Which Are the Best Things To Do In Basel?
Basel is a beautiful city in Central Europe situated on the banks of the Rhine River, where Swiss accuracy blends with a lively cultural flair. This city is frequently overlooked in favor of its larger Swiss counterparts and offers a captivating fusion of modern artistry, medieval charm, and a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere. Basel is also known as the “cultural capital” of Switzerland, Basel provides a variety of life-changing experiences, including its renowned Art Basel event, charming streets, and delicious cuisine. Basel’s rich history and modern charm provide some amazing things to experience in Basel
10 Best Things To Do In Basel
The following are the 10 best things to do in Basel;
1) Explore the Old Town
Old Town offers a fascinating fusion of charm, culture, and history. Some of the most significant landmarks of Basel such as the Basel Minster, the breathtaking Pfalz Terrace, and the exquisitely preserved Spalentor City Gate are the popular sites to visit in Old Town. The cobblestone and narrow streets of the Old Town take you through old buildings with historical significance, including the Mittlere Brücke Bridge and the beautiful Marktplatz. Here, you’ll explore the stunning red Basel Town Hall.
The entrance of the Town Hall contains wall paintings and the statue of Roman senator Munatius Plancus, who founded Augusta Raurica, the oldest Roman colony on the Rhine in the 16th century. There are also more than 300 fountains scattered throughout the Old Town which provide drinkable water, including the famous Basiliskenbrunnen. Further,? St. Peter’s Church is the oldest parish church in Basel, with its breathtaking stained-glass windows and frescoes. You can also book a guided walking tour to explore the Old Town.?
2) Visit the Basel Minster
The magnificent Basel Minster is one of the most beautiful sites to visit. It is a Gothic masterpiece composed of striking red sandstone and topped with a roof of exquisitely patterned tiles. This Minster is located on a hill with deep historical roots and was once the site of a Celtic city and a Roman fort. The magnificent 12th-century stone carvings of the St. Gallus Romanesque doorway, which miraculously survived the devastating 1356 earthquake, can still be seen by visitors.??
The crypt graves inside the Minster are dating back to 1000 AD, including one of Europe’s most famous scholars, Erasmus of Rotterdam, whose writings once made up 10-20% of all book sales on the continent. Queen Anna Gertrude, wife of King Rudolf I of Germany, is also buried here. After exploring the interiors, tourists can climb the towers with a not very expensive ticket to enjoy breathtaking views over Basel and the Rhine River from the Pfalz terrace. The Basel Minster is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Basel’s rich history and enjoy one of the city’s most stunning architectural gems.
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3) Checkout the Kunstmuseum Basel
One of the best things to do in Basel is visit Kunstmuseum Basel. With more than 300,000 pieces of art, this museum has been attracting visitors since its founding in 1661 and is known for having the oldest public art collection in the world. The museum was founded with the acquisition of the Amerbach Cabinet and features works of art that date back hundreds of years.?
The striking 16th-century painting “Death of a Woman” by Hans Baldung Grien graphically illustrates a pallid female figure receiving the kiss of death from a yellow skeleton. Eerie portraits by Hans Holbein the Younger, Bonifacius Amerbach, and Erasmus of Rotterdam are also displayed in the museum. Fans of modern art will enjoy discovering works by famous artists like Picasso, Schiele, Cézanne, and Munch. The museum opens daily, except Mondays, and offers free access on Wednesdays after 5 PM, making it accessible for all.
4) Go Fountain Bathing
The delightful tradition of fountain bathing is one of the most distinctive and revitalizing experiences to do in Basel.? On a hot summer day, there is nothing more beautiful than enjoying the refreshing, sparkling waters of the city’s historic fountains. Basel takes great pride in this endearing tradition. The beautifully restored fountain invites visitors to cool off while admiring the Old Town’s breathtaking scenery. One of the best fountains is the eight-cornered Gemsberg-Brunnen where peaceful surroundings and cool waters can be enjoyed.
The Spalenberg fountain has the coldest water in the city, making it ideal for a fast cool down for those looking for a little more adventure. As an alternative, the popular bathing fountain in the St. Alban-Vorstadt district is spacious enough for a few leisurely strokes. These fountains are cleaned regularly and well maintained to keep the tradition alive.
5) Try Local Cuisine?
Trying local cuisine is one of the best experiences to have in Basel. The nationals highly recommend the delicious snack tastings. Start your culinary journey at a quaint chocolate and cookie shop that has been entertaining guests since 1753. This is also one of the oldest bakeries. Further, explore the Klara food court, which features nine different kitchens that highlight seasonal and local ingredients from all over the area.
One of the most notable locations is Basel Unverpackt, a zero-waste organic store on Erasmusplatz where you can buy eco-friendly food items and learn about sustainable practices. Although Swiss cuisine may not have the global fame of Italian or Thai, it certainly boasts delicious specialties worth exploring, including the iconic fondue and classic Swiss dishes like Chl?pfer and r?sti. A must-try is a platter of Switzerland’s 450 distinct cheese varieties, paired with a nice glass of wine.
6) Visit the Three Country Corner
The Drei Country Corner (Dreil?ndereck) is a must-visit place in Basel because there are not many places in the world where one can stand in three countries at once. At the meeting point of the Rhine and Birs rivers, Switzerland, France, and Germany form this distinctive border triangle. The three countries’ flags, which stand tall on a metal pillar in the middle, represent friendship and collaboration between these countries.?
The pedestrian and cyclist-friendly “Three Country Bridge” connects Weil and Rhein in Germany to Huningue in France providing stunning views and an ideal setting for memorable photographs. It is one of the most distinctive attractions in Basel and an excellent opportunity to capture such extraordinary moments in the heart of Europe.
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7) Explore Different Museums
Basel is a top destination offering a rich tapestry of art, history, and design because of the abundance of well-known museums. The Kunstmuseum Basel, Switzerland’s oldest public art collection, is at the center of the cultural heritage of the city.? The Fondation Beyeler is a beautiful museum that features modern art in a gorgeous park setting. It houses famous works by Rothko and Monet in an architectural marvel created by Renzo Piano. The Tinguely Museum honors Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely’s whimsical kinetic sculptures, allowing visitors of all ages to experience art in motion.
The Basel Historical Museum located in a former Gothic church presents medieval artifacts, including the evocative Dance of Death fresco. Design lovers will find inspiration at the Vitra Design Museum, located just outside the city which shows innovative architecture and modern furniture by design legends like Frank Gehry. The Pharmacy Museum provides an intriguing history of medicine, while the Antikenmuseum offers insights into ancient Mediterranean cultures. Visitors can enjoy the lighthearted exhibitions at the Cartoonmuseum and the Natural History Museum, with their captivating displays on dinosaurs and the natural world. Collectively, these museums embody Basel’s rich cultural heritage, making them essential places on any tourist’s itinerary.
8) Experience the Basel Zoo
Basel Zoo is one of the famous zoos, also known as “Zolli”. The Zoo has been devoted to conservation, recreation, research, and education for more than a century, making it a top attraction for tourists. Visitors get a chance to explore more than 500 animal species from around the globe as they walk through beautifully designed enclosures and lush gardens. Every visit offers thrilling experiences, whether it’s the captivating sight of snow leopard cubs playing or the magnificent Indian rhinos.
The underwater aquarium displays a wide range of marine life, including seahorses, sharks, and penguins. The newly renovated “Gamgoas” lion habitat and the gorgeous new monkey house offer new opportunities for exploration. Basel Zoo is not just for animal lovers as it is also an excellent venue for personal events, such as birthday parties or weddings, offering charming rooms with stunning views, including an elephant terrace that overlooks the zoological gardens.?
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9) Venture Out to Bottingmon Castle
Bottmingen Castle is a beautiful castle located near the city center and is the ideal destination for anyone looking for an enthralling place to visit in Basel. It is located within a romantic park and surrounded by tranquil waters, making it an ideal setting for memorable photos and leisurely walks.
The castle’s current French-style design was established in 1720 after it was first constructed in the 14th century by the K?mmerer family. It functions as a magnificent location for banquets, weddings, and other noteworthy events, offering luxurious function rooms that can accommodate up to 145 guests.?
10) ?Merian Garten
Basel’s charming Merian Gardens is the place to go to enjoy the fresh air and the colorful flower displays at this botanical sanctuary, which includes gorgeous peonies and fuchsias. Along with the English garden’s charm, its most notable feature is the stunning view of the Rhododendron valley. The chance to explore Europe’s largest collection of irises, boasting an impressive 1,500 species.
The historic Villa Merian, a 1711 manor house that is now Café Merian, is situated within the 18-hectare park. While admiring the lovely surroundings, tourists can enjoy tasty dishes made with fresh produce grown in the garden. Hidden treasures are discovered upon venturing along the many trails such as a serene lake, a charming maze, and diverse horticultural areas featuring rare vegetables and delicate snowdrops. The Merian Gardens offer a delightful blend of stunning blooms, rich history, and architectural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.?
Conclusion
In conclusion, Basel is renowned for its diversity, where modernity and tradition coexist peacefully. The city can attract anyone as it provides multiple options including world-class museums, presents its culinary delicacies, and provides historic wonders. Basel is a unique cultural crossroads because of its location on the border of Germany, France, and Switzerland. The breathtaking architecture, thriving arts scene, and natural beauty of Basel guarantee that every visitor enjoys to the fullest and leaves the city with lots of memories to cherish later in life.