Visit Basel: what are the best things to do and see in this Swiss city on the border of France and Germany?
Although it is not as clinching as Zürich and does not have the grace of Geneva, Basel is in many ways more sophisticated than the other two Swiss cities. Located on the border of two countries with the most assured personality in Europe, France and Germany, and installed directly on the banks of the Rhine, Basel has experienced remarkable growth from an urban and cosmopolitan point of view, but it is deliciously eccentric as well. This medieval town, a 30-minute drive from Mulhouse, is rich in architecture, and requires only to be explored. Here are the best things to do in Basel !
1. Basler Münster, Basel Cathedral
Wikimedia – Norbert Aepli
The one called Münster is a rare cathedral. It is built in red sandstone and is an imposing structure. What makes this building so singular is the irregular construction of its two towers. Apart from this, architecture is beautiful. The original building was built between 1019 and 1050 but was damaged in an earthquake in the 14th century. It was rebuilt and sheltered tomb of world renowned theologian, Erasmus (Erasmus) The church is also known for its chair which was built from a single stone block.
2. Rathaus Basel, Basel City Hotel
Flickr – Robert Cutts
Switzerland has a lot of Rathaus , or city hotels, but that of Basel is perhaps the most striking: blood red walls, golden details, a pretty roof of tiles, all crowned by a huge tower. It dominates Marktplatz (marketplace). The main building, with arcades, is a late Burgundian Gothic style (1504-1521). The new wing to the left and the high turn to the right are additions of the 19th century. L’ clock on the façade dates from 1511-1512. The murals in the inner courtyard dates from 1608 to 1611 and were restored. The statue (1574) on the exterior staircase represents the legendary founder of the city, Lucius Munatius Plancus. You can see the two rooms of the council (la Regierungsratssaal with its impressive woodwork and Grossratsaal , which contains the 15 blasons of the Swiss cantons).
3. Marktplatz, around the market square
Wikimedia – Gryffindor
The Marktplatz, or marketplace, is the main square in Basel. It is on this one that you will find the Rathaus as well as many other buildings, museums and activities to do. Walk in the direction of Freie Strasse to admire the Gelten Zunfthaus (1578) of the Renaissance. At n° 25, the house of the locker company, beautifully decorated in a baroque style in 1733, now houses a restaurant. At n°34, Hausgenossen House has attractive wall paintings.
Don't miss visiting Museum of Pharmacy University of Basel, which is dedicated to the history of pharmacy. It is one of the richest museums in the field. No wonder Basel is today a major hub of the world pharmaceutical industry. This museum is located in 3 Totengässlein .
To the northwest of the Marktplatz, we find the small Fischmarkt (marked to fish) with a gothic fountain.
4. Münsterplatz
Flickr – Robert Cutts
The Marktplatz and the Münsterplatz are separated by the Freie Strasse. This is where you will find the Cathedral of Basel. From this place again, there are many things to see:
On the street Augustinergasse (photo), which extends north-west of the Münsterplatz, you will see a neo-classical building that houses the Münsterplatz Natural History Museum . At the back of this one is the Ethnography Museum with exhibitions on Melanesia and Oceania. The collections are the result of the museum's own expeditions.
Then, direction the Reformed Church Martinskirche Take: Augustinerstrasse joining the Rheinsprung, which descends to the bridge Mittlere Brücke, passing the former University on the left. Find Martinsgasse, which is parallel to the Rheinsprung. It is on this street that you can see two patrician houses to know the Blaues Haus (Blue House) and the Weisses Haus (House Blanche) built between 1763 and 1770 for rich silk merchants. At the end of the street, on a square with a fountain, stands the Saint-Martin church (1398), the oldest church in the parish of Basel.
5. Kunstmuseum, Basel Museum of Art
Flickr – 準علامنمية Forgemind ArchiMedia
This museum of exquisite art houses an impressive permanent collection of works from the 19th and 20th centuries (including a whole room full of Picasso masterpieces), as well as a vast collection of paintings by European artists from medieval and Renaissance times (Hans Baldung Grien, Hans Holbein, among others).
Under the same sign, but in a separate building, the Museum for Gegenwartskunst , emphasizes, as the German name suggests, contemporary art. With the Fondation Beyeler , these two collections are essential for art lovers.
6. The Museum Tinguely
Flickr – Unknown
In the midst of all the museums and galleries that you can visit in Basel, the most eccentric is surely the one dedicated to the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely . He was born in Fribourg, but grew up in Basel, and created the most amazing sculptures you’ve ever seen. Many give the impression of being created by a mad scientist using recovery materials like those of a laboratory or engine. If you thought the Swiss were dull and boring, this museum will change your opinion.
7. Taste the Läckerli
Flickr – Frank
For the past 700 years, Basel has been famous for a product, the Läckerli , a kind of hard spice bread that was originally only made in the New Year. Now you can buy it anywhere in Switzerland at any time, but a visit to the Läckerli Huus in Basel is always worth it. The biscuit is a mixture of honey, nuts, candied fruits and spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Moreover, the word “Läckerli” does not exist in another language, but is translated more or less by “little and delicious”. The address: 57 Gerbergasse .
8. The banks of the Rhine
Flickr – Jack Torcello
Basel is crossed by one of the largest rivers in Europe, the Rhine. Walk on the banks of the river in beautiful weather. Cross the Rhine via one of the many bridges or cruise on one of the small traditional boats called Fähri , or one of those of Basler Personenschiffahrt .
9. The Wall of Basel and its doors
Wikimedia – Sissacher
A (third) ring of fortifications around the entire old city was built following the increase of Basel. The constructions were completed in 1398. In 1859, the city council decided to destroy the walls and doors, which had become unnecessary, in order to promote the extension of the city. A number of these doors are still visible in the perimeter of what was once the medieval city: Spalentor (Porte de Spalen), Saint-Alban Tor (Porte Saint-Alban), and Saint-Johanns Tor (Porte Saint-Jean).
10. Other ideas for visits to Basel
If you still have time in front of you, you can devote more of your stay to visits like these:
- As indicated above, the Beyeler Foundation is to be seen
- The largest and oldest zoo in Switzerland
- The Carnival of Basel (Basler Fasnacht) on Monday following the Ash Wednesday, which lasts 3 days
- Buildings and museums around the Barfüsserplatz
- Art Basel, for art lovers every year mid-June
Basel: How to get there? Where to stay?
Basel shares the same airport as Mulhouse and Fribourg (Basel-Mulhouse-Fribourg Airport). It is accessible directly from many French cities with low-cost easyJet. You can check the best prices on Ulysses . You can also get to Basel by train. The Swiss city is only 3h from Paris to TGV.
Basel benefits from several neighbourhoods to singular characters. Luxurious stay, at small prices, authentic, cultural... Many are the possibilities that offer to you. One thing is certain: each traveler profile will find his account! Do not hesitate to use our Wanderlix hotel comparison to find the cheapest and best hotel in Basel.
Have you visited Basel?
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