10 Things to Do in Basel

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

Among the best activities you can do in Basel are visiting the cathedral, walking through the picturesque old town, strolling along the banks of the Rhine and all its attractions, and marvelling at the local zoo. However, it is also a perfect place to use as a base and explore other destinations in the surrounding area, such as the mountainous Zermatt or medieval Lucerne. Are you ready to explore one of Europe's cultural capitals?

Basler Münster, or Basel Cathedral, is an example of Gothic architecture and one of the most famous structures in Basel. With over 1,000 years of history, this Catholic temple is built mainly of red sandstone, giving it a distinctive and attractive appearance that stands out on the city 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 features a mixture of styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, the latter being the predominant style, and has notable features such as its twin towers, stained glass windows and cloister, with elegant arches and a peaceful garden that you can explore during your visit.

One of the reasons why Basel Cathedral is a must-see destination is its privileged location on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the Rhine River and the old town. From its observation deck, you can enjoy the urban landscape and the colourful buildings and bridges that characterise this destination. This is why it is often the highlight of guided tours of Basel, which usually start nearby.

Getting lost in the streets of Basel's old town is an experience that will allow you to discover a neighbourhood full of cobbled streets, 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 are worth exploring.

The epicentre of the old town is Market Square, home to Basel Town Hall, a red-brick building with decorative features and a distinctive façade. 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 crafts. Around the square you will also find restaurants and bars.

The old town is also home to 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 neighbourhood is usually the focus of tours of this destination, but if you want to get the most out of your visit, you can opt to book a private tour of Basel, where you can plan your own itinerary.

You can't say you've seen Basel until you've walked along the banks of the Rhine, the ever-present river that sets the pace of the city. This tributary is not only an important waterway, but also one of the epicentres of local entertainment. Along its banks, you'll find green spaces, outdoor cafés and panoramic views.

Along the river, you will find several points of interest, such as the Rhine Pergola, a park that offers a respite from the urban hustle and bustle, and historic bridges, such as the Kleiner Basel and Münster Brücke, which connect the two parts of the city. These bridges are not only architecturally essential, but also offer excellent opportunities for photographing the landscape.

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

Getting to know the local cuisine in Basel is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the country's culture. The cuisine of this region is characterised by the influence of Swiss, German and French traditions, resulting in a wide variety of flavours and dishes.

One of Basel's most iconic dishes is läckerli, a ginger biscuit made with honey, almonds and Kirsch, a cherry liqueur typical of the region. These biscuits are a sweet treat with medieval roots and are perfect to take home as a souvenir, especially during the festive season. 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 heated 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 commonly served with rösti. You can enjoy many of these dishes in the city's restaurants or by booking a Basel food tour.

Located on the opposite bank of the Rhine, the Kleinbasel neighbourhood is characterised by its bohemian atmosphere, colourful buildings and narrow streets. This district has historically been a cultural and artistic centre that has captivated young people, students and tourists. Today, it is the epicentre 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. Located in front of the Basel Theatre, this fountain offers a spectacle of movement and sound, in which mechanical sculptures interact with water, creating an unmissable visual experience.

Another notable place in Kleinbasel is St. Peter's Church, a Gothic building that stands out for its architecture and colourful stained-glass windows. However, the real treasure of this neighbourhood is its nightlife, which deserves a special mention for its large number of bars and clubs offering 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 wildlife and the importance of ecosystem conservation.

The Masai Mara, one of the most popular attractions at 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.

Basel Zoo also participates in endangered species conservation programmes and is committed to environmental education. Throughout the year, various activities and events are organised, including educational talks, workshops and meetings with keepers, allowing visitors to learn about wildlife and the importance of protecting it.

The Spalentor Gate is one of Basel's most iconic monuments 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 an entry and exit point for the city's inhabitants, but also a symbol of Basel's prosperity and strength at the time. Over the centuries, it has survived wars and urban transformations, and its preservation is a testament 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 cobbled streets and period buildings that look like something out of a medieval knight's tale.

Spalentor's location also offers easy access to several nearby attractions, such as the University of Basel's Botanical Garden and the city's old town.

Discovering the views of this destination from the Mittlere Brücke Bridge is an experience that combines the grandeur of the urban landscape 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 of the river, the historic architecture and the daily life of the city. Looking towards Grossbasel, you will see Basel Cathedral, with its iconic towers and Romanesque-Gothic architecture rising above the skyline. Towards Kleinbasel, the views include the Basel Theatre and the Tower of St. Stephen's Church, which rises above the low rooftops.

The bridge is also the perfect place to take in the bohemian neighbourhood of Kleinbasel, with its colourful cafés and restaurants that reveal the eclectic pulse of one of Switzerland's most multicultural cities.

Zermatt is a small Swiss village that in recent years has become an iconic destination for both nature lovers and skiing enthusiasts. Accessible only by panoramic 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 discover the natural beauty of the region.

In Zermatt, you can explore streets lined with wooden buildings, as this village has retained its historic and traditional character. Motorised vehicles are not allowed in the old town, which contributes to its peaceful 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 recognisable mountains in the world. To reach the summit, 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 and ski slopes in winter, making it a perfect destination all year round.

The alpine landscape is simply breathtaking, with glaciers, green meadows and crystal-clear lakes. By booking an excursion to Zermatt from Basel, you can enjoy two benefits: on the one hand, you can explore the nearby Swiss tourist towns and, on the other, you can discover this picturesque village with the help of an expert local guide.

One of the main attractions of Basel is its proximity to other tourist cities in Switzerland, one of which is Lucerne, 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 iconic 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 saints most popular with the locals. Next to the bridge, you will also find the Chapel Tower, which was part of Lucerne's old defensive fortifications.

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 can contemplate the skyline, which combines medieval structures with the surrounding nature.

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