by Norbert Aepli (cropped) / CC BY-SA 2.5

Switzerland's Cultural Gem Along the Rhine

A. About Basel

Nickname:The City of Fountains

Nestled along the mighty Rhine River, Switzerland's cultural capital, boasts over 40 museums, including the world-renowned Kunstmuseum and Fondation Beyeler, showcasing artistic masterpieces.

Basel's architectural landmarks include the Rathaus and Basel Minster, overlooking the Rhine. Home to leading pharmaceutical companies like Novartis and Roche, Basel is an innovation hub in life sciences.

Basel's annual Fasnacht Carnival is a cherished tradition, featuring elaborate parades and celebrating local folklore. A captivating destination, Basel offers a quintessential European experience with its strategic location, pedestrian-friendly design, safety standards, environment, gastronomy, and transport infrastructure.

The Good

Pedestrian Zones: Stretching through the historic city center, Basel's car-free zone is a testament to the city's commitment to sustainable urban living and enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.

Safety: Safety in Basel is a hallmark of Swiss precision, where efficient law enforcement and community engagement ensure a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.

Cleanliness: Cleanliness permeates every corner of Basel, reflecting a collective appreciation for environmental stewardship and civic pride.

People: The people of Basel epitomize warmth and cosmopolitan charm, embodying a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Their welcoming demeanor adds to the city's allure, making encounters memorable and enriching.

Transport: The city's efficient transport network seamlessly connects its diverse neighborhoods, offering residents and tourists convenient mobility within and beyond its borders.

Negative Aspects

Affordability: The city's affordability may pose problems for some travelers, with high prices for accommodation and food.

B. Best Things to Do in Basel in 2024

In total, we count twenty sights in Basel. The following sights contribute to a score of 5.80/10 in this highly important category:

# Kunstmuseum Basel 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Kunstmuseum Basel is home to one of Europe's oldest and most remarkable collections from medieval masters to 20th-century paintings.

In the halls of the gallery, you can admire the world's largest collection of paintings by the Holbein family as well as one of the most excellent Picasso exhibits outside of Paris.

Accessible from the original museum by a tunnel, a striking new (2016) extension across the street, called the Neubau, holds regularly outstanding temporary exhibits and displays selected items from the Kunstmuseum's permanent modernist collection.

      • Important Masterpieces: 14
      • Highlight: Bride of the Wind, Oskar Kokoschka (1914), 181 cm × 220 cm (71 in × 87 in)

Show Top 10 Paintings (click here)
Show Museum Score (click here)

Fine Arts Museum Gallery Space: ca. 10,000 m2 | Galleries: ca. 110 | Artworks on Display: ca. 1,000 | Established: 1661/1936

(Click on images to open in lightbox)

# Münster 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The two towering spires of Münster Basel dominate the city skyline, a testament to the city's rich history and architectural prowess. This majestic Romanesque cathedral, with its striking red sandstone facade and intricately carved portals, invites visitors to step back in time.

Climb the 242 steps to the top of the cathedral tower for the best panorama of Basel and the surrounding countryside.

Protestant Cathedral  Completed: 1019 - 1500 | Height: 67 m / Viewing Platform: 48 m | Style: Romanesque

by JGS25 / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Beyeler Fondation 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Tucked away amidst lush greenery within a park-like landscape on the outskirts of Basel lies the Beyeler Foundation, a modernist architectural gem designed by Renzo Piano.

The Beyeler Foundation is renowned for its exceptional temporary exhibitions, which showcase diverse themes and artists, enriching the museum's dynamic program and attracting art enthusiasts worldwide.

Art Museum

by PantaRhei / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Old Town 5.5 2.7 out of 5 stars

The enchanting Old Town Basel beckons with its cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and charming squares.

Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleyways lined with boutique shops, cafes, and centuries-old houses adorned with colorful frescoes.

Admire the majestic Rathaus (Town Hall) with its vibrant red facade and step into the past at the atmospheric Marktplatz, bustling with local vendors and historical landmarks.

City District

by Michielverbeek / CC BY-SA 4.0  

# Zoo 5.5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Experience the wild wonders of Zoo Basel, one of Europe's oldest and most respected zoological parks, located in a picturesque corner of the city.

Home to over 6,000 animals representing 600 species, this zoo offers a captivating journey through diverse habitats from the Swiss Alps to the African savannah.

Encounter endangered species like snow leopards, pygmy hippos, and tropical birds in beautifully recreated natural environments.

Zoo  Opened: 1874 | Land area: 11 hectares | Species: 628 | Animals: 7,000 | Annual Visitors [2022]: 1,180,000

by Хрюша / Public Domain  

# Rathaus 5.5 2.7 out of 5 stars

Rathaus Basel, situated in the heart of the city's Old Town, is a striking architectural gem that dates back to the 16th century.

This historic town hall boasts a vibrant red facade adorned with intricate frescoes depicting scenes of local lore and historical events.

Town Hall  

by Martin Abegglen / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Oberer Rheinweg 5.5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Oberer Rheinweg Basel offers a picturesque riverside promenade along the Rhine, where visitors can stroll amidst charming medieval buildings and quaint cafés.

This tranquil stretch provides breathtaking views of the river, with the majestic silhouette of Basel Minster in the backdrop.

River Promenade  

by Michielverbeek / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Jean Tinguely Museum 5.5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Jean Tinguely Museum Basel pays homage to the renowned Swiss artist whose kinetic sculptures captivate audiences with their whimsical, mechanical charm.

Nestled on the banks of the Rhine, this museum showcases Tinguely's playful and avant-garde creations, including intricate machines that come alive with motion and sound.

Art Museum (Kinetic Sculptures)

by Alan Philip Müller / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Antikenmuseum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Antikenmuseum Basel houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts spanning millennia, showcasing the art and culture of civilizations from Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Wander through its galleries to discover meticulously crafted sculptures, intricate pottery, and captivating mosaics that illuminate the daily life and beliefs of ancient societies.

Archaeological Museum

by Basmus / CC BY-SA 3.0 / 

# Tinguely Fountain 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This kinetic fountain is a mesmerizing spectacle of moving sculptures and cascading water, set against the backdrop of Basel's historic theater.

Its whimsical and choreographed movements reflect Tinguely's signature style, inviting passersby to marvel at the interplay between art, water, and the urban landscape.

Fountain  

by Andreas Praefcke / CC BY-SA 3.0

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

= World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Basel

– Rheinfähre 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Glide across the serene waters of the Rhine River aboard the historic Rheinfähre Basel, a cherished ferry service tracing its roots back to the 14th century.

The ferry's wooden deck and gentle chugging evoke a nostalgic charm, making it a beloved attraction for locals and visitors alike.

River Ferry  

by Pedelecs / CC BY-SA 3.0

– Papiermühle 5

Step inside this atmospheric museum to witness the ancient craft come to life, from the clatter of wooden machinery to the aroma of pulp and ink.

– Spielzeug Welten Museum 5  

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of toys at the Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel, where an extensive collection of antique dolls, model trains, and whimsical playthings awaits.

– Merian Gärten 5

Explore the botanical wonderland of the Merian Gärten Basel, a series of lush gardens and conservatories.

– Spalen Gate (Medieval Gatehouse) 5

– Historical Museum Barfüsserkirche  5

– Tierpark Lange Erlen (Small Zoo) 5

– Haus zum Kirschgarten (Museum) 5

– Dreiländereck (Vantage Point) 5  

– Pfalz (Lookout) 5  

– Messe Basel (Exhibition Center) 5  

– Naturhistorisches Museum (National History Museum) 5  

– Münsterplatz (Square) 5  

– Vitra Design Museum 5  

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Basel

Strasbourg 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Strasbourg enchants visitors with its blend of historic grandeur and modern vibrancy, nestled along the tranquil banks of the Ill River.

City  Distance from Basel: 136 km

Best Things to do in Strasbourg

by by Jonathan Martz /  CC BY-SA 4.0

Colmar (64 km from Basel) 6

Colmar beckons with its quaint streets, half-timbered houses, picturesque canals, and vibrant flower displays, offering a glimpse into the timeless allure of Alsace.

Zürich (87 km from Basel) 6

Zürich, a cosmopolitan hub on the shores of Lake Zürich, pulsates with dynamic energy, boasting a juxtaposition of modernity and tradition with its thriving arts scene, upscale shopping districts, and a vibrant culinary landscape.

Lucerne (100 km from Basel) 6

Nestled amid the picturesque Swiss Alps, Lucerne is a charming city renowned for its stunning natural beauty, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

Bern (99 km from Basel) 6

Bern, Switzerland's medieval gem, showcases a picturesque old town adorned with sandstone structures, encompassing the charm of its UNESCO World Heritage site, defined by cobbled streets and historic fountains.

Freiburg im Breisgau (70 km from Basel) 6

Freiburg im Breisgau captivates with its picturesque old town, nestled against the backdrop of the Black Forest, a vibrant hub of culture and innovation.

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Basel in 2024 (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Basel for at least two entire days:

Kunstmuseum Basel 6

Münster (Minster) 6

Beyeler Fondation 6

Old Town 5.5

Zoo 5.5

Rathaus 5.5

Oberer Rheinweg 5.5

Jean Tinguely Museum 5.5

Antikenmuseum 5

Tinguely Fountain 5

 

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