Basel is situated in the heart of Europe, bordering Germany and France. A combination of authentic Swiss quality and a multicultural population make this city unmistakably cosmopolitan and innovative.
These characteristics are also borne out in Basel’s many spectacular buildings designed by renowned architects. They present a fascinating contrast to the historic and picturesque Old Town and round out the image of this modern city. As you explore, you can view architectural masterpieces by luminaries such as Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta and Frank O. Gehry.
Due to its density of museums, Basel is further considered as the cultural capital of Switzerland. The city boasts 40 museums on a relatively small area. With various subjects and world-renowned special exhibitions, there is something for every taste. Furthermore, Basel is the home of Art Basel, the most important contemporary art fair in the world.
Best Hotels Deals
in Basel
9.0
Hotel Wettstein ★★★
Located in a central residential quarter of Basel
Bikes can be rented free of charge
9.0
Motel One Basel ★★★
100 m from the Architectural Museum
This is our guests' favourite part of Basel
8.5
Basel Youth Hostel
Set on the banks of the River Rhine
Free Mobility Ticket for public transport in Basel
7.9
Radisson Blu Basel ★★★★
Enjoying a quiet location in the heart of Basel
Refined Italian cuisine
9.3
Grand Hotel Les 3 Rois ★★★★★
Situated in the centre of Basel's Old Town
Elizabeth II and Pablo Picasso stayed in this hotel
9.0
Nomad Design & Lifestyle ★★★★
Located in Basel, 200 m from Kunstmuseum
It has a sauna and fitness centre
Basel
image gallery
Tours & Activities
in Basel
Top things to do
in Basel
Art & Culture
Basel is widely acknowledged as Switzerland's city of culture and for good reason, with visitors confronted by art at every turn - whether wandering through the streets of the Old Town or visiting one of the city's nearly forty museums. With their themed collections, they have something for every taste and many have reputations that stretch far beyond the Swiss border. And then there are the countless galleries scattered liberally throughout the city.
There are also many high-class cultural events and of course we should not forget that the city also has a lively theatre and music scene.
World Class Architecture
Take a trip through the ages! In scarcely any other cityscape in the world are historic buildings from the 15th century so harmoniously blended with modern buildings designed by internationally-renowned contemporary architects.
Basel's Old Town is one of the prettiest and most intact in the whole of Europe. However, the city is also open to the new. In the last decades the city has grown into a veritable Mecca for lovers of architecture. Today the Basel region contains buildings designed by no fewer than twelve Pritzker Prize-winning architect.
The River Rhine
The Rhine is the true lifeblood of Basel and the city's enduring landmark. As one of the most important trading routes, it has had a huge influence on the development of the city.
Today it contributes greatly to the quality of life the city offers its inhabitants and visitors alike. In summer, the Kleinbasel banks of the Rhine are the place to be! Thousands of people cool off by leaping into the water during the warmer months of the year. Visitors can easily join them by putting their clothes in a Wickelfisch swim bag and letting themselves float downstream through the picturesque Old Town.
Dining & Shopping
Basel is the centre of a region with a unique concentration of first-class restaurants and is no longer an insider’s tip for gourmets. The city has more than 20 restaurants with entries in either the Gault Millau or Michelin guides. The variety is also evident when it comes to shopping, with luxurious labels and shops selling specialities. The Spalenberg district in the Old Town with its historic alleyways and beautifully decorated houses is packed with seductive boutiques and shops selling innovative labels and original gifts.
Activities & Excursions
Basel is lucky to have nice neighbours - not only because of the feeling of affinity that crosses international borders, but also because of the beautiful countryside and delicious culinary culture surrounding the city. But you do not have to leave Basel to discover exciting excursion destinations.
The views from the top of the Jura mountains, the Black Forest or the Vosges mountains - just a taste of what the Basel region has to offer. A short trip into the countryside will reveal a picturesque landscape rich in diversity.
