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Things to Do in Basel, Switzerland
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Basel, Switzerland
1. Basel Minster
View details, tips, opening times & moreExperience breathtaking city views from towering heights. Unique tiles and ancient stonework make your visit visually stunning and memorable.
Quick facts: The cathedral's twin towers reach impressively into Basel's skyline, offering a striking view that contrasts beautifully with the Rhine River nearby. Intricate carvings and colorful tile roofs draw visitors' eyes, showcasing a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles that tell centuries of artistic evolution.
Highlights: The south tower staircase allows a climb up for panoramic views of the city and the Rhine, a perspective few get to enjoy. The patterned red sandstone exterior and vibrant roof tiles create a kaleidoscope effect under the sunlight, which looks spectacular in the afternoon light.
2. Kunstmuseum Basel
View details, tips, opening times & moreDiscover the oldest public painting collection anywhere. Experience a captivating journey from medieval to modern art with breathtaking architecture.
Quick facts: A treasure trove of art, this museum hosts the world's oldest public collection of paintings. Its vibrant collection spans from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, including masterpieces by Holbein and Picasso.
Highlights: Peek into a room where Basel's urban life is captured through over 6,000 drawings and prints, illustrating life in vivid detail. The museum's striking modern extension, designed by Christ & Gantenbein, offers a dramatic contrast to the historic building, with natural light perfectly illuminating artworks.
3. Tinguely Fountain
View details, tips, opening times & moreWatch quirky machines dance in a watery spectacle worth every minute. Experience a playful fusion of art and mechanics that will captivate all your senses.
Quick facts: A charming spectacle of moving mechanical sculptures, the fountain cycles through whimsical water and metal dances powered by a complex system of pumps. Named after an influential Swiss artist, the artwork humorously captures the energy and chaos of industrial machinery.
Highlights: Strong bursts of water animate scores of interlocking, rusty metal contraptions, creating a lively performance that feels part sculpture, part machine orchestra. A surprising 50 separate water jets sync with mechanical movements to bring this kinetic artwork to life in the city plaza.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Basel, Switzerland, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Spalentor
View details, tips, opening times & moreStep into medieval times through one of the last surviving city gates. Experience striking architecture and vibrant local traditions in a unique setting.
Quick facts: The gate is one of the three remaining city gates from Basel's old fortifications. Its stunning red sandstone walls glow warmly in the afternoon sun, making it a favorite photo spot among visitors.
Highlights: What sets this gate apart is its two elegant towers topped with green copper roofs that contrast beautifully against the red stone. During the annual Fasnacht festival, lantern parades wind through here, adding a magical glow that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
5. Museum Tinguely
View details, tips, opening times & moreExperience kinetic art like never before with moving, sound-producing machines. Watch mechanical sculptures dance and clank in harmony for a lively, unique visit.
Quick facts: Kinetic art sculptures come alive with movement and sound here, making the experience dynamic and interactive. The museum is dedicated to Jean Tinguely, a Swiss artist known for his playful mechanical machines.
Highlights: Visitors can see machines powered by water and motors that perform choreographed dances, clanking and spinning in mesmerizing patterns. The centerpiece, Meta-Harmonie, is a massive multi-part installation where mechanical sculptures collaborate in a symphony of noise and motion.
6. Rhein River
View details, tips, opening times & moreDive into the lively Rhine River scene: swim, stroll, or savor riverside festivals. Feel the pulse of local life and dazzling water views at every turn.
Quick facts: The Rhein River stretches over 1,230 kilometers and flows through six countries before reaching the North Sea. Its waters have shaped the culture and economy of Basel, making the city a historic trading hub.
Highlights: During the annual Rhine Swim, thousands dive into the brisk current to float downstream together, a tradition dating back to 1969. The riverbanks light up in summer with local festivals, music, and picnics, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
7. Old Town Basel
View details, tips, opening times & moreDiscover charming streets filled with deep history and color. Experience a lively marketplace and stunning river views that captivate every visitor.
Quick facts: Winding cobblestone streets reveal over 20 centuries of vibrant history. Magnificent medieval buildings mix with vibrant, modern art installations, showcasing a unique blend of past and present.
Highlights: Picturesque houses painted in pastel colors line the Rhine River, where you can watch colorful riverboats glide by. The vibrant marketplace buzzes with local vendors selling fresh produce and traditional Swiss treats, creating a lively sensory feast.
8. Basel Zoo
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore a wildlife haven with over 180 species showcasing nature's wonders. Experience close animal encounters and innovative habitats that feel vibrant and alive.
Quick facts: The zoo houses over 600 animals representing around 180 species, offering a diverse wildlife experience. It plays a significant role in European conservation programs, especially for endangered species like the European bison.
Highlights: The Elephant House features a unique underfloor heating system keeping the animals warm during cold Swiss winters, visible through a special glass floor for visitors. The zoo’s petting barn allows guests, especially kids, to interact up close with farm animals, creating memorable hands-on experiences.
9. Basel Botanical Garden
View details, tips, opening times & moreDiscover an amazing variety of plants from around the world in one peaceful spot. Wander through vibrant gardens and experience the calm beauty of exotic and native species.
Quick facts: Over 6,000 plant species thrive within vibrant, beautifully maintained gardens in a compact 4-hectare area. The garden serves as a living museum for plants, with some specimens sourced from all corners of the globe, including rare alpine plants that survive harsh winters.
Highlights: A standout feature involves a unique collection of succulents arrayed in geometric glasshouses, creating an almost futuristic vibe amid lush greenery. Visitors can spot a remarkable ancient ginkgo tree that reportedly dates back to the 18th century, a silent living witness to centuries of botanical research.
Additional popular things to do in Basel, Switzerland
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Basler Läckerli
Basler Läckerli is a traditional spiced biscuit originating from Basel, made with honey, almonds, candied peel, and Kirsch. It dates back to the 15th century and is still a beloved treat during Christmas time.
Mässmogge
Mässmogge are soft caramel candies filled with nuts and spices, traditionally sold at Basel's autumn fair. Their name means 'fair lips', symbolizing the joy of the festival.
Basler Mehlsuppe
Though technically a savory dish, Basler Mehlsuppe is sometimes enjoyed in a sweeter version during festivals. It is a flour-based soup often served during Fasnacht, the Basel carnival.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Basler Mehlsuppe
Basler Mehlsuppe is a rich flour soup with caramelized onions and broth, traditionally consumed at the start of Basel's Fasnacht carnival. It warms up revelers during the chilly event.
Basler Brunsli
Basler Brunsli are spiced chocolate cookies that combine spices and almonds for a distinct taste. Though more sweet than savory, they are used as a festive treat in Basel.
Zwiebelkuchen
Zwiebelkuchen is an onion tart popular in Basel and the surrounding regions. It's a hearty dish often enjoyed with new wine in autumn.
Traditional Beverages
Basler Rheinfelder
Basler Rheinfelder is a refreshing local white wine produced in the Basel region, known for its crisp and fruity character. It pairs well with many traditional Basel dishes.
Whisky from Basel
Though not traditional, Basel now has a growing craft whisky scene, with distilleries producing distinct Swiss whiskies. This modern beverage trend complements Basel's culinary culture.
Basler Läckerli Likör
Basler Läckerli Likör is a liqueur inspired by the famous Basler Läckerli biscuits, blending spices and honey flavors. It's a popular digestif enjoyed in Basel.
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Most popular day trips
Colmar, France
Charming town with medieval architecture and famous Christmas markets.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Picturesque city with lake views and access to Mt. Pilatus.
Black Forest, Germany
Scenic forested region with hiking trails and quaint villages.
Rent a car in Basel, Switzerland
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Main rail hub connecting Switzerland, Germany, and France
From EuroAirport, take the tram line 8 to Basel city center in around 20 minutes.
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