27 Things To Do In Basel
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- Museum (12)
- Sightseeing (3)
- Church & Cathedral (2)
- Landmark (2)
1. Tinguely Fountain
1 km from city center
Sightseeing
The Tinguely Fountain, located in Basel’s Theaterplatz, is an iconic kinetic water sculpture created by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely in 1977. Comprising whimsical, moving mechanical structures powered by water, the fountain reflects Tinguely’s playful artistic style and adds a dynamic charm to the square. Situated near Basel’s city center, it is a popular spot for visitors to admire the blend of art (Read More) and movement. The fountain operates year-round, though it freezes into a striking ice sculpture in winter.
2. Marktplatz
0 km from city center
Market Square, located in the heart of Basel’s Old Town, is a vibrant hub known for its daily market selling fresh produce, flowers, and regional specialties. The square is dominated by the striking Basel Town Hall, a red sandstone building with intricate frescoes and a Gothic-style tower. Easily accessible by tram, it serves as a central meeting point and a great starting place to explore Basel's (Read More) historic center.
3. Basel Cathedral
0 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
Basel Cathedral is a historic Gothic and Romanesque-style cathedral located in the heart of Basel, Switzerland, overlooking the Rhine River. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, it is known for its striking red sandstone exterior, twin towers, and intricate tiled roof. Visitors can explore the interior’s medieval artworks, climb the towers for panoramic city views, or relax in the adjacent P (Read More)falz terrace, a scenic spot above the Rhine.
4. Rhine Boat Tour
0 km from city center
Boating & Cruises
The Rhine Boat Tour in Basel offers a unique perspective of the city, featuring its charming Old Town, modern architecture, and iconic bridges. In addition to motorized sightseeing cruises, the tour includes traditional motorless boats (Fährimaa), which use the river's natural current to cross between banks. These crossings start at various points along the Rhine, such as near Münsterplatz. There (Read More)are several kinds of trips, such as brunch cruises, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises.
5. Basel Town Hall
0 km from city center
Landmark
Basel Town Hall, located in the heart of Basel's Old Town at Marktplatz, is a striking red sandstone building known for its ornate façade and colorful frescoes. This 16th-century structure serves as the seat of the Basel government and parliament. Visitors can admire its intricate architectural details from the outside and explore its courtyard, which features historic sculptures and murals.
6. Toy Museum
1 km from city center
Museum
The Toy Museum Basel Is a fascinating museum for toy enthusiasts and history aficionados, old playthings are displayed. It exhibits a vast collection of antique dolls, beloved board games, intricate mechanical toys, and contemporary collectibles including, Steiff, Barbie, Lego, and more.
Top Hotels In Basel
7. Basel Old Town
1 km from city center
Neighborhood
Old Town Basel is the historic heart of Basel, Switzerland, located on both sides of the Rhine River. Known for its medieval charm, it features cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and iconic landmarks like the Basel Minster and the Town Hall. The area is dotted with quaint shops, cafés, and museums, offering visitors a blend of history and culture.
8. Explore Christmas Markets
1 km from city center
Shopping Market
The Basel Christmas Market, located in Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, is one of Switzerland’s most charming holiday markets. Known for its festive atmosphere, it features over 100 beautifully decorated wooden stalls offering handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and traditional Swiss specialties. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, raclette, and gingerbread while exploring the illuminated streets and th (Read More)e iconic Christmas tree at Münsterplatz.
9. Spalenberg
0 km from city center
Commercial Street
Spalenberg Basel is an alluring historical street nestled in the heart of Basel's captivating old town.The streets are lined with an array of boutiques, shops, and artisanal workshops, where you can discover unique treasures and take home a piece of Basel's creative spirit.
10. Gate of Spalen
1 km from city center
Sightseeing
The Gate of Spalen is a well-preserved medieval city gate located at the edge of Basel’s Old Town, approximately a 10-minute walk from the city center. Built in the 14th century, it features a striking central tower flanked by two smaller round towers, adorned with intricate stonework and Basel's heraldic symbols.
11. Border Triangle Basel
3 km from city center
Landmark
The Border Triangle Basel, located near the Rhine River in Basel, marks the meeting point of three countries: Switzerland, Germany, and France. This unique landmark features a small monument and is accessible by a short walk from the Dreiländereck area. Visitors can stand at the crossroads of three nations and enjoy views of the river and surrounding industrial areas. The site is a popular stop fo (Read More)r tourists.
12. Fondation Beyeler
6 km from city center
Museum
Fondation Beyeler is a museum of modern and contemporary art. It aims to promote access to art, cultural education, and experiences. It bears the collections of Ernst and Hildy. Beyeler. The place showcases the works of various veteran artists on a rotational basis in form of exhibitions.
13. Jean Tinguely Museum
2 km from city center
Museum
The Jean Tinguely Museum is a museum showcasing the biggest collection of Jean tinguely’s work in form of a permanent exhibition. The museum presents a visually striking backdrop that harmoniously complements Tinguely's imaginative kinetic sculptures, which delight eyes.
14. Paper Mill Museum Basel
1 km from city center
Museum
The Paper Mill Museum in Basel is located in the St. Alban district, a picturesque area often referred to as "Basel’s Venice." This historic museum showcases the art of papermaking, printing, and bookbinding with interactive exhibits that allow visitors to create their own handmade paper. Set in a restored medieval mill, it offers a hands-on exploration of traditional crafts.
15. Fine Arts Museum
1 km from city center
Museum
The Fine arts museum Basel is home to the oldest collection of public art in the World.. It is home to several masterpieces from medieval as well as contemporary times. It features popular artworks of legendary artists like Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, and Henri Rousseu to name a few.
16. Dollhouse Museum
1 km from city center
Museum
The Dollhouse Museum Basel is located in the heart of Basel on Barfüsserplatz. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of antique teddy bears, dolls, dollhouses, and miniatures, with over 6,000 items displayed across four floors. Visitors can explore intricately designed exhibits showcasing craftsmanship and historical toys, making it a fascinating destination for both children and adults (Read More).
17. Caricature & Cartoon Museum
1 km from city center
Museum
The Caricature & Cartoon Museum is Switzerland's only museum dedicated exclusively to satirical art, caricatures, and comics. Located in the heart of Basel’s Old Town near the Münsterplatz, it showcases an extensive collection of original works by renowned artists, including Tomi Ungerer and Wilhelm Busch. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions featuring political satire, humor, and artistic st (Read More)orytelling.
18. Rehberger-Weg
5 km from city center
Sightseeing
Rehberger-Weg is a 6 km long sculpture trail that connects the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen and the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein. This cross-border path boasts lush green plants, fresh air and art. It is a path that connects two countries, two communities, and two places of historical significance.
19. Botmingen Castle
4 km from city center
Forts & Palaces
Bottingen Castle, nestled amidst the serene and picturesque Swiss countryside is a medieval fortress. Its architectural style is a stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance influences, showcasing intricate details and timeless grandeur. It is surrounded by tranquil gardens.
20. Lange Erlen Animal Park
2 km from city center
Garden & Park
Lange Erlen, unveils a hidden gem: a sprawling nature reserve and park spanning a remarkable 80 hectares. The park's extensive network of trails and pathways offers an invitation to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, whether you prefer a leisurely stroll, invigorating jog, or cycling.
21. Basel Historical Museum
1 km from city center
Museum
The Basel Historical Museum is a renowned museum showcasing a treasure trove of Basel's rich history through its extensive collection, a staggering assemblage of over 500,000 artifacts that chronicle Basel and its surroundings. The museum's architectural marvels are also a sight to behold.
22. Museum of Contemporary Art
1 km from city center
Museum
The Museum of Contemporary Art Basel, with its compelling collection of contemporary artworks from renowned global artists like Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, and Gerhard Richter, is a dynamic museum offering visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of modern art.
23. Museum of Antiquities and the Ludwig Collection
1 km from city center
Museum
The Museum of Antiquities and Ludwig Collection Basebeckons art enthusiasts and history aficionados with its captivating blend of ancient and contemporary masterpieces. Immerse yourself in a world where time intertwines, where antiquities and modern art coexist in harmony.
24. Museum of Cultures Basel
1 km from city center
Museum
Nestled in the vibrant city of Basel, Switzerland, the Museum of Cultures is a museum with a vast collection of art, artifacts, and objects from civilizations around the world, revealing the extraordinary diversity of human expression and traditions that have shaped our shared history.
25. Vitra Design Museum Basel
5 km from city center
Museum
The Vitra Design Museum is a renowned institution dedicated to the exploration and showcasing of design, both historical and contemporary, and its intersection with architecture, art, and daily life. It hosts two significant temporary exhibitions every year, with an array of events, workshops, and guided tours.
26. St Alban
2 km from city center
Church & Cathedral
Nestled within the enchanting St. Alban district of Basel is St. Alban Church. Its graceful architecture represents the interplay of human devotion. It is known for its architectural details, each brushstroke of artistry and every embellishment telling a story of devotion and reverence.
27. Basel Zoo
1 km from city center
Zoo
The Basel Zoo, in Basel, Switzerland, is an exceptional destination that showcases the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom. Its modern and inviting state-of-the-art facility provides visitors with an immersive experience featuring a remarkable collection of over 600 species from around the world.
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FAQs on Basel
What are the top hotels in Basel?
There are 403 Hotels in Basel which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Basel are B&B Bättwil, Sgl Apartment, AVLiving City INSIDE NINE Basel, MFH Riehen, Cosy Basel 1, Baselblick. You can see all the hotels in Basel here
What are the top sightseeing places in Basel?
The top sightseeing places in Basel are MÙnster, Marktplatz, Gate of Spalen, Dollhouse Museum, Tinguely Fountain, PapiermÙhle.
How can I commute within Basel?
A lot of tourists who flock to Basel prefer to get around on foot, as it is not only a great exercise, but also convenient, owing to the tiny lanes and side streets. Apart from that, Basel also has a large tram and bus network. You can avail of a free Mobility Pass once you check into your hotel. This pass allows you free travel, without any limits, in Basel and in the suburbs area, including the airport. This pass is valid throughout the course of your stay. If you'd like to ride around this scenic city on a bicyle, rent-a-bike options are also available. You could rent a bicycle from the Rent-a-Bike park, located under Basel's SBB Railway Station, at Centralbahnplatz. You can also take a ride across the River Rhine, in one of the ferry boats. One river crossing would cost you CHF 1.60 (adults) and CHF 0.80 (children).¾
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