Why Basel
Basel may not be a top travel destination on everyone’s list, and it certainly wasn’t on ours when planning our trip to Switzerland. However, we stumbled upon a great deal on flight tickets to Basel, which happened to be half the price flying directly to Zurich, so we decided why not give it a shot? And it turned out Basel pleasantly surprised us, making for a delightful day in Switzerland. With its rich history and picturesque spots, it’s a fantastic choice for a one day stopover. Plus, if you decide to stay overnight, you will enjoy free public transportation.
Things To Do
Explore The Old Town
Basel’s winding streets and historic charm making it a wonderful place to explore on foot. You can follow the designated walking tour routes here or simply start from Marktplatz and let your feet lead you to discover city landmarks, local cuisine and activities.
Here are some must-visit spots and experiences:
Basel Minster (Basler Münster): This iconic cathedral dominates the city’s skyline with its stunning red sandstone architecture. From the courtyard “Pfalz” behind the Cathedral you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, the Rhine, and the hills of the Black Forest and the Vosges.
Rhine River Ferries: Basel boasts four Rhine river ferries that connect Grossbasel to Kleinbasel. Riding these ferries, which are driven purely by the Rhine’s current, was one of the highlights of our visit. A tip: Take the Munster ferry “Leu” between the Wettsteinbrucke and Mittlere Brucke bridges for the best view of the Minster from the back. From Grossbasel’s shore, you can climb the stairs to Pfalz.
Münsterplatz: The square surrounding the Basel Minster is a charming area to explore, featuring colorful buildings, outdoor cafes, and a lively atmosphere.
Rathaus (Town Hall): Basel’s Town Hall is a masterpiece of late Burgundian Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the stunning frescoes that adorn the inner courtyard.
Marktplatz: This central square is home to the vibrant daily market where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies.
Spalentor: This beautifully preserved city gate is a striking example of medieval fortification. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Basel.
Kunstmuseum Basel: Art enthusiasts should explore the Kunstmuseum Basel, one of Europe’s most important art collections, featuring works from the Middle Ages to contemporary art.
Historical Museum Basel: Learn about Basel’s history and culture through a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibitions.
Basler Läckerli: While not a sightseeing spot, don’t leave Basel without trying the famous Basler Läckerli, a local sweet treat. You can find it in various shops around the Old Town.
Rhine River: Take a leisurely stroll along the Rhine promenade or go for a swim in the river during the summer months. The riverbanks offer picturesque views of the Old Town.
Tinguely Fountain: This kinetic sculpture fountain, created by Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, is a fun and interactive piece of art.
This botanical garden is absolutely our favorite place in Basel.
Spread across 18 hectares, this garden boasts lush followers and an incredible variety of plants, making it a perfect place to unwind and connect with nature. We visited in May when the irises are in full bloom, and the vibrant colors immediately lifted our spirits. Even our 2-year-old daughter had a blast running around the follower field for hours without getting tired.
This park is right next to Merian Gärten. And it is not a tourist hotspot. But it’s a beautiful park with a large playground making it an excellent choice for families traveling with children.
Where to eat
This restaurant is located inside Park im Grünen. It offers buffet-style dining experience where you can select your desired dishes from a buffet table , including a tempting array of desserts. We only had a drink there, so cannot comment on the food, but it certainly looked delicious. Plus, the restaurant offers great outdoor seating with the views of the fountain in the park, making it an ideal spot for a simple lunch.
In this food court you will find many different restaurants and bars, from street food stalls to upscale Italian seafood establishments. Regardless you culinary preferences, this food court has something to satisfy your appetite.
