Basel, the third-largest city in Switzerland, enjoys a secluded location on the banks of the Rhine. The city is a paradise for culture vultures. Countless museums and galleries entice you to while away some happy hours.

Céline Dietziker works as an architect in this city on the banks of the Rhine. She is also an editor at Architektur Basel – an online magazine dedicated to the lively architectural scene in Basel. “The diversity of architecture that the city has to offer is quite unique,” she explains.

Céline’s favourite museum in Basel is the Fondation Beyeler. What impresses her most is the interplay of art and architecture with Monet’s waterlilies. “You can stand in front of the painting and just outside the window you can see the pond and its real waterlilies. The interior and exterior seem to melt into one.”

The Fondation Beyeler in Riehen is one of the most highly regarded destinations in modern and contemporary art. Architect Renzo Piano was selected to design the gallery. “What makes this building so exciting is its timelessness,” says Céline Dietziker.

In summer, the river has an almost magnetic pull. People come to relax and hang out, or to watch the sunset. A favourite meeting place: the Rheinbad Breite. The view of the city from there is quite unique. You almost feel that you are floating above the river.

The steel structure of the Rheinbad Breite was built back in the 19th century. When it was opened in 1898, becoming the city’s fourth swimming baths, it was twice the size it is today. Over the years, there have been various plans to demolish the baths. However, the people of Basel successfully campaigned to keep their “Rhybadhysli”, as they are known locally.

History and modern architecture go hand in hand at the SILO. The SILO was built in 1912 to designs by Basel architect Rudolf Sandreuter. It was an important storage location for grain and cocoa beans. Over the past four years, the SILO has been converted by the Harry Gugger Studio. The result is an exciting meeting place. 

It now houses an innovative design hotel, exciting restaurants and a number of artist studios. It is a wonderful example of urban architecture being repurposed. Besides the SILO, the Erlenmatt district is a lively area where a lot of new things are appearing. 

Basel’s casino is home to one of the most famous concert halls. Many celebrated musicians have performed here since it opened in 1876. The acoustics of the auditorium are reputed to be some of the best in the world. Herzog & de Meuron converted the city casino over a period of four years. It reopened in 2020.

When it opened in 1929, Basel’s market hall boasted the third-largest reinforced concrete dome in the world. The statistics are impressive: the dome stands 27 metres tall, has a span of 60 metres and covers an area of 3,000 square metres. 

After the wholesale market had closed down, the market vibe finally returned to this space beneath the proud yet elegant dome in 2013. These days you’ll find a wide variety of attractive market stalls – ready to whisk you away on a culinary tour of the world or invite you to discover local crafts.

Céline regularly joins the throng in the Market Hall. Her favourite place is the Eisuro ice cream parlour. Italian ice cream, made in house with Japanese care in the heart of Basel.