Basel, situated along the curve of the Rhine River boasts an array of attractions. Whether its the buildings, ancient churches or captivating art installations, in public spaces Basel offers a wide range of experiences.
Exploring Basel by foot is highly recommended, in the Old Town where many attractions are conveniently located close to each other.
With its blend of history and modernity Basel exudes a tapestry of culture and diversity. The juxtaposition of landmarks and contemporary architecture creates an ambiance that draws visitors from, around the globe.
1. Basel Minster – Basel landmark
The Basel Minster, a city landmark stands out as one of Basels attractions. Its distinctive red sandstone architecture, rooftop tiles and twin church spires beautifully define the citys skyline. Originally constructed as a bishops church, between 1019 and 1500 it now serves as the Protestant Reformed Church with a blend of Romanesque and Gothic influences.
Basel Minster
The cathedral beautifully blends together two styles; Romanesque and Gothic. Following its damage, during the earthquake of 1356 it was reconstructed in adherence to Gothic architectural principles though the lower section retained its Romanesque design.
The light hued sandstone blocks from the earthquake era serve as visible remnants of this restoration effort creating a striking contrast, with the predominantly pink sandstone.
2. Basel Town Hall – Basel landmark
The imposing Basel City Hall, located in the heart of the Old Town, is the seat of the Basel government and parliament. It impresses with its striking red façade, imposing tower and artistic façade paintings.
Basel City Hall
The intricate paintings, on the exterior of Basel City Hall portray a range of events and symbols recounting tales from the past of Basel and Switzerland. Among them are depictions from the Basel Dance of Death a series of paintings adorning the buildings facades.
The Dance of Death illustrates death beckoning individuals from backgrounds to partake in a dance serving as a poignant reminder of their mortality. This portrayal holds historical significance, within the town halls facade artwork.
3. Basel old town
The old town of Basel is renowned for its maintained historic city center considered one of Europes finest. Its charming narrow. Secret squares, graced by, over 200 fountains visitors alike. The area boasts centuries structures, including notable landmarks, like the grand town hall and the striking Basel Cathedral.
Basel old town
The old town of Basel is truly remarkable, for its architecture. One striking example is the Mittlere Brücke, which has retained its design since 1905. A previous version of the bridge was present at the location early as 1220. This spot offers a view of the Basel skyline and the majestic Basel Minster.
Another notable attraction is the Pfalz, a terrace located behind the cathedral that provides a vantage point. It’s worth pausing to take in the views of Kleinbasel, the Rhine River, the Black Forest and the Vosges mountains. The breathtaking scenery, from Pfalz is truly awe inspiring.
4. Zoo Basel
The Zoo Basel is one of the top highlights in Basel and is a green paradise in the middle of the city. With its unique park landscape and close proximity to the animals, such as the fascinating world of birds, it offers an inspiring and relaxing experience. The colorful diversity and melodic songs of the birds transport visitors into a sensual world.
Armored rhinoceros Zoo Basel
Established in 1874 Basel Zoo stands out not as Switzerlands zoo but also its largest housing, over 7,000 animals representing 600 different species. The zoo has gained recognition for its conservation efforts, particularly in breeding programs for endangered species like the Indian rhinoceros, the dwarf hippopotamus and the western lowland gorilla.
Despite its size of 13 hectares Basel Zoo is celebrated as one of Europes zoological institutions. Visitors can immerse themselves in animal habitats. Witness a wide array of species up close.
Basel Zoo remains dynamic and ever evolving. With expanded enclosures providing space for the animals and the addition of new species, to its collection there is always something exciting to discover at the zoo.
5. Spalentor
The Spalentor, a former city gate of the city of Basel, is one of the most impressive and beautiful city gates in Switzerland. It is part of the outer city wall of Basel and corresponds to the former Spalenschwibbogen, which was located on the inner city wall. The Spalen Gate is one of only three remaining city gates and is a listed building.
Spalentor Basel
The gate consists of an imposing gate tower 40.3 meters high with a square ground plan. It is flanked by two round towers that project into the moat. These towers are 28.15 meters high, octagonal at the top and crowned with battlements. The former flat tent roofs were destroyed in a storm in 1842.
6. St. Alban Quarter
The St. Alban quarter is characterized by its exquisite charm and lush green spaces, which is why it is considered one of the most distinguished and greenest areas in Basel. There are numerous villa districts here, which were once and still are inhabited by prestigious and wealthy Basel families.
This district is a place of romance, amazement, mystery and legendary stories. The lovingly restored streets and buildings are criss-crossed by small canals and are a real insider tip.
St. Alban
History and the present, traditional crafts and early industrial buildings, old half-timbered houses and modern architecture are combined here. The medieval paper mill and the renowned Museum of Contemporary Art are located here. The St. Alban quarter offers you the opportunity to experience life in the city, both in the past and today, in a unique way.
7. Basel Art Museum
The Basel Art Museum, which was voted the fifth best museum in the world by the Times of London in 2013, is known worldwide and is home to the oldest public art collection in the world. The extension, which is connected underground to the main building and was designed by Basel architects Christ & Gantenbein, was recently opened. As a result, the museum now has around a third more exhibition space in an impressive architectural setting.
Basel Art Museum
The main building on St. Alban-Graben houses works of art from the period between the 15th century and 1960. In future, special exhibitions will be presented in the spacious rooms of the extension, and works from the years between 1960 and 1990 will also be on display here.
Together, the three buildings of the Basel Art Museum offer an exhibition space of around 10,000 square meters.
The art museum’s collection, known as the Öffentliche Kunstsammlung Basel, comprises around four thousand paintings, sculptures, installations and videos as well as three hundred thousand drawings and prints spanning seven centuries. This makes it the largest public art collection in Switzerland.
8. Museum Fondation Beyeler
The Fondation Beyeler was founded in 1997, and since then the museum has developed into a prestigious institution. It is housed in an architecturally impressive building designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano. The museum is surrounded by an idyllic park landscape and offers an inspiring environment for the presentation of works of art.
Fondation Beyeler Museum, Riehen-Basel
The Fondation Beyeler’s collection includes an impressive selection of masterpieces by important artists such as Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Wassily Kandinsky and many others. The works cover a period from classical modernism to contemporary art and give visitors a comprehensive insight into the development of art across different eras.
The museum is known for its high-caliber exhibitions, in which important artists and major art movements are presented. These exhibitions regularly attract an international audience and contribute to the Fondation Beyeler’s reputation as a leading art institution.
9. Museum Tinguely
The Museum Tinguely is one of the top highlights in Basel and is a renowned art museum dedicated to the life and works of the artist Jean Tinguely. It was opened on October 3, 1996 and is located in Solitudepark on the right bank of the Rhine.
Museum Tinguely
The museum was presented to the city and region of Basel by F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG as a gift to mark the company’s 100th anniversary. It houses an impressive collection of Tinguely’s artworks and presents both a permanent exhibition and changing guest exhibitions curated by Tinguely’s friends and other well-known artists.
The museum building was designed by renowned architect Mario Botta and is a work of art in its own right. The central hall offers space for up to twenty works by Tinguely and is an impressive space. A special architectural feature of the museum is the elongated, elevated building on the south side, which appears separate from the main part of the museum. This area serves as a kind of promenade over the banks of the Rhine, which visitors have to cross, offering them a fascinating view of the river.
The Museum Tinguely houses the world’s largest collection of Jean Tinguely’s works, making it the central point of contact for anyone interested in his life and work.
10. Binningen Castle
Binningen Castle
The Binningen Castle is now a castle that houses a restaurant with an adjoining hotel. The complex was originally designed as a moated castle, but the surrounding pond was filled in in 1772.
Binningen Castle is located in a picturesque little park, directly alongside the streetcar line to Basel. It is a rectangular building with a charming inner courtyard. A small round tower rises on the south-eastern corner, while the restaurant’s magnificent outdoor terrace is located on the eastern side.
The exterior façade of the castle is bright white and the windows are framed by red sandstone, giving the building a unique charm.
Video BASEL SWITZERLAND: Top 10 Things to Do | Tourist attractions + Tour of the City | Museums, Rhine +
Hi Guys! We’re so excited to give you our Basel travel guide! Join us on our walking tour of the city, hitting all of the major tourist attractions along the way – we’ll check out the Kunstmuseum, float down the Rhine & more!
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