Location: Basel
Top Things to do in Basel
The 10 Best Things to do in Basel, Canton of Basel
Located on the Rhine River near the borders of France and Germany, Basel contains the country's highest concentration of museums. The culture-centric city, site of the world's most influential art market each June, is also home to the lovely Munster Cathedral, made of red sandstone with a multi-colored tile roof. Green spaces abound, including the popular zoological gardens in the city center. Switzerland's largest site of Roman ruins, Augusta Raurica, are an easy day trip to the east.
Restaurants in Basel
1. Jean Tinguely Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 844 reviews
Reviewed By RCSColumbus - Columbus, United States
We had never heard of Jean Tinguely before visiting Basel but we were so smitten by his amazing Carnival Fountain downtown that we were curious to see more. The Museum Tinguely is a beautiful piece of architecture, perfectly designed to display the kinetic sculptures the artist is best known for. Some are as large as an entire gallery; some you can walk through; virtually all can be activated at the press of a button. Whether you come away appreciating him as an artist or not you will certainly fall for his incredible blend of engineering, mechanical whimsy and pure imagination. Who else would ever think to weld all of these found objects into such lively contraptions? Some even seem to have personalities. You can't help but smile and even laugh out loud at a few of them. My wife, daughter and I were mesmerized as were all the other visitors we saw at the museum that day.
2. Fine Arts Museum Basel - Kunstmuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,185 reviews
The Kunstmuseum Basel is home to one of the largest and oldest public museum collections in Europe with works from the early fifteenth century to the present.
Reviewed By travelling-model - Hong Kong, China
This museum is even better than the art Museum in Zuich. It has the largest art collections in Switzerland. You can found Peter Paul Rubens, Rembrant, Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Vincent Van Gough, Paul Gaugin, Paul Cezanne, Pablo Picasso, Dali, Paul Klee, Marc Chargall, Andy Warhol etc. It definitely a big feast of your eyes. Don't miss this one if you have a chance.
3. Basel Minster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,060 reviews
Reviewed By gregoryd762
The only red stone minster we have seen so far, this beautiful cathedral set in its own square is very impressive.We have climbed many minsters, duomos and cathedrals, so found this climb relatively easy. Great views from the narrow platform. Unfortunately, we didnt realise there were other steps to go higher. Maybe next time, as there is so much to see in Basel.
4. Zoo Basel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,874 reviews
Reviewed By oldmathsy - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
We were pleasantly surprised by the zoo in Basel! It’s a short walk from the central station, but is also well-connected by tram. The main highlights were: - The penguin walk. (The kids went wild!) - The enclosed area with gorillas, orang-utans and chimpanzees. - The beautiful enclosure with giraffes. This was half-a-day very well spent.
5. Tierpark Lange Erlen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By jhusak - Riehen, Switzerland
Tierpark Langen Erlen has gone through a process of modernization / refurbishment autumn 2018 and I paid it a visit just now the first time after the completion of work (probably before the end of 2018). Free entrance, strolling around and primarily being able to see local animals as well as having just some airtime whilst walking through the park ... it's a great recreational area for any time of the year. Best reachable by bike or public transport, the parking lot is way too small to go there by car. In summer, take some swimmsuit or transportable BBQ with you to enjoy more time next to the park at the river Wiese or in the woods of Lange Erlen. Beautiful leisure outdoor location.
6. Rathaus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,439 reviews
Reviewed By lienloerie777 - Pretoria, South Africa
Love that you can just calmly go into the city hall, with a doggie on a leash, and just sit and admire the stunning walls, murals and architecture. I love Basel. Everything there just works!
7. Basel Paper Mill Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 674 reviews
Basel Paper Mill is the national museum for paper, typography and writing. Within the walls of a medieval mill, visitors discover the bookmaking proces from handmade paper to the finished book. On four floors you can experience various workshops with all your senses: crafting your very own handmade paper, write with ink quil, set your name in lead types at the printer's workshop or create your own marbling paper: A lively diversity is the trademark of the museum. With a mix of exhibition and production-workshops the Basel Paper Mill offer a fascinating atmosphere in an authentic environment. A whole range of products is manufactured before the eyes of the visitors for customer orders or sales in the museum shop.
Reviewed By zainec2014 - Bellinzona, Switzerland
Had a tour in the Paper Mill. Many people work on voluntary bases. So they are enthusiastic about their work. Was nice to see all the old printing machines. Making the japanese paper was great for the kids. Worth a visit for young and old and everything in between.
8. Rheinfahre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,345 reviews
The four Rhine ferries cross the Rhein on four different places Contact: St. Alban Fähre: 0041 79 659 63 66 Münster-Fähre: 0041 77 400 65 41 Klingental-Fähre: 0041 79 659 63 67 St.Johan-Fähre: 0041 79 659 63 68
Reviewed By Florentinerli - Basel, Switzerland
If you have time enough to make a detour and wait a few minutes for the ferry, it is the most beautiful and comfortable way to cross the river Rhein. And it gives you a different perspective to see Basel.
9. Basel's Old Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,022 reviews
Reviewed By KatarinaKapor - Belgrade, Serbia
Fantastic Old style architecture Town, I had a feeling that I am in a fairy tale.. Narrow streets, stairs, decorated buildings, mystical atmosphere...
10. Basel Main Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 581 reviews
Reviewed By otaciliom2018 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
One could usually say that SBB represents the heart of Basel. From here there are trains to all places of Switzerland (wich we took to go to wonderful Lucerne) and also to Germany and France (which we took to visit Colmar). If the purpose of the trip is to make round trips to other cities in Switzerland, the perfect integratio between SBB and local transportation makes it easy from any hotel about 15 minutes from SBB station.
