Basel, a city - crossroads of three countries, is the cultural capital of Switzerland, as it is renowned for its museums and its love of art.
Basel, the third-largest city in Switzerland, is one of Europes most vibrant cultural and artistic hubs. Built on the banks of the River Rhine, at the border with France and Germany, the city blends Swiss scenery with art and design. Every year it brings together artists and gallerists at the leading international art fair Art Basel. This year, it is the city that will host the 69th Song Contest of Eurovision from 13 to 17 May. If you find yourselves there for Eurovision and beyond, youll have plenty to see in just a few days.
The Old Town of Basel
Basels Old Town (Altstadt Grossbasel) is one of the best-preserved in Europe. Cobbled streets, colorful houses, little shops and galleries create a unique atmosphere. Explore the neighborhoods around the cathedral, Spalenberg street and the narrow lanes leading towards the Rhine.
The Rathaus and the central Marktplatz
Start your stroll from the heart of the Old Town, the Marktplatz square (Market). At the daily open-air market, youll find everything from fresh vegetables and fruit to flowers. There, the striking Rathaus (Town Hall) building will catch your eye with its signature red color, murals and clock, a hallmark example of Swiss Renaissance architecture. Today it houses the seat of the local government of the Basel- Stadt canton.
The Basler Münster Cathedral
One of Basels most emblematic sights is the Basler Münster Cathedral. Built in Gothic style, with twin towers and distinctive red stone, it is one of Basels most recognizable symbols. Climb the towers to enjoy panoramic views over the Rhine and the entire city.
Visiting the museums
Museum lovers will be thrilled with the countless options Basel offers. The city is home to around 40 different museums, which, given its size and population, makes it one of Europes major cultural centers. Here youll find the worlds first public art museum, as well as one of Europes earliest museums dedicated to contemporary art.
Kunstmuseum Basel
The Basel Art Museum, created in the 17th century (said to be the oldest public art museum in the world), hosts one of the most important collections of European art, from the Middle Ages to today. At Kunstmuseum Basel youll admire, among others, major works by Holbein, Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet.
In the 1980s, Kunstmuseum Basel created the Museum of Contemporary Art, today known as Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart. A landmark museum, as it was among the first in Europe dedicated to contemporary art. There youll see works from the 1960s to the present day, with a collection that includes paintings, sculptures and video art.
Fondation Beyeler
One of Europes leading museums of modern and contemporary art, Fondation Beyeler, is located in Riehen, a lush green suburb of Basel. It was founded by gallerist Ernst Beyeler in 1982 and houses his impressive collection with works by leading artists such as Picasso, Monet, Cézanne, Rothko, Giacometti and Bacon.
Designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, the museums building impresses with its unique aesthetic. Seamlessly integrated into the landscape, it allows sunlight to diffuse through the galleries in a magical way via its glass walls.
The Pocket Museum
One of the citys most intriguing sights is the Hoosesaggmuseum, also known as «Pocket Museum», which is the smallest museum in Switzerland. It is open to the public continuously and without admission, as it consists only of a small display case, approximately 60x60 centimeters, embedded in the door of a 600-year-old house. In its case you can observe exhibits from the owners, Dagmar and Matthias, drawn from the collection of souvenirs they have gathered for over 20 years.
The largest ethnological museum in Switzerland
In Münsterplatz, apart from the Cathedral, youll also encounter the Museum der Kulturen Basel, the largest ethnological museum in Switzerland. It is housed in an impressive renovated building and includes a vast collection of over 340,000 objects and 300,000 photographs originating from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Oceania.
Cruise on the Rhine
The Rhine river divides Basel into two parts - Grossbasel and Kleinbasel. A short cruise on the river is a wonderful way to get to know the city better, gliding under its bridges. However, if you dont prefer the cruise, you can walk alongside the Rhine and cross the bridges on foot.
The Tri-border point (Dreiländereck)
Just about 5 km from the Old Town, youll reach the Tri-border point (Dreiländereck). At this quay, the borders of Switzerland, Germany and France meet. Its an ideal spot to enjoy the view and take photos, and to step into another country in just a few minutes.
Nearby excursions
Basels pivotal location lets you make short excursions within or outside Switzerland. As youre at the crossroads of three countries, its easy to travel to both France and Germany. In about an hour by car or train you can reach Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany and Colmar in Alsace. If youd like to stay in the country, plan a day trip to Bern or Zurich.
Local flavors
Beyond cultural events and art, Basel also boasts an exciting gastronomic scene with several Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Bel Etage, a standout in the world of fine dining. For street food and more budget-friendly options, visit the indoor Markthalle market, while for Swiss flavors choose Volkshaus Basel. At Flore youll sip your wine accompanied by a variety of local cheeses.
In Basel youll find many bakeries for breakfast, such as Bäckerei KULT, famed for its pretzel and croissant, and Unternehmen Mitte, known for its brunch. At Café Frühling youll try chocolate cake and at the renowned Bachmann the signature Basler Läckerli biscuit, sweets with Swiss chocolate and more.
