City tour Basel old town stories
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The big city of Basel is known for its contrasts. Here, contemporary architecture and charming historic buildings complement each other. The cosmopolitan flair can be seen mainly in the city's many museums. These include the Kunstmuseum Basel with the largest public art collection in Switzerland and the world-famous Fondation Beyeler art museum. Forty museums are spread throughout the city, making Basel one of the largest cultural centers in Europe.
Tradition is also alive and well in Basel. The Basel Carnival is the largest in Switzerland and attracts thousands of people every year to experience the "drey scheenschte Dääg". In autumn, the traditional Autumn Fair takes place, followed by the magical Christmas Market in winter. You'll never get bored in Basel.
In Basel, historic buildings meet modern architecture. This unusual combination is present throughout the city and makes sightseeing in the city of Basel particularly exciting.
An important landmark and the main sight in Basel is the Basel Cathedral. The red sandstone, the colorful roof tiles as well as the two slender towers are nowadays part of the Basel skyline
The former bishop's church was built over several centuries (1019-1500). As a result, a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles can be seen. You can also find the tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam in the minster, which is open daily.
You also have the possibility to climb the towers of the cathedral during opening hours. The 250 steps are quite a challenge. Afterwards you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of the city of Basel
Times | Mondays to Fridays (clock) | Saturdays (clock) | Sundays and public holidays (clock) |
---|---|---|---|
summer time | 10:00 - 17:00 | 10:00 - 16:00 | 11:30 - 17:00 |
wintertime | 11:00 - 16:00 | 11:00 - 16:00 | 11:30 - 16:00 |
Advent Season | 11:00 - 18:00 | 11:00 - 16:00 | 11:30 - 16:00 |
Carnival | 11:00 - 14:00 | 11:00 - 14:00 | 11:00 - 14:00 |
On certain days the minster is closed (e.g. 01 January, Good Friday, 24 December)
The historic center of the city consists of the old town of Grossbasel and Kleinbasel on the opposite side of the Rhine. Basel is one of the most intact old towns in Europe, hiding centuries-old buildings and over 300 fountains in its narrow streets. Grossbasel belonged to the prince-bishopric of Basel and Kleinbasel on the German side was part of the bishopric of Konstanz. Already at the end of the 14th century, both parts of the city united into one town.
Among the most important buildings within the Altstadt Kleinbasel are for example:
Some important buildings of the Altstadt Grossbasel are:
Ten bridges unite both parts of the old town. The old Mittlere Rheinbrücke is particularly striking. It has stood here since 1903, when it replaced the 13th-century Rhine bridge. Incidentally, the old bridge served as a place of execution until the middle of the 17th century. At the Käppeljoch, convicts were executed by drowning. However, if they were able to save themselves from the water, they were pardoned.
The charming old town still hides many secrets and exciting stories. The best thing to do is to stroll through the alleys on foot and let yourself be surprised. A city tour with old town stories is definitely worthwhile.
On Basel's Market Square you will find the seat of the Basel government and parliament. You'll recognize them by their striking red facades, which are decorated with ornate paintings. The tower is also very impressive. The town hall was built at the beginning of the 16th century and has been expanded ever since.
On weekdays, the political center of the canton is open for a visit. The romantic arcades of the tower, the stylish courtyard and the council chamber are the reason why the town hall is one of the most visited sights in the city
Modern architecture is also worth seeing in Basel. Messe Basel, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, is a recent landmark in the city and architecturally striking. Located in close proximity to the city center, the 25 modern conference rooms cover a total area of 141,000 square meters
However, the entrance to the trade fair center, the "City Lounge", which is located in the public space, is particularly worth a visit. The impressive hole in the middle is called the "window to heaven". The best way to reach Messe Basel is by streetcar lines 1 and 2, which stop directly in front of the fair
Completed in 2015, the building is 178 meters high and is the headquarters of the pharmaceutical company Roche Holding. Still under construction is the larger Roche Tower 2 at 205 meters, which may soon be followed by an even taller Roche Tower 3. The Roche Towers are thus the tallest towers in Switzerland.
The tall towers can be easily seen from the Mittlere Brücke or the Wettsteinbrücke. They represent the modernization of the city of Basel. The contrast of the charming old town and the imposing towers is particularly interesting to observe.
The History Museum consists of three exhibition venues: the Barfüsserkirche, the Music Museum and the Haus zum Kirschgarten. Admission can be purchased individually or together as a Kombi Ticket.
The Museum of the Barfüsserkiche focuses primarily on ecclesiastical works of art. Highlights include the Basel Dance of Death and the Basel Minster Treasure. Exhibits also include the region's rich archaeological heritage and collections from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The Music Museum is the largest of its kind in Switzerland and includes 3300 musical instruments. European musical instruments from 5 centuries are on display on three floors. Cabinets have been set up in 24 former prison cells. Here you have the possibility to select music samples and information via an interactive screen program.
In the Haus zum Kirschgarten you will find a residential museum with Basel living rooms of the 18th and 19th centuries. Another highlight of this museum is a cabinet exhibition on Sheikh Ibrahim. The building itself was built in the 18th century. It was built for the colonel and silk ribbon manufacturer Johann Rudolf Burckhardt.
The cultural city of Basel has a varied selection of over 40 museums. Not all of them can be visited in one trip, but a few are a must to experience Basel properly. You can't visit all the museums in one trip. But to really experience Basel, you should have seen some of them.
Market Hall: Built in 1929, the Market Hall is not only known for its numerous food stalls and weekly market. Impressive architecture can also be admired inside. The market hall offers a cozy atmosphere for a short break with regional specialties, food stalls, bars, small stores and sitting areas to relax.
Basel Zoo was opened in 1874 and is considered the oldest in Switzerland. Since then, it has been guiding visitors through the diversity of nature and animals all year round. Here, a total of over 7500 animals and 540 species from all over the world can be discovered. Highlights are definitely the aquarium, the sea lion feeding and the large monkey house
In addition, the "Zolli" is located in the center of the city of Basel and can be reached from the train station in just 10 minutes on foot.
Admission | Age (years) | Price (CHF) |
---|---|---|
Children | 6-15 | 10 |
Youths | 16-20 | 15 |
Adults | 21-64/65 | 21 |
seniors | from 64/65 | 19 |
IV recipients | all | 19 |
families | 2 adults and own children under 20 | 43 |
A small selection of other sights in Basel:
There is no shortage of exciting excursion destinations for all ages in the vicinity of the city. Roman excavations can be found about ten kilometers from Basel, if you drive along the Rhine in the direction of Rheinfelden. In addition, there are beautiful viewpoints to which you can drive or hike. You can reach the Wasserfallen as an excursion destination about 30 km south of Basel in 40 to 50 minutes by public transport.
The largest archaeological park in Switzerland is located in Augst. The impressive Roman theater and the museum with the largest silver treasure of late antiquity are particularly exciting to see. Here you can also visit the longest walkable sewer of the Roman period. It is the perfect destination for the whole family.
Augusta Raurica is a treasure trove of history not only for visitors. It is still one of the most important Roman sites in Switzerland. Every day, about 60 employees work to restore and conserve the finds
You can visit the outdoor facilities and the attached zoo for free, but an entrance fee is charged for the museum. The Augusta Raurica is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
The most famous mountain in the canton of Basel-Landschaft is located in the municipality of Eptingen. You can reach it by car via the A2 after 38 km. At 1099 m. above sea level, it is the highest point on the Belchen and offers a phenomenal view of the Alps, the Vosges and the Black Forest. Formerly an important observation post of the Hauenstein fortress, the Belchenfluh is now one of the most popular excursion destinations in the region.
The best place to start is the military road of the First World War, located on the southern slope, where colorful murals and stone engravings still recall the history. The last section of the trail takes you up a railing-secured staircase to the top. The easy hike is suitable for all ages and generally takes 2 to 4 hours
Ricola Herb Show Garden If you're in the mood for some nature, we suggest the popular hike along the Jura heights to Trogberg, where Ricola's headquarters are located. Open from May to September, after the 1.5 hour hike you can get to know the 13 Ricola herbs while enjoying the beautiful view of the Hohen Winde.
Läckerli Huus Basel's most famous specialty is definitely the Läckerli. At the Läckerli Huus in Frenkendorf, you can learn how the gingerbread-like pastry is made and taste the delicacies while overlooking the restaurant.
St. Alban The St. Alban quarter of Basel is a real insider tip. Here you will find lovingly restored houses mixed with modern architecture. Because of the small canals that run through the neighborhood, it is often called the "little Venice"
Ferry trip Not only by foot or with the "Trämli" you can get from A to B in the city. There are also 4 ferries that take you across the river just by the force of the current and connect Grossbasel with Kleinbasel. Look out for the St. Alban ferry, St. Johann ferry, Münster ferry and Klingenthal ferry
Fasnacht In February or March, experience Basel's "drey scheenste Dääg" with the three-day Fasnacht. Switzerland's largest carnival is an intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the highlight of the year for many. On the Monday after Ash Wednesday, the starting signal is given as early as 4 a.m. and is accompanied by thousands of hand-painted lanterns
Guest Card If you are staying in Basel or the surrounding area, we highly recommend asking for the free BaselCard. With it you can use public transport for free. You also get many discounts in Basel museums, the Basel Zoo or for passenger boat rides.
Basel's diversity can also be seen in its countless activities. There is something for every taste. Be it cultural, culinary or sporting, the possibilities are endless.
The most popular activities in Basel include:
Pack your clothes in the little "Rhy Fisch" and let yourself be carried by the gentle current of the Rhine through the old town. You can return to the shore whenever you want. Your clothes will stay dry thanks to your swimming bag (in the shape of a fish). The best place to get on is from the Tinguely Museum, where you can cool off and float for 2 km in summer.
As you have probably noticed, Basel has a lot to offer. To get an overview and really immerse yourself in the city, one of the numerous guided city tours in Basel will help. Whether it's a classic guided tour on the history of the city or a theatrical tour at night, the options are vast. Learn a lot about Basel traditions, exciting stories and discover hidden places that no one else knows.
In self-guided tours you have the opportunity to get to know both the culinary and the beery side of Basel.
Tired of all the walking? You can also explore the beautiful old town by Segway. On a guided Segway tour you will see the most important sights such as the cathedral, the city hall, the Tinguely Museum and other historic buildings. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the city of Basel.
You will experience the tour with an e-scooter in a very similar way.
Especially in bad weather, an Escape Game is a fun activity for families and groups. A selection of Escape Games is definitely not missing in Basel. Experience exciting puzzle fun with time pressure and track down hiding places and secret doors until you are free again. Depending on the Escape Game, the difficulty varies. As a rule, however, they are also suitable for children and do not require physical exertion.
Escape Games in Basel:
Discover Basel and the Rhine from a slightly different perspective aboard a passenger boat. The boats depart from Basel Schifflände and take you either through the urban side (harbor cruise) or through the heart of the city (city cruise). Depending on the season, you can also enjoy a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner on the ship, or take in the view at your leisure.
In summer, life in Basel largely takes place outdoors. People party, relax, do sports or work outdoors. Therefore, in summer there are also most outdoor events. During this time, the theaters in Basel are on summer break.
The most important outdoor summer events in Basel
These events are among the most highly regarded events
Basel is located in the northwest of Switzerland, bordering France and Germany. It is nestled between the Swiss Jura mountain range, the German Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains in Alsace. The city of Basel is easily accessible from all sides. Be it by car, public transport, plane or even by ship.
The city of Basel is very easy to reach by car. The city is located between the freeway intersections north-south and east-west and is well connected with Bern or Zurich. You can park at your hotel or in one of the numerous parking garages.
From Zurich you need about 1:30 hours via A3 to Basel, from Bern via A1 and A2 it takes about 1:15 hours.
Swiss Activities Tip:
If you prefer not to drive into the center of Basel, there is a good supply of Park&Ride facilities in the agglomeration. Drive to a nearby train station and park your car there for the day. With the S-Bahn you can travel comfortably and without traffic jams into the heart of the city of Basel.
The easiest way to get to Basel is by train. Every half hour you will find direct trains from Bern, Zurich or Lucerne to Basel. There are also trains from Germany and France to the main station several times a day. The journey time from the above-mentioned Swiss cities is about the same as by car.
There are two train stations in Basel: the train station Basel SBB and the train station Basel Badischer Bahnhof. The latter is located just across the border in Germany. So if you want to visit the city of Basel, the Basel SBB station is the one for you.
You can find a suitable accommodation for every budget and preference in the big city of Basel.
At the four-star GAIA Hotel, guests' well-being is the main focus. The family-run hotel with 86 rooms is located within walking distance of the old town and is lovingly and uniquely decorated. In addition, the GAIA Bio-Hotel offers a cozy wellness area and a rich breakfast made from regional products. What makes the hotel special is the emphasis on sustainability and the use of exclusively organic products.
Suitable for: Travelers on a budget with a sense of design and sustainability
This modern design hotel is located in the center of Basel's old town and offers an attractive price-performance ratio. Art is the theme in the hotel, which makes the decor unique. The One Lounge with work area is also quite practical, in case you need to do some work during your trip.
Suitable for: Mid-budget travelers, travelers with pets, digital nomads
In the picturesque St-Alban neighborhood, you'll find a more affordable place to stay at this award-winning youth hostel. The hostel is located in a historic building, but is stylish and modernly furnished. At the same time, you're centrally located to the Old Town, the Rhine River, and the legendary Basel Carnival.
Suitable for: Low budget travelers, families, groups, short stay
In Basel you can enjoy high-quality culinary variety. Whether food court, traditional cuisine or gourmet, here you will definitely find your happiness.
With 3 stars in the Guide Michelin and 19 Gault Millau points, Cheval Blanc is one of the top 100 restaurants in the world. Chef Peter Knogl uses the best ingredients to create refined creations of French haute cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. When the weather is nice, the meal can be enjoyed on the idyllic terrace on the banks of the Rhine
Specials: French cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences, higher price segment, gourmet, idyllic terrace, located on the banks of the Rhine
Brasserie Volkshaus in Basel combines tradition with modernity. The interior was designed by Herzog & de Meuron and offers a cozy atmosphere in urban style. The restaurant offers mainly Swiss and European cuisine. The brasserie offers simple lunch plates to filet de boeuf and satisfies all culinary desires.
Specials: Swiss, European cuisine, centrally located in the old town, medium to higher price range, historic building, cozy ambience, suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Vapiano Basel is cozily furnished and centrally located near the main train station. The chain offers freshly prepared pasta, pizza and salad with an open kitchen. Perfect for a good meal that needs to go a little faster
Specials: lower price segment, Italian cuisine, vegetarian and vegan options, good for families and groups
Basel is worth a visit mainly because of its cultural scene all year round. However, the numerous activities and events ensure that the city has something of interest for every visitor.