What to Do in Basel, Switzerland?

When it comes to finding things to do in a new city, there are seemingly infinite possibilities – and Basel, Switzerland is no exception. From exploring the city’s historical cobblestone streets and visiting some of its many museums, to discovering its park-lined river paths and enjoying the nightlife, there’s something for everyone in the vibrant Swiss city. So, if you’re planning a visit, what should you include in your itinerary?

Explore the Old Town

Set at the point where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, Basel is a city of three parts – the Rhineland-influenced Old Town in the east, the hilly Kleinbasel (“Small Basel”) across the river, and SBB-Lokalbahnhof with its grand station buildings to the west. The Old Town is where visitors should first head for a dose of local culture – it’s a maze of cobbled alleys lined with Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance-era buildings. As the city’s oldest part, it claims several important landmarks worth seeing, too. Chief among them is the 11th-century St. Martin’s Cathedral, an imposing structure with imposing 15th-century spires. It’s worth climbing to the top of one of the two 275-foot belfries for spectacular views across Basel’s colorful rooftops and onion-domed church towers. Nearby lies Basel Minster – a magnificent 13th-century Romanesque cathedral rising impressively above a playground of turreted houses – while the remains of Basel’s city walls reveal a glimpse of its medieval past. Also worth visiting baroque Tinguely Fountain on Theaterplatz square – one of twelve city fountains dotted around the Old Town. It was created by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely in 1984 and is easy to spot for its whimsical kinetic sculptures. https://www.basel.com/en/experiences/old-town

Check Out the Museums

Basel is known for its cultural hotspots and once you’ve explored the Old Town, it’s time to head over to Kunstmuseum Basel. Housed in two Neo-Renaissance buildings dating back to 1871, this excellent museum is home to more than 3,000 paintings – making it Switzerland’s oldest art collection. Highlights include works by the great masters such as Holbein, Rubens and Cranach, while contemporary art lovers must check out its collection of Young British Art by Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and other edgy talents – it’s a must-visit. The adjacent Museum für Gegenwartskunst (Contemporary Arts Museum) is also top of any art fan’s list for its exhibits featuring works from rotating contemporary artists and major modern art retrospectives held throughout the year. Nearby is Kunsthalle Basel which displays a variety of works from international artists from around the world. Fiction fans should also make time to visit Paperworld – a permanent exhibit devoted entirely to books. https://www.basel.com/en/experiences/museums

Take a Riverside Stroll

Basel is built on both sides of the Rhine river and tours by boat are available year-round, offering magnificent views of the city from this unique angle. Or you can check out what lies on ground level by taking a leisurely stroll along the The Rhine Promenade. There, you can discover an extensive network of spacious parks and waterside paths lined with benches and playgrounds that stretch from Kleinbasel towards SBB-Lokalbahnhof (“Basel Central Station”). https://www.basel.com/en/experiences/rhineThe weekend brings with it a bustling street market filled with delicious food stalls, while the entire promenade lights up with poignantly pretty Christmas illuminations year-round – particularly spectacular when seen from onboard one of Basel’s romantic evening cruises along the Rhine.

Embrace Nightlife Culture

Basel’s carries on well into the evening with an electrifying nightlife scene mostly found in Kleinbasel and along Marktgasse in the Old Town’s Masters district (known as Barfi). Start with a sundowner at one of the numerous waterside bars that open in the warmer months – perfect for sampling Swiss specialities such as kirsch or absinthe or for enjoying live Jazz performances – before heading out for drinks at some of Basel’s many beer gardens, bars or theatres which specialize in everything from symphony music to modern electro DJ sets. Those looking to meet locals can stop off at one of several Irish bars nestled among Barfi’s cobbled streets, or dance until late at one of Kleinbasel’s popular clubs such as Velvet or Robert Johnson – an underground hotspot dedicated to electronic music that spills out onto the promenade year-round. https://www.basel.com/en/experiences/nightlife

Conclusion

Basel is a city full of life and culture that can be enjoyed day and night – from exploring its historical cobblestone streets and visiting many of its world-renowned museums, to discovering its park-lined river paths surrounded by vegetation and its vibrant nightlife scene – there’s something for everyone in this welcoming Swiss city! Whether you’re looking for ways to take in the culture on offer or have an appreciation for art galleries and modern theater productions – or prefer outdoor adventures or tranquil river cruises – Basel very much has it all!