Basel Insights

When you think of Switzerland, the first picture that will come to your mind is probably the naturalistic Swiss Alps, gorgeous Swiss panoramic green fields with famous local models – alpine cows. However, there is so much more about this beautiful fairy country! Today, we will explore a pharmaceutical center, artistry, culture, and the “three countries” city of Basel!

The historical Basel is between three countries: France, Germany, and Switzerland. If your first destination in Switzerland will be Basel, you might consider taking a flight to Mulhouse EuroAirport. The unique feature in this particular airport is the location; since it’s on the French and Swiss borders, you should pay attention to which custom and side you should choose. But do not worry, there are signs and directions everywhere which you can follow. Once you are in the city center, you can enjoy the architecture of 14th-18th century houses under a mild climate, since Basel is considered the second sunniest city in Switzerland.

Basel is a beautiful city located on a broad and robust Rhine river. We definitely would recommend taking a pleasant promenade on the Middle Bridge, following the riverside, and enjoy the gorgeous views over the city’s cathedral and historical side of Basel. Furthermore, Basel has over 40 museums in the city! From cartoons, toys, and even paper museums to contemporary art exhibitions in the Kunstmuseum (Fine Arts Museum) and Fondation Beyeler. We will be delighted to greet you here and show you the best of Switzerland with our professional guides.

Basel’s cathedral (Basler Münster), seen from everywhere in the city, it’s located on a hill overlooking one of the best views of Basel; a short walk can access it. The mesmerizing architecture combined in two different styles – Romanesque and Gothic, and a long history of constant restoration and building for almost 500 years, will astonish you— so many stories and deep thoughts kept inside those walls.

The pharmaceutical industry started in Basel 150 years ago. It all began with the silk dyeing process. However, Basel was a wealthy city due to paper manufacturing and book printing. The greatest minds were inhabitants of Basel, to name a few Erasmus of Rotterdam, artist Hans Holbein, mathematician Jakob Bernoulli, Swiss physician Paracelsus, all of which made a significant impact in the prosper and development of the city.

Another significant and notable building in Basel is the Town Hall (Rathaus). Its’ colorful red exterior is impossible to miss out on. However, the Town Hall was built as a visible gesture to celebrate the politically important event of joining the Swiss Confederation in 1501. Until today, the Cantonal Parliament and Government still hold their regular meetings there. Discover remarkable Basel with us, get to know interesting facts and sightseeing like Tinguely creation, the actual chemistry house, and of course more facts and stories about the city. Who knows, maybe you will be lucky and meet Roger Federer (tennis player) in person?

Discover those Basel highlights mentioned with some of many Basel walking tours below:

• The Heritage of Basel with a Treat
• Basel’s Beer Tasting

If you want your very own customized tour based on this article, please contact us; we will be more than happy to assist!

List of Museums in Basel, Switzerland

1. Kunstmuseum Basel (Museum of Fine Arts Basel)

2. Fondation Beyeler

3. Tinguely Museum’

4. Museum der Kulturen Basel (Museum of Cultures Basel)

5. Basel Historical Museum

6. Museum Tinguely

7. Naturhistorisches Museum Basel (Natural History Museum Basel)

8. Antikenmuseum Basel und Sammlung Ludwig (Basel Museum of Ancient Art and Ludwig Collection)

9. Schaulager

10. Pharmaziemuseum der Universität Basel (Pharmacy Museum of the University of Basel)

11. Puppenhausmuseum Basel (Dollhouse Museum Basel)

12. Haus zum Kirschgarten (Museum of the History of Basel and its Families)

13. Museum.BL (Museum of Cultural History Basel-Landschaft)

14. Papiermühle Basel (Basel Paper Mill)

15. Museum Kleines Klingental

16. Kunsthalle Basel

17. Museum für Gegenwartskunst Basel (Museum of Contemporary Art Basel)

18. Museum für Musikautomaten Basel (Museum of Music Automatons Basel)

19. Caricature & Cartoon Museum Basel

20. Schweizerisches Architekturmuseum (Swiss Architecture Museum)

21. Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel (Toy Worlds Museum Basel)

22. Museum im Lohnhof (Museum in the Lohnhof)

23. Basler Münster (Basel Minster) – Not strictly a museum, but it houses important historical artifacts.

List of Sites in Basel, Switzerland

1. Basel Minster (Basler Münster) – A stunning Gothic cathedral with panoramic views of the city.

2. Marktplatz (Market Square) – The central square of Basel, known for its markets and historic buildings.

3. Mittlere Brücke (Middle Bridge) – One of Basel’s oldest bridges spanning the Rhine River.

4. Rathaus Basel (Basel Town Hall) – A historic building in the heart of the city.

5. Kunstmuseum Basel (Museum of Fine Arts Basel) – One of Switzerland’s most important art museums.

6. Fondation Beyeler – Known for its impressive modern and contemporary art collection.

7. Tinguely-Brunnen (Tinguely Fountain) – A kinetic fountain created by artist Jean Tinguely, located on Theaterplatz.

8. Basel Zoo

9. Spalentor (Spalen Gate) – A well-preserved gate from the medieval city walls.

10. Basel Historical Museum – This museum explores Basel’s history and culture through a vast collection of artifacts.

11. Museum der Kulturen Basel (Museum of Cultures Basel) – A museum dedicated to ethnography and cultural anthropology.

12. Schaulager – An innovative art museum that houses the renowned Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation’s collection.

13. Kannenfeldpark – A large park with beautiful green spaces, playgrounds, and walking trails, perfect for outdoor relaxation.

14. St. Johanns-Tor (St. Johann’s Gate) – One of the surviving gates of the city walls from Basel’s medieval past.

15. Novartis Campus – A marvel featuring modern buildings and sculptures, designed by renowned architects from around the world.

16. Basel Paper Mill – A museum showcasing the history of papermaking and printing.

17. Dreiländereck – The point where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet, marked by a monument with scenic views.

18. Rhine River Promenade – A scenic walkway along the Rhine River, lined with cafes and restaurants.

19. Jean Tinguely Museum – A museum dedicated to the works of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely and his mechanical sculptures.

20. Spalentor Botanical Garden – A botanical garden near the Spalentor gate.

List of Notable Restaurants in Basel, Switzerland

1. Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl – A Michelin three-star restaurant known for its exquisite fine dining experience and creative cuisine.

2. Stucki – A Michelin two-star restaurant offering innovative and modern dishes that focuses on seasonal ingredients.

3. Les Trois Rois – A prestigious establishment located in the historic Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois that serves gourmet French and Mediterranean cuisine.

4. Restaurant Kunsthalle – A contemporary restaurant that focuses on fresh, regional ingredients, located within the Kunsthalle Basel.

5. Acqua – A stylish waterfront restaurant specializing in seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, offering beautiful views of the Rhine River.

6. Restaurant Schlüsselzunft – A traditional Swiss restaurant located in a historic guild house, serving classic Swiss dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

7. Restaurant Löwenzorn – A popular restaurant offering a mix of Swiss and international cuisine, known for its seasonal menus and relaxed ambiance.

8. Restaurant Walliser Keller – A charming Swiss restaurant known for its traditional Swiss dishes, including fondue and raclette.

9. Atelier – A contemporary restaurant offering a blend of Swiss and international flavors, focusing on fresh, local ingredients.

10. Consum – A vegetarian and vegan restaurant offering creative and flavorful plant-based dishes in a cozy setting.

11. Restaurant Ufer7 – A modern restaurant with a riverside location, offering a diverse menu featuring international and Swiss-inspired dishes.

12. Restaurant zum Isaak – A historic restaurant located in a 14th-century building, known for its Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine.

13. Restaurant Fischerstube – A cozy restaurant specializing in fish and seafood dishes, with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients.

14. Restaurant Rubino – An Italian restaurant offering a range of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes, including pasta and pizza.

15. Restaurant Spiga – A family-run Italian restaurant known for its authentic cuisine and warm hospitality.