- What makes Basel famous?
- The Swiss city of Basel is world-renowned for its location along the famous Rhine River, located immediately adjacent to the country's French and German borders.
- What attractions can visitors enjoy in Basel?
- The city is known worldwide for its fine arts, culture, and history museums, many of which are operated in conjunction with the University of Basel, the country's oldest institution of higher learning.
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1. The Music Museum
The Music Museum, or Musikmuseum, is one of four museums operated under the umbrella of the Basel Historic Museums organization, originally opened to the public in 2000. The museum is located on the former complex of an Augustinian order monastery, which dates back to the year 1206 and also notably served as a prison during the 19th and 20th centuries. More than 3,000 musical instruments and artifacts are displayed throughout the museum, which documents the history of European music from the 15th century through the present day. Exhibits focus on the history of music in the city of Basel, with an emphasis on the region's history of concerts, parades, festivals, choral music, and dance performances.
Im Lohnhof 9, 4051 Basel, Switzerland, Phone: +41-61-2-05-86-00
2. University of Basel Botanical Garden
University of Basel Botanical Garden are one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, originally founded in 1589 by Caspar Bauhin at the Rheinsprung's Lower College. Since 1898, they have been located at the city's historic Spalentor fortress gates and are open to the public during daylight hours year-round. Four indoor greenhouse facilities showcase succulents, orchids, and international plant life, including a dedicated tropical house garden facility. Outside, famous collections of cacti are showcased, along with a Mediterranean-style garden, a shade garden, and extensive fern and tree plantings. Though the garden itself does not have any public visitor facilities, public restrooms are located adjacent to the facility, along with several public cafes and restaurants located along the Spalenvorstadt.
Spalengraben 8, 4051 Basel, Switzerland, Phone: +41-61-2-07-35-19
3. Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig
Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig , or the Basel Museum of Ancient Art and Ludwig Collection, is a Swiss national heritage site and cultural museum that was founded in 1961 to showcase the artwork of ancient civilizations. The museum, which opened to the public in 1961, showcases more than 5,000 years of human culture throughout the Mediterranean region, featuring collections of artifacts and artwork preserved from Italy, Greece, Egypt, and the Middle East dating back as far as 4,000 B.C. Important collections include a selection of Greek vases and a collection of Ancient Egyptian sculptures. The museum strives to interpret the ancient past as a foundation for the modern world and an inspiration for the future, offering a wide variety of temporary exhibitions and cultural programming, including public lectures and workshops.
St. Alban-Graben 5, 4051 Basel, Switzerland, Phone: +41-61-2-01-12-12
4. Basel Historical Museum
Basel Historical Museum is one of Switzerland's most renowned historical museums, originally opened to the public in 1894 and designated as a national heritage site today. The museum offers four distinct facilities, three of which are located within Basel's city center. Its main facility, housed within the Barfüsserkirche, or Barefeet Church, houses the most comprehensive cultural collection within the Upper Rhine, with objects representing the handicraft traditions of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. The 1780 Haus zum Kirschgarten serves as a living history museum, preserving the residence of Colonel Johann Rudolf Burckhardt, while the Musikmuseum, located adjacent to the Barfüsserkirche, showcases instruments and artifacts related to the history of European music from the 16th century through the present day. A fourth location, the Coach and Carriage Museum, is located within a preserved barn within Münchenstein's Merian Park.
Steinenberg 4, Postfach, CH – 4001 Basel, Phone: +41-61-2-05-86-00
5. The Basel Paper Mill
The Basel Paper Mill, also referred to as the Swiss Museum for Paper, Writing, and Printing, is a cultural museum housed within a restored former paper mill facility dating back more than 500 years. The national heritage site is spread over four floors, showcasing exhibits and production workshops dedicated to the history of papermaking, book printing, and writing throughout Europe and the world. A large collection of book industry artifacts details the techniques of printing, paper dipping, and bookbinding for visitors, with a Museum for Participation and Touching exhibit allowing visitors of all ages to try their hand at Old World printing styles. A variety of visitor workshops are also offered, teaching the art of paper-related skills such as screenprinting and origami.
St. Alban-Tal 37, 4052 Basel, Switzerland, Phone: +41-61-2-25-90-90
6. Basel Zoo
Basel Zoo , also known as the Basel Zoological Garden or Zolli, is the oldest zoo in Switzerland, home to the largest collection of animals at any zoological park in the country. The zoo was opened in 1874 and is noted as the site of major first breedings, including the first zoo births of an Indian rhinoceros and a flamingo hatch. It is Switzerland's most popular tourist attraction, welcoming more than 1.8 million visitors annually, and has been rated as one of the world's best zoos by Forbes Traveler and the Zoological Society of London. The 32-acre zoo is home to nearly 7,000 animals across 645 species, including an extensive aquarium population, and is a member facility of major zoological organizations such as the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Binningerstrasse 40, 4054 Basel, Switzerland, Phone: +41-61-2-95-35-35
7. Basler Personenschifffahrt Cruises
Basler Personenschifffahrt Cruises operates tour cruises along the Rhine, letting visitors view the skyline of Basel from the vantage point of one of the world's most famous waterways. Two main cruise options are offered, including a two-hour town and harbor cruise route that boards at the Basel Rhine harbor and takes visitors past sights such as Old Town Basel, the Kleinbasler Rheinufer, and the former town wall remains at the St. Alban-Tal Quarter. A canal lock cruise is also offered, lasting approximately two and a half hours and navigating several historic canal locks on both the Swiss and German sides of the river. On the latter cruise, visitors have an option depart near the Roman town of Augusta Raurica and stop at attractions such as the Zähringen dynasty town of Rheinfelden and the Museum Jean Tinguely. Day cruises are also offered to locations in Germany and France, along with music and culinary-themed excursion cruises.
Westquaistrasse 62, CH-4057 Basel, Phone: +41-61-6-39-95-00
8. Brewery Fischerstube
Brewery Fischerstube is one of the most famous modern breweries in Switzerland, in operation for more than 40 years and renowned worldwide for its production of its flagship Ueli Beer. The company offers guided brewery tours for visitors at its production facility, lasting approximately half an hour and available for up to 45 participants at a time. Tours are offered in English and German, detailing the brewery's history and its production methods for producing its famous ales and lagers. Tastings are offered during the tour, with meals available following the tour at the brewery's two onsite restaurants at its Antonierkeller beer cellar and outdoor beer garden.
Rheingasse 45, 4058 Basel, Switzerland, Phone: +41-61-6-92-92-00
9. Cartoonmuseum Basel
Cartoonmuseum Basel is a national heritage site and cultural museum that was originally opened to the public in 1979, housed within a restored building from the late Gothic period. The museum is devoted to chronicling the history of cartoons and other related works, including parodies, pastiches, and caricatures. More than 3,000 original artworks are showcased at the museum, representing more than 700 international comics and cartoon artists working in the 20th and 21st centuries. An additional collection of more than 10,000 works details related genres such as animation and illustration. Exhibits rotate periodically, focusing on the work of a single artist or a current topic related to social issues or genres. Guided museum tours are available, along with a variety of workshops, discussions, and artist talks held at the museum throughout the year.
St. Alban-Vorstadt 28, 4052 Basel, Switzerland, Phone: +41-61-2-26-33-60
10. Chocolatier Beschle Workshops
Chocolatier Beschle Workshops have been offered by famed Swiss chocolatier Beschle since 2008, held on a weekly basis. The renowned chocolatier offers workshops for adults and children six days a week, held in the afternoon hours Mondays through Saturdays. Create Your Own Chocolate Bar workshops are offered for adult groups, educating participants on the proper tasting, preparation, and production methods associated with chocolate-making and allowing all guests to craft their own personally-made chocolate bar. Children's workshops are also offered, allowing young participants to craft chocolate bars and indulge in a homemade birthday cake made by the chocolatier. Workshops are offered in German, English, Spanish, and French, lasting approximately two hours.
Clarastrasse 4, 4058 Basel, Switzerland, Phone: +41-61-2-95-40-40
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists. | Hotel Basel – A central hotel offering modern amenities with a great location in the heart of the city. | Visit the Basel Art Museum – Explore one of the oldest public art collections in Switzerland. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, perfect for outdoor activities, festivals, and exploring the city. | Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois – A luxurious riverside hotel offering stunning views of the Rhine and top-tier service. | Take a boat tour on the Rhine River – Enjoy the beautiful views of the city from the river during the summer months. |
| Fall (September-November) – Cool temperatures, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds. | Hotel Krafft Basel – A charming hotel offering beautiful views of the Rhine River and historic architecture. | Explore the Basel Munster – Visit this Gothic cathedral with panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold temperatures, perfect for cozy indoor activities and enjoying holiday markets. | Hotel Euler – A well-located hotel offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to Basel’s holiday events. | Visit the Basel Christmas Market – Enjoy the festive atmosphere, lights, and holiday shopping at one of the best Christmas markets in Switzerland. |
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