Basel

Basel, winter morning Cities © Jan Geerk

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Intro

Basel is full of contrasts. The historic old town meets modern architecture. A mix of tradition and innovation. Punctuated by culture and nature. A city of culture and at the same time a thriving metropolis on the Rhine with a great quality of life and plenty to enjoy. Be inspired by these contrasts.

Basel at a glance

This is Basel

Basel is located in the northwest of Switzerland in the border triangle between Germany, France and Switzerland. The city on the Rhine is considered the country’s art and culture capital.

Discover Basel

Basel’s old town is an absolutely must. You will discover picturesque alleyways and over 200 fountains. Highlights include the town hall and the cathedral. From the vantage point of the Pfalz viewing terrace, you can look out over the old town to the point where three countries converge. You will find art wherever you go in Basel’s city centre, for example the Tinguely Fountain. Are you an architecture fan? Look no further than Messe Basel and the Roche Towers, both buildings designed by star architects Herzog & de Meuron or the Novartis campus. Last but not least, the “Mittlere Brücke”, one of the oldest bridges over the Rhine, is a must when visiting Basel. 

Basel, city of culture

Basel has the highest density of museums and countless galleries. The Kunstmuseum Basel presents art from the past 700 years. The Museum Tinguely shows the extensive collection of works of art and sculptures by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. Art Basel is a major event held every June. It is considered one of the world’s leading art fairs and presents works from the 20th and 21st centuries. 

Life on the Rhine

Particularly on warmer days, life in Basel gravitates to the banks of the Rhine. The choices are broad: Bathing (referred to locally as “Rheinschwimmen”), a trip on a Rhine ferry or aquatic sports. Afterwards, you can enjoy life in one of the many buvettes – lovingly created open-air eating and drinking spots. And last but not least, the Rhine is also the venue for concerts and open-air cinemas in the summer months.

In and around Basel

Riehen is about 30 minutes from Basel. It is home to one of Switzerland’s most important museums – the Fondation Beyeler. The museum presents modern and contemporary art. Equally close to Basel are the Roman ruins of Augusta Raurica. If nature is your thing, the Basel Jura is popular for hikes and climbing tours.

Experience Basel for less

Stay overnight in Basel and receive discounts on many leisure and cultural activities with the BaselCard. This gives you a 50% discount on admission to Basel Zoo, a city tour or a boat trip. In addition, you can travel free of charge by bus and tram.

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  • Matisse – Invitation to the Voyage | Exhibition Fondation Beyeler
    22 September 2024 until 26 January 2025

    Basel Christmas Market 
    28 November to 23 December 2024

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Experiences & Activities

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  • Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel
  • Volkshaus Basel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Volkshaus Basel
  • Der Teufelhof Basel 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Der Teufelhof Basel
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Basel 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
  • Hotel Krafft Basel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Hotel Krafft Basel
  • Hotel Merian

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Hotel Merian
  • GAIA Hotel Basel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region GAIA Hotel Basel
  • Jugendherberge Basel

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Jugendherberge Basel
  • Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
  • ibis Basel Bahnhof 2 Stars

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region ibis Basel Bahnhof
  • Basel Monthly tour of April "Em Bebbi sy Basel"

    Discover Basel in a new way every month. We will share our insider knowledge with you and show you... from CHF 28
    Offer details


    valid: 05.04.2025

    Learn more about Monthly tour of April "Em Bebbi sy Basel"
  • Basel Erasmus of Rotterdam – Basel’s Renaissance spirit

    Accompany us on a fascinating tour around the Basel of the Renaissance, where Erasmus of Rotterdam’s... from CHF 17.50
    Offer details


    valid: 26.03.2025 - 11.10.2025

    Learn more about Erasmus of Rotterdam – Basel’s Renaissance spirit
  • Basel City tour Basel City Palace

    Discover the secrets of a city palace in Basel's old town and look behind closed doors in this... from CHF 35
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    valid: 21.01.2025 - 18.11.2025

    Learn more about City tour Basel City Palace
  • Basel Mountainbike Holidays Jura Bike Basel - Nyon

    8 nights, The Jura Bike tour likes to show its teeth once in a while when riding from Basel to Nyon. If you... from CHF 1,579
    Offer details

    Price per person in double room
    valid: 21.12.2024 - 31.12.2024

    Learn more about Mountainbike Holidays Jura Bike Basel - Nyon
  • Basel University and council, prostitutes and nuns

    A humorous journey through the era of the Council of Basel and the founding of the university.... from CHF 35
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    valid: 30.04.2025 - 22.10.2025

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  • Basel Monthly tour of May "Basel's strong women"

    Pioneering, influential, pugnacious. This new walking tour is devoted to women who have helped to... from CHF 28
    Offer details


    valid: 11.05.2025

    Learn more about Monthly tour of May "Basel's strong women"
  • Basel Monthly tour of June «Street Art Tour»

    The tri-border area is regarded as an unrivalled street-art Mecca. Around 100 artists are active in... from CHF 28
    Offer details


    valid: 21.06.2025

    Learn more about Monthly tour of June «Street Art Tour»
  • Basel Brunch tour with some cultural delights at Chez Jeannot

    How about a helping of Basel culture before your Sunday brunch? Take a walk with us from the... from CHF 55
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    valid: 16.02.2025 - 12.10.2025

    Learn more about Brunch tour with some cultural delights at Chez Jeannot
  • Hotel Wettstein, Basel Team meeting for 8 people at Hotel Wettstein

    The meeting room with daylight offers 29.5 m² of comfortable space for 8 people. You have the option...
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Travel information: Basel