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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  • Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel
  • 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
  • Der Teufelhof Basel 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Der Teufelhof Basel
  • Jugendherberge Basel l Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Jugendherberge Basel
  • Hotel Schweizerhof Basel 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Hotel Schweizerhof Basel
  • GAIA Hotel Basel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region GAIA Hotel Basel
  • Hotel Krafft Basel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Hotel Krafft Basel
  • Hotel Du Commerce 3 Stars

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Hotel Du Commerce
  • Basel Marriott Hotel 4 Stars

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Basel Marriott Hotel
  • Hyperion Hotel Basel 4 Stars

    Basel, Basel Region

    Learn more about: Basel, Basel Region Hyperion Hotel Basel
  • Basel City tour Basel theatrical prison escapees

    Travel back to the year 1850 and learn extraordinary things about Basel in a witty, entertaining and... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 23.04.2025 - 10.12.2025

    Learn more about City tour Basel theatrical prison escapees
  • Basel Dreiland cycle route, 6 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for luggage... from CHF 979
    Offer details


    valid: 21.04.2025 - 26.09.2025

    Learn more about Dreiland cycle route, 6 days
  • Basel Treasure Hunt with Basil" tour through the city of Basel

    Go on an exciting tour through the city of Basel with the whole family. Solve tasks and learn many... from CHF 90
    Offer details


    valid: 21.04.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Treasure Hunt with Basil" tour through the city of Basel
  • Basel City tour Basel City Palace

    Discover the secrets of a city palace in Basel's old town and look behind closed doors in this... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 29.04.2025 - 16.12.2025

    Learn more about City tour Basel City Palace
  • Basel City tour Basel by night

    Discover the so-called "little Venice" of Basel in the dark. Learn legendary stories accompanied by... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 22.05.2025 - 11.12.2025

    Learn more about City tour Basel by night
  • Basel Jakob's Basler Leckerly Manufaktur private tour

    You visit the Jakob's Basler Leckerly Manufaktur in Basel on a private tour. You watch in the bakery... from CHF 30
    Offer details


    valid: 28.04.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Jakob's Basler Leckerly Manufaktur private tour
  • Basel Fun Tube on the Rhine

    The Fun Tube is connected to the boat by a rope and really throws you around with the centrifugal... from CHF 60
    Offer details


    valid: 01.07.2025 - 31.10.2025

    Learn more about Fun Tube on the Rhine
  • Basel Jura Route, 6 days

    Included: Overnight stays according to the program incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for... from CHF 999
    Offer details


    valid: 21.04.2025 - 26.09.2025

    Learn more about Jura Route, 6 days
  • Basel Post run "Basil at the Zolli" incl. ticket Basel Zoo

    Embark on a fun post run for kids through Basel Zoo. Equipped with binoculars and a puzzle booklet,... from CHF 55
    Offer details


    valid: 21.04.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Post run "Basil at the Zolli" incl. ticket Basel Zoo
  • Basel Culture and enjoyment in Alsace – a day trip from Basel

    Discover Alsace on our unforgettable trip from Basel to Colmar, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle and... from CHF 89
    Offer details


    valid: 25.04.2025 - 28.11.2025

    Learn more about Culture and enjoyment in Alsace – a day trip from Basel

Travel information: Basel