Best Things To Do in Basel

Located on the banks of the Rhine River and near the Swiss border with Germany and France, Basel is one of the most visited cities in the country, but also a very prominent destination for its medieval buildings and proximity to other sites of interest. There you can also take some of the best pictures of your trip and discover a place that combines architecture with nature.

Among the best things to do in Basel are visiting the Cathedral, walking through the picturesque old town, touring the banks of the Rhine River and all its attractions and marveling at the local zoo. However, it is also a perfect place to use as a base to visit other surrounding destinations, such as the mountainous Zermatt or the medieval Lucerne. Are you ready to tour one of the cultural capitals of Europe?

Basler Münster, or Basel Cathedral, is an example of Gothic architecture and one of Basel's most famous structures. With more than 1,000 years of history, this Catholic church is built primarily of red sandstone, giving it a distinctive and attractive appearance that stands out on the city's skyline. It also houses the tombs of important historical figures, such as the humanist and religious reformer Erasmus of Rotterdam.

Basel Cathedral is considered a symbol of the city and an important place of worship for the local Protestant community. Its architectural design presents a mixture of styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, the latter being the predominant one, and has notable features such as its twin towers, stained glass windows and cloister, with elegant arches and a peaceful garden that you can walk through during your visit.

One of the reasons why Basel Cathedral is a must-see destination is its privileged hilltop location, which offers panoramic views of the Rhine River and the old town. From its observation deck you can enjoy the cityscape and the colorful buildings and bridges that characterize this destination. This is why it is often the protagonist when booking a guided tour of Basel, which usually starts nearby.

Getting lost in the streets of Basel's Old Town is an experience that will allow you to get to know a neighborhood full of cobblestone alleys, picturesque squares and historic buildings that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage. The Old Town stretches along the Rhine River and is full of hidden corners that deserve to be explored.

The epicenter of the old town is the Market Square, where Basel City Hall, a red brick building with decorations and a distinctive facade, is located. The square is also the heart of the city's social and commercial life, where visitors can enjoy a daily market offering fresh produce, flowers and local handicrafts. Around the square you will also find restaurants and bars.

The Old Town is also the district of Basel Cathedral, the History Museum and the Rhine riverfront, where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as boat trips and picnics by the water. This neighborhood is often featured in tours of this destination, but if you want to get the most out of your visit you can choose to book a private tour of Basel, where you can plan your own itinerary.

You won't be able to say you've experienced Basel until you walk along the banks of the Rhine, the omnipresent river that marks the pulse of the city. This tributary is not only an important waterway, but also one of the epicenters of the locals' entertainment activities. Along its banks, you can find green spaces, outdoor cafés and panoramic views.

Along the river, you will also find several points of interest, such as the Rhine Pergola, a park that offers a respite from the urban bustle, and the historic bridges, such as the Kleiner Basel and the Münster Brücke, which connect the two parts of the city. These bridges are not only an architectural must-see, but also offer excellent photo opportunities of the scenery.

The Rhine has been an important trade route since time immemorial and has influenced the development of the city as a commercial and cultural meeting point. This historical legacy is felt in the air, making every step a journey through time. You can also walk the riverside path at night, when it's time to book a Basel tour with the night watchman, an experience that will walk you through the secrets and mysteries of this destination.

Getting to know the local gastronomy in Basel is one of the best ways to soak directly into the culture of the country. The cuisine of this region is characterized by the influence of Swiss, German and French traditions, resulting in very varied flavors and dishes.

One of the most emblematic preparations of Basel is the läckerli, a ginger cookie made with honey, almonds and Kirsch, a cherry liqueur typical of the region. These cookies are a sweet of medieval heritage and are perfect to take as souvenirs, especially during the holidays. In addition, spätzli, small pasta noodles, are a popular accompaniment to many dishes, often served with meat sauce.

Fondue is another culinary experience not to be missed during your visit. Although it originates from other regions of Switzerland, many restaurants in Basel offer their own version of this classic dish. The melted cheese, often a mixture of gruyère and emmental, is served in a hot ceramic pot, where diners can dip pieces of bread into the delicious cheese.

For meat lovers, zürcher geschnetzeltes is a delicious option. This dish consists of veal cut into strips, sautéed with a creamy mushroom sauce and is commonly served with rösti. Many of these preparations can be enjoyed in the city's restaurants or by booking a gastronomic tour of Basel.

Located on the opposite bank of the Rhine, the Kleinbasel district is characterized by its bohemian atmosphere, colorful buildings and narrow streets. This district has historically been a cultural and artistic center that has captivated young people, students and tourists. Currently, it is the epicenter of the city's art galleries and graffiti.

One of Kleinbasel's main attractions is the Tinguely Fountain, a masterpiece by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. This fountain, located in front of the Basel Theater, offers a spectacle of movement and sound, in which mechanical sculptures interact with the water, creating a visual experience not to be missed.

Another notable site in Kleinbasel is St. Peter's Church, a Gothic building that stands out for its architecture and colorful stained glass windows. But the real treasure of this neighborhood lies in the nightlife, which deserves a special mention for the many bars and clubs that offer live music and a friendly atmosphere.

If you want to opt for an alternative plan in this destination, which stands out mainly for its urban options, you can visit the Basel Zoo. With more than 600 species, this zoo provides a space where you can see animals live and, at the same time, learn about the diversity of fauna and the importance of ecosystem conservation.

The Masai Mara, one of the most popular attractions of this site, is a replica of the African savannah where you can see lions, giraffes and zebras in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. You can also explore the Gorilla House, which offers the opportunity to see these primates up close in a jungle setting.

The Basel Zoo also participates in endangered species conservation programs and is committed to environmental education. Throughout the year, a variety of activities and events are organized, including educational talks, workshops and keeper encounters that allow visitors to learn about wildlife and the importance of protecting it.

The Spalentor Gate is one of Basel's most iconic landmarks and a perfect place to take some of the best photographs of the city. This 14th century gate marks one of the four entrances to the old city wall that once surrounded the city. With its Gothic architecture and towers, Spalentor stands out for its beauty and history.

The history of the Spalentor Gate is rich and fascinating. Built between 1400 and 1430, the gate was not only a point of entry and exit for the city's inhabitants, but also a symbol of Basel's prosperity and strength in its time. Over the centuries, it has survived wars and urban transformations, and its preservation is testimony to the city's commitment to its heritage.

From the gate's observation deck you can capture the medieval essence of the city, with its cobblestone streets and period buildings that look like something out of a medieval knight's tale.

In addition, Spalentor's location also offers easy access to several nearby points of interest, such as the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel or the old town.

Discovering the sights of this destination from the Mittlere Brücke Bridge is an experience that combines the magnitude of the cityscape with the charm of the Rhine. This bridge, which connects the two halves of the city, Kleinbasel and Grossbasel, is one of Basel's oldest landmarks, having been inaugurated in the 13th century.

From this bridge you can enjoy a panoramic view that encompasses the river, the historic architecture and the daily life of the city. Looking towards the Grossbasel side, you will come across Basel Cathedral, with its iconic towers and Romanesque-Gothic architecture looming on the skyline. Towards the Kleinbasel side, views include the Basel Theater and St. Stephen's Church Tower, which rises between the low rooftops.

The bridge is also the perfect place to view the bohemian Kleinbasel district, with its colorful cafes and restaurants that reveal the eclectic pulse of one of Switzerland's most multicultural cities.

Zermatt is a small Swiss town that in recent years has become an iconic destination for nature lovers and ski enthusiasts alike. Accessible only by scenic train, you can take advantage of your visit to Basel to take a full day tour to take in the views of the Swiss Alps and experience the natural beauty of the region.

In Zermatt you can explore the streets lined with wooden buildings, as this town has maintained its historic and traditional character. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the old town, which contributes to its tranquil atmosphere. Among the main attractions are St. Peter's Church, with its 15th century bell tower, and the Zermatt Museum, which offers a glimpse into the history of the village and its development as a tourist destination since the 19th century.

Zermatt is also famous for its proximity to the Matterhorn, one of the most recognizable mountains in the world. To get to the top of the Matterhorn , you can take the cable car to the Gornergrat station, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. There you will also find hiking trails in summer or skiing in winter, making it a perfect year-round destination.

The alpine scenery is simply breathtaking, with glaciers, green meadows and crystal clear lakes, and booking a tour to Zermatt from Basel will give you the double benefit of exploring the close proximity of Swiss tourist towns and getting to know this picturesque village with the assistance of an expert local guide.

One of the main attractions of Basel lies in its proximity to other tourist cities in Switzerland and one of them is Lucerne, which is located on the banks of the river of the same name and flanked by mountains. Known for its medieval architectural heritage, this destination is perfect for a full-day getaway.

In Lucerne you will find the Kapellbrücke or Chapel Bridge, an emblematic symbol of the city. This covered bridge, built in the 14th century, is decorated with a series of paintings depicting historical moments and scenes from the lives of the most popular saints among the locals. Next to the bridge you will also find the Chapel Tower, which was part of Lucerne's ancient defensive fortification system.

You can also visit Lucerne's well-preserved city walls, with their towers and gates, which offer the opportunity to walk along their corridors and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the lake. From the top, you will be able to contemplate the skyline, which combines the medieval structures with the surrounding nature.

In this case, I recommend you also book an excursion to Lucerne from Basel with which you can visit the Church of St. Leodegar, which is an example of Gothic architecture and is also worth a visit. This church is known for its high towers and its interior decorated with stained glass windows and ornamented by the sacred organ, which is one of the largest you can find in a Swiss religious building.