Basel

Sorell Hotel Merian, view of Basel Cities © Dominik Baur

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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 architecture. 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

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  • GAIA Hotel Basel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

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  • Jugendherberge Basel

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

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  • Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

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  • Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

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  • Essential by Dorint Basel City 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

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  • Steinenschanze Charming City & Garden Hotel 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Steinenschanze Charming City & Garden Hotel
  • 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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  • Der Teufelhof Basel 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Der Teufelhof Basel
  • HOTEL.D - BASEL 4 Stars

    Basel, Basel Region

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  • Bar Rouge Basel GmbH, Basel Love in the sky wedding magic at a height of 105 m

    Celebrate your wedding at Bar Rouge Basel, 105 metres above the rooftops of the city, with...
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    valid: 21.05.2025 - 31.12.2025

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  • Basel Monthly tour of October"Herbschtmäss"

    When the days grow shorter and temperatures fall, the people in Basel look forward to a colourful... from CHF 28
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    valid: 25.10.2025

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  • Basel Tour on the vintage tram

    Want to see for yourself what it was like to travel around Basel a century ago? A nostalgic round... from CHF 20
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    valid: 25.05.2025 - 12.10.2025

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  • Basel "Beat the groom" in Basel: action-packed stag party

    This fun city rally through Basel is a fun way to say goodbye to the groom on his wedding day. You... from CHF 299
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    valid: 10.06.2025 - 19.05.2026

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  • 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 35
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    valid: 28.05.2025 - 11.10.2025

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  • Basel Cycling holidays Jura-Route

    7 nights, The hilly ridges of the Jura stretch from Basel to Lake Geneva - the mysterious landscapes off the... from CHF 1,365
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    Price per person in double room

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  • 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: 22.10.2025

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  • Basel Day Pass Overground Basel

    With the day pass, you can enjoy the entire indoor sports area at Overground in Basel, including... from CHF 27
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    valid: 21.05.2025 - 03.01.2026

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  • 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: 10.08.2025 - 12.10.2025

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Travel information: Basel