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Situated on the Rhine where Switzerland, Germany and France touch noses, Basel’s voters are the most pro-European of Switzerland’s German-speakers, and their enthusiasm for neighbourly relations has energized the city. Plan your trip to Basel with our guide to Basel, based on The Rough Guide to Switzerland, your travel guide for Switzerland.
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Discover Switzerland's real natural paradise. Enjoy 11 relaxed days of picturesque scenery, breathtaking views, romantic towns, eternal ice and snow, rural villages and historic buildings. Visit Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Geneva and many other highlights.
customize ⤍Lakes and mountains for the whole family in Italy & Switzerland
Spend your first 3 nights at Lake Como in Italy, discovering the area by boat or foot, before heading to Zermatt in Switzerland. Zermatt with its peaceful nature is the ideal backdrop for strolls, hikes and other activities with the whole family.
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Switzerland may be small but is full of unique experiences. Take the scenic Glacier Express, visit the beautiful car-free village of Zermatt, visit the Matterhorn, the famous St Moritz and more on this Swiss highlight trip.
customize ⤍Its historic centre, dominated by the soaring Münster, is definitely worth seeing. But, with a long history of banking excellence, a major port on the Rhine, and the research headquarters of several pharmaceutical multinationals, Basel still cherishes its reputation as one of Switzerland’s wealthiest cities.
Yet, oddly, what’s made the biggest difference has been the city’s resolutely high taxes: recent years have seen an exodus of the rich to the lower-tax haven of the Fricktal in nearby Canton Aargau.
In their place have come artists, young professionals and, most notably, international expats. The Swiss pharmaceutical giants Novartis and Roche have both invested in major constructions on their existing sites, helping to draw new lifeblood into the city.
Day break in Basel © Swiss Tourism
In short, business is booming. Big-name architects are revitalizing the cityscape. New restaurants with fresh ideas are springing up all over town, and the city’s long-standing patronage of the arts has resulted in dozens of first-rate museums and public art installations.
Three annual events above all define the city for different markets. Every June the art fair Art Basel is one of contemporary art’s highest-profile gatherings, with world-famous artists, dealers and wannabes packing the city amid glitzy shows and events.
Held in March, Baselworld is the most prestigious jamboree in the more traditionally Swiss world of watchmaking and jewellery.
But Basel's most accessible event is the extraordinary annual carnival, Fasnacht.
Basel's Fasnacht Carnival is a top feature of any Basel travel guide © Swiss Toursim/Christof Sonderegger
Münster Cathedral in Basel © Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock
On the south/west bank is Grossbasel (Greater Basel), focused on the historic Old Town. Shopping streets connect Barfüsserplatz and Marktplatz, the two main Old Town squares.
Medieval charm is retained in the steep lanes leading off to either side, where you’ll find leafy courtyards surrounded by sixteenth-century townhouses, medieval churches and the majestic Münster dominating the skyline.
Taking a walking tour with a professional guide is a great way to see Basel's Old Town attractions, and sure to be a memorable Basel travel experience.
Colourful blooms abound in Basel © Hungry_herbivore/Shutterstock
Walk up Steinenberg on the south side of Barfüsserplatz to Theaterplatz, to admire Tinguely’s Carnival Fountain, where the spluttering sculptures were created from parts of the city’s old theatre. Just behind, Intersection is a fine example of American artist Richard Serra’s rusting walk-in sculptures.
Lighting up the broad rectangular space with a splash of eye-catching colour is the elaborate scarlet facade of the Rathaus (Town Hall), its central arcaded section sixteenth-century, the tower and side annexe both late nineteenth-century. Feel free to wander into the frescoed interior courtyard.
Basel's modern Messe building © Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock
As a result, reserving ahead is strongly advised. Basel’s hoteliers tend to focus more on providing comforting extras, such as minibars and big-screen cable TV, than on character. You’ll also find prices hiked during the week and/or while a big trade fair is on.
All hotels, hostels and guesthouses offer overnight guests a free BaselCard with an integrated Mobility Ticket, covering city transport .
Medieval majesty in Barfüsserplatz, downtown Basel © Urban Napflin/Shutterstock
Beer and sausages is the snack of choice, but it’s equally possible to find venues in which to savour classic French cuisine.
If the city could be said to have a local speciality, it’s salmon (originally plucked from the Rhine but these days more likely to be imported) marinated in the fruity local white wine and topped with fried onions.
If food and drink is your thing, book a self-guided, food-themed tour of Basel, or a craft beer tour.
Spice up your life with a traditional Basler Läckerli biscuit from Läckerli Huus, Basel © sidefin/Shutterstock
Basel's Messeturm is home to one of the best bars in Basel © lichtmaster/Shutterstock
Basel's Stadtcasino concert hall is one of Basel's best entertainment venues © Urban Napflin/Shutterstock
Basel's port area © Swiss Tourism
Visiting the Augusta Raurica Roman amphitheatre is one of the best excursions from Basel © Stefano Ember/Shutterstock
The Jura mountains in Switzerland's Basel canton © Psimus/Shutterstock
Into the idea of exploring further afield? Read up on the best outdoor experiences in Switzerland.
If you feel inspired by this Basel travel guide, The Rough Guide to Switzerland and our tips on things not to miss in Switzerland will help you plan your Basel vacation — think of them as your personal travel guide to Switzerland.
Not a fan of planning? Consider booking a hassle-free tailor-made trip to Switzerland, with customisable itineraries covering everything from unforgettable highlights of Switzerland, to touring the Grand Circle.
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 8.09.2022
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