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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Experiences & Activities

  • 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

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  • 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

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  • Hotel Krafft Basel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

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  • GAIA Hotel Basel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

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

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Jugendherberge Basel
  • b_smart motel Basel

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region b_smart motel Basel
  • Essential by Dorint Basel City 4 Stars

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Essential by Dorint Basel City
  • Basel Monthly tour of September "Murder and manslaughter"

    We'll guide you through the old districts of Grossbasel and make you more familiar with the... from CHF 28
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    valid: 20.09.2025

    Learn more about Monthly tour of September "Murder and manslaughter"
  • Basel North-South route, total distance, 7 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for luggage... from CHF 385
    Offer details


    valid: 14.06.2025 - 28.09.2025

    Learn more about North-South route, total distance, 7 days
  • Basel An exciting treasure hunt right across Basel Zoo

    Beloved Basil, one of the last living staffs of the city of Basel (known as a “Baselstab”), takes... from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 21.01.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about An exciting treasure hunt right across Basel Zoo
  • Basel The Nightwatchman's Secret

    Come with us on a night-time stroll through the legendary "little Venice" of Basel. Join... from CHF 35
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    valid: 20.02.2025 - 11.12.2025

    Learn more about The Nightwatchman's Secret
  • Basel Visit artists in their ateliers in Basel

    How many artists live in a city like Basel? Where is art created, and in what sort of environment do... from CHF 33
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  • Basel Monthly tour of August "Fire and Flame for Basel"

    Discover historic Basel in a new light during our captivating “Fire and Flame” guided tour.Fire... from CHF 14
    Offer details


    valid: 23.08.2025

    Learn more about Monthly tour of August "Fire and Flame for Basel"
  • Basel Short guided tour of the Town Hall

    The magnificent 16th century Town Hall on the Marktplatz is still the seat of government for the... from CHF 10
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    valid: 25.01.2025 - 20.12.2025

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  • Basel Behind closed doors

    This tour will give you an insight into everyday life in an elegant patrician mansion in Basel and... from CHF 35
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    valid: 21.01.2025 - 16.12.2025

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  • Basel Monthly tour of July "Guided tour of Spalentor"

    Climb the steep stairs of the mediaeval city gate Spalentor and discover one of the city's most... from CHF 28
    Offer details


    valid: 19.07.2025

    Learn more about Monthly tour of July "Guided tour of Spalentor"
  • Basel Cycling holidays Basel - Lugano

    6 nights, The North-South Route connects two of the most beautiful cities of Switzerland. It starts at the... from CHF 1,299
    Offer details

    Price per person in double room

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Travel information: Basel