Check out Basel, Switzerland, on your next trip. Check out our curated list of the best things to do in Basel, Switzerland, and the best places to visit in Basel, Switzerland, below. As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter aspires to make a huge impact on the world.
Table Of Content
- Jewish Museum of Switzerland (JMS)
- Basel Minster
- Basel Paper Mill Museum
- Basel Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Basel)
- University of Basel Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten der Universität Basel)
- Breakout Basel
- Fondation Beyeler
- Basel Historical Museum – Barfuesserkirche
- Jean Tinguely Museum
- Kunstmuseum Basel (Fine Arts Museum)
- Marktplatz
- Merian Gärten
- Museum of Contemporary Art (Museum fur Gegenwartskunst)
- Old Town
- Spalentor
- Spielzeug Welten Museum
- The Museum of Antiquities & The Ludwig Collection
- Tierpark Lange Erlen
- Tinguely Fountain
- Town Hall
- Explore Europe
Jewish Museum of Switzerland (JMS)
Did you know that there is only one Jewish museum in Switzerland?
It is located in Basel, where it holds as a point of remembrance and historical preservation and dutifully acts out to convey knowledge associated with the Jews of Switzerland.
When you roam around the place, you may notice that the museum’s brightly canvas-adorned walls catch the eyes of those who pass it.
Give a warm welcome to those who go forth to see the permanent exhibition.
Several exhibition rooms are present, such as those with religious artifacts or objects and padded boards filled with information dating from religious events.
Special exhibitions are also held for many to see and learn from, continually bringing the museum media attention.
Thus the museum has always had a steady flow of visitors and an appreciative vibe from all around.
Keen on history and culture? Why not stop by JMS to learn more about the events that molded the everyday history of Jews in Basel and Switzerland.
Address: Kornhausgasse 8, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Basel Minster
A towering religious building sits upon Basel while the sun enriches its red sandstone hues as the day continues.
Often is, this structure the main landmark for its national significance as a heritage site.
That beaming red sandstone Romanesque building is no other than Basel Minster!
The cathedral often catches the attention of many for its eye-grabbing architecture with its red walls, upright twin towers, and colorful roof tiles that tie in its wonderful sight across Basel.
Originally it was a Catholic cathedral, but over the years, as history dawned on, it currently is a Reformed Protestant Church.
In terms of history, several important events have occurred within the site– a pope’s election was executed on its grounds. A century later, religious paintings were destroyed due to the iconoclasm period of the Protestant Reformation.
It has several exquisite designs that continuously enamor those captivated by its architecture. More notably, its glass-stained windows become a sight to behold.
If you roam around Basel, it is undeniably inevitable that you’d stop by Basel Minster. That just how magnetic the landmark is to those passing it.
Address: Münsterpl. 9, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Basel Paper Mill Museum
Nowadays, when you need paper, you just grab a stack from the office cabinet or wherever in an office supplies store.
But have you ever wondered how its made in ancient times?
Wherein meticulous detail goes into making several sheets of paper by hand, whilst the paper you used is curated from machines.
And is the Basel Paper Mill Museum that can help satiate your curiosity about the olden method of papermaking, book printing, and book binding.
While going through the museum, you will earn insights into the old artisanal techniques and how it’s constantly preserved in this day and age despite the rising usage of machinery.
You may ponder how well kept the museum is for its multitudes of wooden structures. The building has been carefully restored by previous owners and went on as a paper mill 500 years ago.
Just standing inside the museum may make you feel like you’re looking for a paper merchant to serve your paper needs.
You may ever feel like a paper craftsman due to their activities, so head on by for the ancient experience!
Address: St. Alban-Tal 37, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
Basel Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Basel)
In places like Basel, with tons of art galleries and installations, you wouldn’t expect to hear the caw of an animal at the heart of the area. Well, in this case, you would.
Basel Zoo! An amazing zoo to drop by if you are keen on seeing a large variety and selection of animals and exhibits.
There are tons of vivariums of unique species, aquariums filled with sea life like wobbling jellies and the sort, and even a waddling parade of penguins!
Exploration goes beyond within the zoo with an endless round of exhibits and attractions with different terrains and mimicked environments.
A snap here and there, the camera of your phone’s gallery will turn into a biology almanac if you go through the unique programs held in the zoo.
You may even see notable zoo residents like Miss Kumbuk, Jambo, and Pambo.
Suppose you get thirsty or hungry from trodding all around. In that case, the zoo has a greatly renovated and expanded restaurant on its premises, which will surely satisfy your energy needs.
Whether you walk, drive, or commute to Basel Zoo, the wonderful creatures would be keen to have you around!
Address: Binningerstrasse 40, 4054 Basel, Switzerland
University of Basel Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten der Universität Basel)
Stand in the middle of a dome-shaped Viktoriahaus with a ton of flora and fauna to sway at you as you take in the scene.
You may feel like you’re a traveler in Jurassic Park, a fairy fleeting around, or even an old botanist hanging around.
To attain that whimsical experience, the botanical garden at the University of Basel can show you the roots.
The botanical garden dates back to the 16th century, with most of its original architecture still noticeable. Its far-on age makes it one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world.
Four different greenhouses and one outdoor site are present on the premises.
To each greenhouse and dome, a wide diversity of plants occupy the grounds and pots, continuously greeting those who enter.
An indoor pond with all kinds of lilies may strike you with awe and glee with how the sun saturates the plentiful floating pads.
Basel’s botanical garden is worth visiting, especially if you’re keen on nature, a sunny stroll, or just taking in a moment.
Address: Spalengraben 8, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Breakout Basel
By constantly being surrounded by creativity in the streets and establishments of Basel, you can’t help but wonder if you also have that amount of creativity, talent, and wit.
If you want to test your creativity and solving skills, slide on to Breakout Basel.
Take a break from strolling around with something to crank the cogs on your brain with family and friends.
In this breakout room type of establishment, loads of creativity, communication, and teamwork would be your best bet in ‘running free.’
Fun yet doable challenges and puzzles are given to you by friendly and accommodating hosts. With each one unique to its flare, you’d have the time of your life finding a way out.
With different themes, interesting designs, and a jail room to be feared, the establishment would surely spark joy and create multitudes of inside jokes with your group by the end of the one-hour experience.
Stretch your muscle, rattle your brain cells, and drop by Breakout Basel to see if you’re up to the challenge!
Address: Nauenstrasse 67, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
Fondation Beyeler
Are you someone who appreciates the fine arts?
Well, you most likely are if you’re roaming around Basel to take a snap of iconic installments in various art mediums and styles.
If that’s the case, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Fondation Beyeler at some point. Foundation Beyeler is considered one of the most beautiful art museums in the world. At the same time, it sits on the border of Switzerland, France, and Germany.
Its walls and platforms are adorned and decorated with renowned exhibitions consisting of outputs and projects done by contemporary artists.
Cultural events are also held on its premises with changing themes and topics.
Notably, the art museum takes possession and oversees the art collection of Hildy and Ernst Beyeler, artists whose works focus on modernity and tribal art.
The museum is the most visited of its kind as an artist showcasing one in all of Switzerland. Its visitors come from all over the world, where one of them could be you.
Address: Baselstrasse 101, 4125 Basel, Switzerland
Basel Historical Museum – Barfuesserkirche
A museum that breathes in the past yet exists in the present.
Through the Basel Historical Museum or locally known as Barfuesserkirche, are you able to witness history come to life?
The museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts that are relevant to Switzerland’s cultural heritage, wherein each is thoroughly conserved, recorded, and researched.
The three sites within the museum have their unique take on presenting visitors with the story of Basel.
The exhibitions not only showcase artifacts, even special events presentations, connections of animals and music, and documentation of how each artifact came to sit at the museum.
Many visitors tend to come by the Basel Historical Museum to see its wonderful exhibits and be a part of demonstrations held within.
Usually, the others return then and again as though what is offered relinquishes fond memories of exploring the area.
Shiny up your magnifying glass and stroll to the Basel Historical Museum, where a load of collections awaits for you to learn about them!
Address: Barfüsserpl. 7, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Jean Tinguely Museum
You’ve at least seen kinetic art all around, may it be made from scraps of metal, hoards of random objects, or sloshes of water and ribbons.
Each of what you’ve seen wouldn’t have been created if it weren’t for the “Godfather” of kinetic art, Jean Tinguely.
Don’t let the Jean Tinguely Museum fool you with its simplistic exterior. Once you step in, you’re greeted with loads of funky, kitsch-looking, scrap-based assemblages that move when manhandled.
Each extraordinary work has Jean Tinguely’s rustic yet bright adoring hues.
You may see a motorcycle-car hybrid, a series of conjoined yet complementary cogs. This unique combination supposedly doesn’t sit well together but does anyways in each of his works.
There isn’t a single kinetic work of his that leaves you staring at thought and wonder.
Skeptical, you may say for saying that an assemblage of scrap can bring out mixed emotions in you. Truly, it may take you to be there to experience the thrill and piqued curiosity while passing along.
Address: Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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Kunstmuseum Basel (Fine Arts Museum)
Do your eyes thirst for more strokes of paint riddled with symbolism to feed your creativity and imagination.
Well, worry no more, for the Basel Fine Arts Museum or Kunstmuseum Basel will surely fill you in on that!
The fine arts museum is home to a large collection of medieval art, 20th-century pieces, and old prints. Temporary exhibitions are also held from time to time in their open spaces for you to anticipate to see what they have in store.
Primarily known names like Van Gogh, Weiss, Picasso, Holbein, and more– works are displayed within the museum, wherein some say that one visit isn’t enough to fully take in such pieces.
You’re almost going to want a memoir to relinquish the memory of seeing so many great and famous paintings in one day.
You’re in luck because the museum is also known to have a great collection of souvenirs for you to cherish your memories of visiting the art collections and exhibits.
Head over and admire the plethora of paintings that brighten the rooms they sit in!
Address: St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Marktplatz
Are you looking to buy a bunch of things in Basel? Well, there’s a market square located in a spacious piazza neighboring the zip of commuting lines.
When you walk into Marktplatz, the first thing that’s bound to catch your eyes is the colorful town hall that brightens the look of neighboring buildings, establishments, and stalls.
The piazza where the market makes its business is essential to the locals and tourists keen to buy local produce.
The market stalls present offer services and products which are specialties of the region.
Not only that, there are even snacks and products coming from various regions of Switzerland and even around the world.
The market is welcoming and open every day of the week to fill in the needs of those who come by.
Take a look at what they have to offer and have a delightful snack while you’re there!
Address: 4001 Basel, Switzerland
Merian Gärten
Wondering through a garden filled with flowers of all kinds as though they are from the realm of Alice in Wonderland.
A whimsical walk through luscious pathways is what you need to unwind, more so if you go to Merian Gärten.
At Merian Gärten, you get to fill the need to escape the hustle and bustle of Basel’s city center and crowded tourist attractions.
An impressive display of peonies, fuchsia, irises, succulents, lily pads, and flowers bloom all over for you to gaze upon.
Such peace can be found in the garden as you trot along. You may see different ponds, combinations of flowers, and well-sculpted statues.
Animals are all over as well. Their presence tie in with the beauty of nature and its festivities day to day.
Suppose you’re feeling rejuvenated from the blushing colors of multiple flowers. In that case, there’s a maze available if you’re up to the challenge to go around and make it through.
Although Basel is a bustling city, there’s always Merian Gärten for you to go to as a bit of paradise escapade from the rush.
Address: Vorder Brüglingen 5, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
Museum of Contemporary Art (Museum fur Gegenwartskunst)
Compared to most of the art museums in Basel that are huddled with loads of people with a lot of rooms to go through, the Museum of Contemporary Art is relatively small and easy-going.
Its located near the center of Old Town and down by the Rhein River.
So as you stroll by and admire Old Town’s wonderful architecture, you will be met with a calm running river as well as a small concrete-smoothed-out museum focusing on contemporary art.
Inside you may find interesting pieces and selected works from Richter to Cezanne, to name a few.
A well-planned presentation would pair well with the museum’s one-hour viewing.
Different forms of art are present– ranging from permanent and temporary exhibitions, walled-out information, projection art, questionable prints, and so on forth.
Though the said museum is often unacknowledged by passing tourists due to the reign of Kunstmuseum Basel, the place is still worth going to if you’re looking for something fresh.
It would be a great plan to art museum hop from one to another with a nice walk in-between. Why not try it out and boost your sense of creativity?
Address: St. Alban-Rheinweg 60, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
Old Town
A charming and easy-going walk through an area filled with compact and old-style architecture.
By that description, it may feel as though you’re walking on a cobblestone area looking for your first wand like a newbie wizard from Hogwarts.
If that sounds like an interesting experience, you should try it out and venture into the Old Town of Basel. To walk on the streets of the old town, there isn’t a rush when it comes to exploring the space.
There are loads of old buildings in differing yet evolving architecture, small art galleries, rows of bookshops, and tons of arts and handicraft stalls.
You can spend hours shopping around the itty bitty ranging to large business establishments due to the vast, unique products and services they provide.
Of course, wandering around for hours can leave your legs needing a break. That’s when the plenty of seating spots in the area come in handy for you to sit and take it all in.
Snap on a bag and stretch your fingers for the number of shopping bags you’re bound to hop around once you explore Basel’s Old Town.
Address: Basel, Switzerland
Spalentor
When you drive around France, you may see the Arc de Triomphe.
It’s quite an iconic staple, for when you catch a glimpse of it, it stays with you for the entire journey. But did you know that Basel is its counterpart of the Arc de Triomphe?
Check out Spalentor! As known as the Gate of Spalen, it is undoubtedly the most magnificent and impressive city gate present in Basel. It stands tall and proud ever since the city’s fornication dating from 1400.
With a closer look, the Spalentor is ultimately well-preserved with beautiful and intricate roofing.
The greenish and brown hues complement its surroundings, more so when the golden hour hits its walls, giving off a spring glow.
At night, its orange lights are turned on, and as you pass by, it gives off a serene and back-in-time look as if you just came back from a nightly medieval market.
A hundred percent, the Spalentor is a landmark that you should not miss if you’re looking into getting the whole picturesque take that Basel gives off.
Address: Spalenvorstadt, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
Spielzeug Welten Museum
Whether you’re young, adult, or elderly, there’s one thing everyone is sure of– everyone loves toys!
Heal your inner child by exploring the Spielzeug Welten Museum, home to a wide collection of toys like teddy bears, dolls, vehicles, and miniature exhibits.
This toy museum has 4 floors filled with unique setups that can intrigue all ages to interact and engage themselves in the activities offered.
You may be easily entertained by the wacky layouts on each floor– some may be a floor of teddy bears, then a wad of handbags, and then followed by a ride on toy horses and zebras.
You may question if seeing a bunch of teddy bears is worth seeing. It is. Nothing can prepare you to stop yourself from gushing and beaming from the big-time extensive bear collection and miniatures.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions from time to time. To whichever they showcase, it is a unique toy giving you a deep dive into the culture, different periods, and what was on-trend toy-evolution-wise.
So for a day, just be a kid and skip inside Spielzeug Welten Museum to reminisce some childhood memories.
Address: Steinenvorstadt 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
The Museum of Antiquities & The Ludwig Collection
Most of the museums around Basel are huge and intimidating to explore at first glance.
However, if you are searching for a museum that is on a smaller scale but still has a wide collection, then The Museum of Antiquities & The Ludwig Collection or locally known as Antikenmuseum and the Sammlung Ludwig, is the place for you.
There are tons of collections and displays filled with interesting information. Most of the extensive collections possess Greek and Roman statues, art pieces, and pottery.
If you’re a fan of amphorae decorated with intricate paintings, several rooms within the museum hold a wide set wherein most are in superb condition despite the centuries of aging.
Underrated this museum is especially if you’re into antiquity and cultural artifacts. You can spend hours in the museum to capture each detail associated with another.
Antikenmuseum Basel is open for all to uncover its earthy riches, so tag along!
Address: St. Alban-Graben 5, Basel, Switzerland
Tierpark Lange Erlen
Switzerland is a country that is keen on animal welfare when it comes to tourism. And such is dutifully reflected in Tierpark Lange Erlen.
For starters, the said animal park is a great place if you need a leisure walk with friends, family, pets, and whatnot. It’s located in a green parkland with a great lineup of trees, flora, and fauna that beams well in the morning.
The animals present in the animal park range from lynxes, wildcats, red deer, fallow deer, and even boars.
If you walk into their stables, the place houses ponies, sheep, goats, donkeys, rabbits, and surprisingly even guinea pigs.
If flying pals are your interest, the animal park has a greatly spacious aviary where all visitors are free to relax and observe the multitude of birds flying around.
Ponds are also present– lilies, swans, geese, ducks, storks, herons, and even beautiful peacocks are visible, for they freely wander around the park to flutter their wings at visitors.
Drop by Tierpark Lange Erlen and have a wonderful time exploring its premises and making friends with its wandering and present animal buddies!
Address: Erlenparkweg 110, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
Tinguely Fountain
If you dropped by the Jean Tinguely Museum, then you’re most likely going to want to see the Tinguely Fountain.
To note the history of the fountain, the robust sculptured types of machinery were built by Jean Tinguely in 1977.
Each mechanically sculptured figure is specially placed in a shallow fountain wherein the stage of an old city theatre company once occupied said fountain space.
Thus, after its completion, it was recognized as another complementary landmark of Basel to highlight the city’s art-filled area.
Each wonky metal sculpture has its flare to its size, bodily parts, the way water swooshes out, and stance.
More so, are they intriguing and entertaining to watch in different seasons; may it be during spring when the sun and trees contrast with the fountain or during snowy weeks when snow lands on the sculptures like a winter wonderland.
The Tinguely Fountain is a cheery sight to behold, especially after taking pictures of major landmarks at the heart of Basel.
Address: Klostergasse 7, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Town Hall
The Grand Budapest Hotel is a bright pink building that is an absolute eye-catcher at whichever angle you snap a picture of it.
And what if I said that pink fictional building has its actual real-life counterpart? Meet Basel’s magnificent Town Hall.
Although not pink, the Town Hall is flashy with a brick-tomato solid red color complemented by green, blue, and white linings.
Its architecture doubles in pristine detail when the sun hits it just right and gives you a complete view to admire while shopping at Basel’s Marktplatz.
Standing strong even at 500 years old, its exterior is riddled with themes of detailed filled paintings.
Followed by entering the courtyard of the building, you are met with painted frescos on walls focused on previous Basel patrons and other historic figures.
Tons of sculptures are also present, made from different materials and coated with paint which further gives detail to every nook and cranny the sculpture anatomically possess.
Basel’s Town Hall is the top tourist spot in the city, and it isn’t the top for nothing.
Address: Marktpl. 9, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
