel

Housed in an old paper mill with modern extensions, Basel's Museum of Contemporary Art highlights art from 1960 to the present. You'll find paintings and sculptures by artists that include Chagall, de Chirico, Dali, Braque, Mondrian, Klee, Giacometti, Moore, and the Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely.

It was the first public museum in Europe dedicated exclusively to artworks created in the late 20th century. Guided tours in English are available with advance notice and are included in the admission price.

Address: St. Alban-Rheinweg 60, Basel

Basel's Museum of Antiquities and the Ludwig collection feature Egyptian, Greek, Italian, Etruscan, and Roman works of art, covering antiquity from about 4000 BC to the 6th century AD. The strongest areas are sculptures and Greek vases, although there are outstanding exhibits of gold jewelry, bronze sculptures, and clay figures.

The museum also operates Skulpturhalle Basel , located near Basel University, which features more than 2,200 plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculptures including a complete set of casts of the Parthenon, part of the Acropolis in Athens , as well as scale-size architectural sculptures.

Address: St. Alban Graben 5, Basel

One of central Europe's best collections of Judaica, the Jüdische Museum depicts religious and everyday life as it explores the Jewish history of Basel and its surrounds. In addition to documenting the local history, it introduces visitors to Jewish ceremonies and customs from the broader diaspora through exhibits focused on Jewish Law, the Jewish Year, everyday life, and history.

In the courtyard, medieval gravestones and documents go back as far as the medieval Jewish communities with documents printed in Hebrew by the city's book printers from the 16th through 19th centuries. Significant documents focus on the two World Wars.

Address: Kornhausgasse 8, Basel

One of the finest of Basel's patrician houses, the Haus zum Kirschgarten was built between 1775 and 1780 in the early Classical style. It was the home and office of a prosperous Basel manufacturer of silk ribbons and is among Switzerland's best museums of domestic life.

Throughout the 25 furnished rooms are displays of the furniture of a wealthy 18th-century commercial family, as well as internationally important collections of decorative arts. The Pauls-Eisenbeiss Foundation's collection of porcelain, a significant watch and clock collection, and major groups of Basel silver and scientific instruments are displayed.

Address: Elisabethenstrasse 27/29, Basel

Dating from 1370, the Spalentor is a fortified gate marking the end of the old town. The town gate, once part of the old town walls, has stood alone since their destruction in 1866. Look to the left of the gate to find an early 19th-century letterbox with the emblem of the Basel pigeon.

The adjacent Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church) was rebuilt in the 15th century, but the vaulting in the choir is from an earlier 14th-century building. There are frescoes in the Eberler chapel and the nave. Adjacent is the university, with a botanical garden that was founded in the 16th century, one of the oldest in the world.

Collectors Ernst and Hildy Beyeler opened the Fondation Beyeler in 1997 to allow the public to enjoy their extensive personal collection of Classic Modernist art. A staggering number of works by both Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse are on display, including drawings, paintings, and sculpture.

Also displayed are multiple sculptures by Alberto Giacometti and Max Ernst, and a variety of works by celebrated artists, including Georges Seurat, Marc Chagall, Marlene Dumas, Paul Klee, and Vincent Van Gogh. The collection also includes pieces from the Beyelers' world travels to Africa, Oceania, and Alaska.

The museum is set in a lovely park, housed in a building designed by architect Renzo Piano.

Address: Baselstrasse 101, Basel

Because Basel lies right on the international border, some of its suburbs spread over into Germany and France. So it is with the Vitra Design Museum , which although considered a Basel institution, is a five-minute train ride just across the German border from central Basel.

By any measure, it is one of the world's most important museums of design. The building itself is a landmark, designed by Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry. Inside are changing exhibitions - two or three each year - examining current and historical design trends and themes. The displays are stunning and provocative, often inviting interaction.

Add some outdoor exercise to your gallery hopping by hiring an electric bicycle at the central train station to follow the Rehberger-Weg bike path across the border to the Vita campus.

Address: Charles-Eames-Str. 2, Weil am Rhein, Germany

Lying astride the river Aare, about 67 kilometers from Basel, Solothurn is an elegant town of Renaissance and Baroque buildings that indicate its splendor in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries as the residence of the French ambassadors to the Swiss Confederation. Earlier, the town of Salodurum ranked with Trier in Germany as one of the oldest Roman settlements north of the Alps.

Marktplatz is a beautiful square with a 12th-century clock tower, the Zeitglockenturm , that has mechanical figures from 1545. The Mauritius fountain is decorated with a figure by the master Hans Gieng of Fribourg. You'll see several more fountains with colorfully painted figures as you stroll down picturesque old Hauptgasse .

Stop there at the Jesuit church to see its interior, decorated with stucco work by 17th-century artists from the Swiss Ticino region. In the cloister is a collection of stones with Roman inscriptions. Just inside the 1508 Baseltor gate stands the Italian Baroque Cathedral of St. Ursen , built from 1763 to 1773.

Its treasury is especially rich in goldsmiths' work and textiles from the 15th to 19th centuries. In the hills outside of Solothurn, be sure to visit Schloss Waldegg - Waldegg Castle. The palace is set among lovely Baroque gardens and its beautiful interior gives you an idea of the splendor in which the French ambassadors lived.

The Old Town, which lies between the river and the Spalentor gate, is relatively small, but many of Basel's several dozen museums are here, along with medieval churches, the old artisans' neighborhood, and Marktplatz, with the magnificent Rathaus (city hall). These highly-rated hotels in Basel are in or close to the Old Town. Most Basel hotels include a free city bus pass.

Luxury Hotels :

• With old-world elegance enhanced by modern luxuries, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois , which often hosts royalty, overlooks the Rhine River in the center of the Old Town.
• Close to the Munster and several museums, Der Teufelhof Basel rooms are designed by artists, so guests live in a work of art instead of just looking at it.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel has a pool and is in the center of a cluster of museums; the tram from the central station stops right in front of the hotel.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Near the Spalentor and botanic gardens and a short walk from the heart of the Old Town, Hotel Spalentor Basel has spacious modern rooms.
• On the hill above the Old Town, on a bus line, and a 15-minute walk from the train station, Steinenschanze Stadthotel is literally steps away from the shopping and restaurant area.
• Near the Spalentor and a tram stop with regular trams into the town center, the family-friendly Hotel Odelya is in a heritage building set in a park.

Budget Hotels:

• Beside the university, a few blocks from the Rathaus, and an easy walk to the Munster and art museums, Hotel Rochat has plain rooms but includes breakfast.
• Adjacent to the train station and airport bus stop, Ibis Basel Bahnhof is on a bus line to the historic center.
• A five-minute walk away, Ibis Budget Basel City is only two minutes from two tram lines into the Old Town.

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Basel’s New Official City Map

In 2021, the city of Basel issued its new city map, which was quickly sold out by July of the same year. The revised edition—the Basler Stadtplan 2022—is now available at the customer center of the Grundbuch- und Vermessungsamts (land register and surveying office) at Dufourstrasse 40, at the Basel tourist office in Barfüsserplatz, as well as in city bookstores. The aesthetically designed and coordinated covers (an offcut of the Baslerstab) form a collectible series and are primarily aimed at Basel residents and Basel lovers.

The 2022 edition of the city map with a scale of 1:12500 is characterized in particular by the complete revision of the representation of individual buildings in Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft. All buildings have been subjected to a new, more precise generalization and thus show an even more realistic picture of urban and rural development. The city map and all other maps and information have been updated for the new edition. This applies in particular to the public transport network map and the Basel Info city center zoom.

The new city map costs CHF 15, and as in the previous year, you also have the option of sending the city map as a gift with a specially designed greeting card (CHF 20, including card and postage). Simply visit their website, input your billing address (Rechnungsadresse) and the address of the recipient (Versandadresse), as well as your greeting. Further information on the city map and the link to order the city map as a gift can be found on their website at https://www.gva.bs.ch/kartografie/stadtplan .

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Basel Old Town: Visit Switzerland’s Capital of Culture

Not sure what’s worth your time in Basel’s old town? Then you’ve come to the right place because this detailed guide covers all the most important landmarks in Switzerland’s capital of culture. 

Basel’s old town is exceptionally charming with its cobbled alleys and unique landmarks. Iconic buildings, famous museums, and the best town squares are all included in this guide, so keep reading to see how to make the most of your time in Basel’s old town!

Table of Contents

Top Attractions in Basel Old Town

Basel minster.

The city cathedral is usually one of the most impressive buildings in town, and the Basel cathedral is no exception. It was constructed as a Roman Catholic cathedral but today it functions as a Reformed Protestant church.

The initial cathedral was built in Gothic and Romanesque styles between the 11th and 16th centuries. The construction took so long because the initial building was damaged in the 14th-century earthquake, and certain parts were rebuilt by Johannes Gmünd.

Basel Minster is best known for its red sandstone construction, which makes it very easy to spot. The red sandstone is not only clearly visible around Basel, it is also extremely rare amongst European churches.

Guided tours of the church take place every Saturday, and they last for only about 30 minutes. There’s a fee of 7 CHF for adults, while kids can join the tour for free. There’s a limit of just 15 people per tour, so I’d highly recommend you reserve a spot in advance if you don’t want to miss out. 

You can skip the tour entirely if you want and just climb the cathedral tower – this will cost you 6 CHF and reward you with magical panoramic views of Basel’s rooftops.  

Barfuesserkirche (Basel Historical Museum)

Basel Historical Museum is an iconic city landmark you absolutely shouldn’t miss. It’s been inside a former church since 1894, so not only can you learn about the history of the city, but you also get to tour a Franciscan church!

The main part of the museum is inside the church, but there are additional exhibits at two other locations in the city. The Barfuesserkirche part of the museum houses a huge collection of items that detail the cultural history of this city. This includes objects that document the everyday lives of locals from centuries ago, but also some unique items like the Amerbach cabinet of curiosities.

Entrance to this museum is 15 CHF, but that doesn’t include entrance to any special exhibits. Also, this covers only entrance to Barfuesserkirche – if you want a combo ticket that also grants entrance to Haus zum Kirschgarten and Musikmuseum, you’ll have to pay 20 CHF. 

• Opening Times : Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: 15 CHF

Related Reading

Best museums in basel (famous & intriguing).

Marktplatz is a central square in Basel’s historic city. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings that are representative of the dominant architectural style in Basel, plus it’s home to many shops and locales, from McDonald’s to a tea room. This is also an important public transportation stop – both trams and buses stop here, allowing for easy exploration of the old town. 

The town hall building dominates the market square with its beautiful paintings and unique elements. Both the square and the town hall will likely be important landmarks during your trip, helping you instantly recognize where you are in Basel. 

Also, it’s important to note that the square isn’t called Market Square for no reason. The daily market stalls are set up in the center of the square on weekdays, where you can shop for fresh produce, local delicacies, and flowers. 

• Market Opening times : Tuesday – Thursday, 7 am – 2 pm, Friday & Saturday, 7 am to 6 pm (See Basel Stadt website )

Shopping in Basel: A Guide to The Best Stores & Markets

Andreasplatz.

Andreasplatz is tucked away in a building courtyard and it’s not the easiest attraction to find in Basel. The entrance to the square is from Schneidergasse, right next to a local antique store. The first thing you will probably notice is the Monkey Fountain at the center of the square, so if you see it you’ll know you’re in the right place!

This square is home to several bars and restaurants that you can visit whenever. Try to get one of the outdoor tables, so you can enjoy the local delicacies while taking in all the details of this place. 

On top of that, Andreasplatz occasionally hosts the Wild Plant Market, which manages to transform the entire space. Suddenly there are many carts with countless wild plants, and the city square turns into a small jungle. 

Basel Town Hall (Basel Rathaus)

Basel’s city hall is over 500 years old and was built to commemorate Basel joining the Swiss Confederation in 1501. It is a rather underrated attraction for one simple reason. Yes, it’s the most impressive building on Marktplatz and a great representation of the architectural diversity in this city. However, most people will just notice the stand-out red sandstone facade and the paintings that adorn it, and think they’ve explored this attraction in detail. 

What many people don’t know is that the building is open to visitors. You can go inside the courtyard and see even more beautiful paintings, which is definitely something you should do. There’s no entrance fee for this and it only takes a few minutes, but it offers an entirely different perspective on this lovely building. 

Guided tours of the town hall are available on Saturdays. There are options for tours in English and German, and whichever one you choose the fee is 5 CHF for adults. Kids can join you for free, but you must reserve them a spot on the tour. Guided tours last only around 30 minutes, and they’re definitely worth your time. 

This is also a functioning town hall and is home to the Basel City Cantonal Parliament

Museum der Kulturen Basel

Visit the Museum of Cultures if you want to know why the city is known as Switzerland’s capital of culture. This ethnographic museum is located just a short walk from the Basel Cathedral, so you can access it easily while you’re exploring the old town. 

The museum has a collection of global artifacts and it often hosts special exhibits that focus on a certain culture. The special exhibits change frequently and the Basel Carnival collection is the only permanent exhibit in the museum. It’s truly a unique museum, and one of the most inspiring places you can visit in this town. 

Basel’s Museum der Kulturen can be toured for a fee of 16 CHF, which gives you access to all the exhibits inside the museum. The entrance fee for the museum’s permanent collection is just 7 CHF, and it’s worth noting that you can get discounted or free entrance with the many travel and tourist passes that are available in Switzerland. 

Tinguely Fountain

Tinguely Fountain is located in the same place where the Basel theater company stage once stood, and it’s an homage to the place’s previous function. The fountain, created by Tinguely in 1977, is shallow and decorated with machine sculptures that pay homage to the performing arts. 

This is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s even better that it’s dedicated to theater. Basel is known as the capital of culture in Switzerland with its many museums and performance art venues, and the Tinguely fountain is just one of the landmarks that reinforces that fact. 

The sculptures in the fountain are designed to appear as if they’re interacting with one another, which makes the entire landmark even more impressive. What’s even better is that the fountain stays on in the winter, and it’s not uncommon for some of the sculptures to freeze, which entirely changes the appearance of the Tinguely Fountain!

If you like what you see here, you should also visit the Tinguely Musem when you are in Basel, it takes these moving sculptures to the next level.

Visiting The Tinguely Museum in Basel (Is It Worth It?)

Frequently asked questions, what is the old town in basel called.

Basel Old Town is called “Basel Altstadt” in German or “Altstadt Grossbasel” is the name of the part of Basel it is located in.

Where is Basel’s old town located?

Most of Basel’s old town is on the left bank of the Rhine River. A small part of the old town is on the right bank, but that area encompasses mostly theaters and boutiques. The majority of the tourist attractions and landmarks are on the left bank, including all the tourist attractions mentioned above.

Is it worth it to cross the bridge to the other bank? Yes, because Mittlere Brücke is also a famous attraction in the old town! Also, the right bank offers sweeping panoramic views of the old town buildings.

Is Basel a walking city?

Yes, the old town of Basel is very walkable as you can explore the majority of it easily in one day. However, if you get tired, you can always jump on a tram or bus to get back to your hotel or the center of town.

What is the main street in Basel?

The main street of downtown Basel is “Freie Strasse” or Freie Street in English. It runs through the center of the old town area and is the main shopping area there.

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I'll be visiting Paris for a few days in late Sep/early Oct, after which I will make my way overland (by train) to Switzerland's Jungfrau region. Rather than take a direct train from Paris/ Zurich , I would like to spend a few nights in French towns along the way. My challenge is to figure out which towns cater to my interests*, have good transportation links to Switzerland , and can be strung together into an intuitive route with minimal back-tracking.

Based on some (very) prelimiary research, this is what I have devised:

1. Paris - Strasbourg - Colmar - (Basel? Zurich?)

2. Paris - Strasbourg - Colmar - Dijon - (Basel? Zurich?)

3. Paris - Lyon - Annency - ( Geneva ?)

Or a combination of the above...

I'd LOVE to see both Colmar AND Annency, but only if it makes sense and doesn't require too great a detour.

My questions to you are:-

1. Are there any towns that I'm overlooking? What would you add or replace?

2. Do those Swiss landing stages (in brackets) make the most sense - logistically speaking?

For reference, my interests are:

- Not into big, modern cities. Prefer small towns and nature.

- Not into museums and art galleries, but do appreciate architecture.

- Like to people watch and take in beautiful streetscapes/landscapes over a beverage

- Appreciate opportunities to learn about local traditions and customs, especially through food/culinary experiences and music.

Thanks in advance, all!

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Switzerland Euro 2024 squad, predicted line-up versus Hungary, latest odds and star players

• Dan King , Sports News Columnist
• Published : 21:00, 8 Jun 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

IN RECENT years, you’ve been able to rely on the Swiss national team like one of their watches.

They will always be there at major tournaments and always go out in the last 16.

Euro 2020 was the exception, when a remarkable comeback saw them recover from 2-0 down to beat France on penalties in the last 16.

A repeat looks unlikely.

Murat Yakin’s team made really heavy weather of qualifying, so much so that there was talk of him getting the sack.

A squad with plenty of players in top-level leagues need to punch its weight if they are to make the knockout stages.

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Manager: murat yakin.

Former Basel coach who had a brush with Jose Mourinho in 2013, beating Chelsea in the Champions League.

Key man: Granit Xhaka

The Swiss captain makes everything tick and goes into Euro 2024 after the best season of his career, anchoring Bayer Leverkusen to their maiden German title.

What has always characterised him is that he thinks big and is not afraid to express his ambitions publicly.

Likely line-up

How they attack

We expect to see Switzerland to come into the tournament either playing in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape with a lot of experience throughout their squad.

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The Red Crosses are calm and composed when playing out from their first-line with their goalkeeper, Yann Mvogo of Lorient, showing ability with his feet.

We often see Switzerland breaking the press with their passes out from the first line before quickly launching aggressive attacking moves from that position.

Switzerland quickly move the ball wide or into the strikers feet or body before making runs to support this pass from deep.

Their midfielders will look to get forward to combine and break into the opposition area. 

In the more established attacking phase of the game, when they have the opposition pressed back into their own defensive third, Switzerland will push multiple players forward into advanced positions to occupy space.

They will have options at different depths in the final third and across the width of the pitch to break down the opposition.

How they defend

From the defensive side of the game we expect to see a versatile and varied approach to defending from Switzerland this summer.

At times they will work and press in a high block to look for opportunities to regain possession but they are also comfortable when dropping back in and defending in a deeper block.

They are limiting the spaces that the opposition can play into between the lines with this kind of positioning.

They are versatile, however, and at times we expect to see Switzerland defending in a far more aggressive manner as they will look to push players forward to defend high and man to man.

When doing so they are difficult to play through because they still defend and work as a unit with few spaces between the lines.

With the ball in the touchline the man in possession can do nothing but put the ball out of play.

Again though Switzerland will be versatile in their defensive structure and at times they will defend in a medium block to shut off the centre of the pitch for the opposition.

By defending in such a varied way, Switzerland will be difficult to break down for teams this summer.

Predicting the runners-up of Group A is a difficult task, with Hungary up there as favourites to finish second.

The Swiss might miss out on a top-two finish, but they could still progress to the knockout rounds as one of the four best third-placed nations.

But if Switzerland manage to win Group A , they will face the runners-up from Group C, which is likely to be Denmark. 

If they succeed in that Round of 16 tie, their quarter-final opponents will be the winners of Group B, which many predict to be Spain.

Latest odds

Switzerland are at 80/1 odds to win Euro 2024, alongside Serbia and Hungary.

Glam fans and Wags

The Switzerland squad will be cheered on by a host of glamorous wives and girlfriends.

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