Best Things To Do in Basel

Situated 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 that stands out for its medieval buildings and its proximity to other places of interest. You can also take some of the best photographs of your trip and discover a place that combines architecture with nature.

Some of the best things to do in Basel include visiting the Cathedral, walking through the picturesque old town, exploring the banks of the Rhine River and all its attractions and marvelling at the local zoo. However, it' s also a great place to base yourself and explore other surrounding destinations, such as mountainous Zermatt or medieval Lucerne. Are you ready to tour one of Europe's cultural capitals?

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 mainly of red sandstone, giving it a distinctive and attractive appearance that stands out in 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 features a mixture of styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, the latter being the predominant, and has notable features such as its twin towers, stained glass windows and cloister, with elegant arches and a tranquil garden that you can wander 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 colourful buildings and bridges that characterise this destination. That's why it's often the main attraction 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 introduce you to a neighbourhood 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 nooks and crannies worth exploring.

The epicentre of the Old Town is the Market Square, home to Basel's town hall, a red brick building with ornate decorations 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 the district of Basel Cathedral, the History Museum and the Rhine riverside area, where you can enjoy outdoor activities such as boat trips and picnics by the water. This neighbourhood is often featured on 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 won't be able to say you've experienced Basel until you walk along the banks of the Rhine, the ubiquitous river that sets the pulse of the city. This tributary is not only an important waterway, but also one of the epicentres of the locals' entertainment activities. Along its banks, you will find green spaces, open-air 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 can be 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 Nightwatchman tour, an experience that will walk you through the secrets and mysteries of this destination.

Discovering the local gastronomy in Basel is one of the best ways to soak up the culture of the country. 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 emblematic preparations is the läckerli, a gingerbread biscuit made with honey, almonds and Kirsch, a cherry liqueur typical of the region. These biscuits have a medieval heritage and are perfect as souvenirs, 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 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 in a creamy mushroom sauce and commonly served with rösti. Many of these preparations can be enjoyed in the city's restaurants or by booking a food tour of Basel.

Located on the opposite bank of the Rhine, the Kleinbasel district 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. This fountain, located in front of the Basel Theatre, offers a spectacle of movement and sound, where mechanical sculptures interact with the water, creating a visual experience not to be missed.

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

If you want to opt for an alternative plan in this destination, which is mainly noted 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.

Basel Zoo is also involved in conservation programmes for endangered species and is committed to environmental education. Throughout the year, various activities and events are organised, 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 its 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 observation deck at the gate 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.

The 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 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 of the river, the historic architecture and the daily life of the city. Looking towards the Grossbasel side, you'll come across Basel Cathedral, with its iconic towers and Romanesque-Gothic architecture looming on the skyline. Towards the Kleinbasel side, views include the Basel Theatre and St. Stephen's Church Tower, which rises between the low rooftops.

The bridge is also the perfect place to take in the bohemian Kleinbasel district, with its colourful cafés 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 sights of the Swiss Alps and experience the natural beauty of the region.

In Zermatt you can explore the streets lined with wooden buildings, as the town has retained its historic and traditional character. No motorised vehicles are 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 top of the Matterhorn , you can take the cable car to the Gornergrat station, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains . There you'll 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 Zermatt tour from Basel will give you the double benefit of exploring nearby Swiss resort towns and getting to know this picturesque village with the assistance of a knowledgeable local guide.

One of Basel's main attractions lies in its proximity to other tourist towns 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 system of defensive fortifications.

You can also visit the well-preserved city walls of Lucerne, 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 also recommend booking an excursion to Lucerne from Basel to 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 tall towers and stained-glass interior and ornate church organ, which is one of the largest you'll find in a Swiss religious building .