Basel Walking Tour: Unveiling the Charms of the City

Our journey through Historic Old Town of Basel mesmerised us with a host of sights and experiences. We explored Basel and learned about the history of the city during our self guided walking tour of Basel. The Swiss city of Basel holds many attractions for visitors, from museums to thermal baths and Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are some good reasons to visit Basel.

Basel Walking Tour

Basel is Switzerland’s second-largest city. The sky didn’t show good colors and was threatening to pour any moment, though luckily it didn’t. We walked the cobbled streets of the old town at a leisurely pace.

Indulge in leisurely walk along the River Rhine. Cruising along the scenic Rhine River is a popular pastime for many visitors.

Historic Old Town of Basel: Stepping Back in Time

Basel Cathedral – Dominating the city’s skyline, the Basel Minster is a stunning Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 12th century. Its red sandstone architecture and intricate details make it a must-visit landmark. Wish we had the time to climb the tower for panoramic views of the city. Its two tall towers was visible from across the river. With this towering architecture as reference point we navigated well through the town. Read: Basel Munster

Marktplatz: The central square of Basel, Marktplatz, is a bustling hub of activity. It is a location bursting with life with vibrant farmers’ market, where locals and visitors can purchase fresh produce, flowers, and regional specialties.

The square is also home to the iconic red Rathaus (Town Hall) with its colorful facade.

Rathaus – Basel’s historic centre reveals a number of striking buildings, dating back to medieval times, like Rathaus its Town Hall. See photo essay of Rathaus – the Town Hall of Basel

Mittlere Brücke (Middle Bridge): As one of Basel’s oldest crossings over the Rhine River, Mittlere Brücke offers picturesque views and is a popular spot for taking a leisurely stroll. We spent some time admiring the river, the boats passing by, and the charming buildings along the riverbanks.

Immerse in the Alleys: One of the joys of exploring the Historic Old Town is getting lost in its narrow winding streets and alleys. Discover charming shops, cozy cafes, and hidden courtyards as you wander through the centuries-old architecture.

Spalentor: This well-preserved gate is one of the three remaining medieval city gates in Basel. It stands as a testament to the city’s fortifications and provides a glimpse into its medieval heritage.

Border Triangle – Basel lies at the meeting point of France, Germany and Switzerland. Do visit the Three Countries Corner (Dreiländereck) for a unique experience.

Basel Zoo – If you are planning a trip with children Basel is a good reason to visit for its Zoo. Basel Zoo is the oldest and largest in the whole country, dating back to 1874. It is home to hundreds of animal species from all over the world.

St. Peter’s Church: Another notable religious site in the Old Town, St. Peter’s Church boasts an impressive Romanesque design and houses various valuable religious artworks.

Tinguely Fountain: Located in Theaterplatz, the Tinguely Fountain is a unique kinetic sculpture created by renowned Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. The whimsical fountain features moving parts and is a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike.

Artistic Delights in Basel: Museums and Galleries Galore

Basel is a haven for art enthusiasts with its impressive array of museums and galleries.

Basel Historical Museum: Located within the Old Town, the Basel Historical Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the city’s history from ancient times to the present day. It’s a great place to dive deeper into Basel’s past.

• Barfüsserkirche – BHM housed in the Barfüsserkirche since 1894. Basel Historical Museum presents selected aspects of the history of Basel from prehistoric times to the present.
• Musikmuseum – The 24 cells of the former prison serve as showcases for 650 musical instruments spanning five centuries
• Haus zum Kirschgarten – The mansion has been a museum of domestic culture since 1951

Museums of Basel: The museums here deserve a special mention because there are so many of them and each stuffed with wonderful collection of art work.

Basel is famous for its museums, you will find more than one museum per sq.km with a total exceeding 40. World class museums like the Kunstmuseum Basel and the Naturhistorisches Museum, quirky finds like the Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel, a toy museum with an enormous collection of teddy bears and dolls, many more that will leave you craving for more time in hand.

Tinguely Museum: For those seeking a more unconventional art experience, the Tinguely Museum is a must-visit. Dedicated to the playful and kinetic art of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, this museum is a delight for the senses. Explore Tinguely’s whimsical sculptures, intricate machines, and interactive installations that come to life with movement and sound.

Rhine River Promenade of Basel: Scenic Stroll along the Waterfront

The enchanting waterfront of Rhine River Promenade in Basel offers a delightful experience during scenic strolls along the stretch and a connection with the soul of the city. The promenade exudes a lively atmosphere. The historic bridges and the charming buildings that line its banks create a mesmerizing backdrop.

One of the unique aspects of the Rhine River Promenade is the opportunity to take a dip in the refreshing waters. ! During the warm summer months, many Basel residents embrace the tradition of swimming in the Rhine. Basel Rhine Swimming has been organised by the Basel department of the Swiss Lifesaving Society since 1980 and which attracts more than a thousand participants each year. And there are some Basel residents who enjoy a dip in the Rhine every day, irrespective of the season.

Rhine River Promenade – Basel Walking Tour

Modern Architecture Marvels: Exploring Basel’s Contemporary Side

Basel’s contemporary side through its modern architecture marvels is equally fascinating.

One iconic modern marvel that cannot be missed is the Fondation Beyeler, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Nestled in the idyllic Berower Park, this art museum is a masterpiece in itself.

Roche Tower (German: Roche-Turm) is a skyscraper in the Swiss city of Basel. At 178 m, it is the second tallest building in the country.

Another architectural gem is the Novartis Campus, designed by an array of internationally acclaimed architects, Frank Gehry and SANAA. The campus with its shimmering surfaces, captivating angles, and harmonious play of light and space is a testament to innovation and creativity.

The Tinguely Museum mentioned above too is a must-visit.

Skyscraper Roche tower – Basel Walking Tour

Culinary Adventures: Indulge in Basel’s Food Scene

Basel’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Swiss cuisine with international influences. The diverse range of dining options from cozy cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants is worth exploring. Here’s a glimpse into Basel’s food scene and the gastronomic delights:

Basel’s Traditional Dishes: Try the iconic Basler Läckerli, a spiced gingerbread cookie with almonds and candied fruits, or indulge in a plate of hearty Swiss cheese fondue, where you dip chunks of bread into melted cheese for a truly comforting and satisfying experience.

Market Freshness at Marktplatz: The bustling Marktplatz is a treasure trove of fresh produce. Explore the vibrant farmers’ market and sample locally sourced fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats, an opportunity for own farm-to-table experience.

Gastronomic Gems in Kleinbasel: Kleinbasel, a vibrant neighborhood across the Rhine River has a thriving culinary scene. Its lively streets are lined with cozy cafes, trendy bistros, and international eateries. From Middle Eastern delicacies to Asian fusion, there’s something to tempt every palate.

Fine Dining Experiences: Indulge in Basel’s fine dining establishments. The city is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants where talented chefs create gastronomic masterpieces.

Tips for Walking Tour of Basel Town

Safety for travelers – Basel was always a safe city anywhere anytime. But it is always better to be cautious as stray incidents of attacks and robberies have happened.

Language in Basel – Switzerland has four official languages, the most common language spoken in Basel is Swiss German. Many of the older Basel residents speak English, but it is much more likely to encounter someone who only speaks Swiss-German the older they are.

How many days needed to tour Basel – You need at least three days in Basel to explore and feast on Switzerland’s culture capital at a relaxed pace. The town has many museums with good collection of art works. You can even plan a day trip to explore the Swiss Alps.

How to reach Basel – Nearest airport is Zurich Airport. Alternately you can fly in via EuroAirport too. It’s very easy to plan your journey via the three railway stations and the major motorways. Cruise ships also travel down the Rhine to Basel every day. We travelled to Basel with a hired car from AVIS.

You may Like these walking tour guides:

• Things to Do in Zurich, Switzerland
• Lucerne Lakefront Walking Tour
• Walking Tour of Bern

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