Places to Visit in Basel

Old Town within Basel will take you back to the 15-century with its eccentric and still intact architecture. You will find buildings in every nook and cranny that were designed by world-renowned architects. Amongst the most compelling monuments here is the Cathedral.

The Basel Papermill Museum (Papiermuhle) is an old mill that was converted into the National Museum for Paper, Writing and Typography in Switzerland. The Paper Museum, which is located on an old canal, has a fully working water-wheel along with functioning machines and other tools as part of the exhibit.

The Rathaus (City Hall) was replaced by the new building after the major earthquake to restore the former seat of government. It was after Basel joined the Swiss Confederation that the front of the building was redone with a new structure within the Marktplatz Piazza.

Marktplatz is one of the most popular marketplaces in Basel and dazzles with its historic charm and daily buzz. Dominated by the colourful Rathaus (Town Hall) from the 16th century, this square is a feast for the senses. Here, locals and visitors mingle, shopping for fresh Swiss delicacies and handmade crafts. It is a perfect spot to soak in Basel’s lively culture and rich history.

For art lovers from around the world and most of Europe, Kunstmuseum Basel remains one of the most significant museums. With art collections for over seven centuries amassed in one place, Kunstmuseum Basel receives hundreds of art enthusiasts, art students and researchers every day.

Basel Minister (Basler Munster) was a Catholic Church built between the years 1019 to 1500, it is now a Reformed Protestant Church and amongst the top places to visit in Basel. This impressive Cathedral was rebuilt after it was destroyed in an earthquake during 1356.

The Spielzeug Welten Museum also known as Toy Worlds Museum Basel is the biggest in all of Europe. It is your all your childhood under one roof, as the name suggests this Museum has the largest exhibit of toys. There are also themed exhibits that take place regularly, and the Museum remains open on all days.

Marvel at one of the most beautiful gates of Switzerland, the Gate of Spalen was once a strong entrance in Basel’s old walls. It is one of the three remaining gateways to the city, admired for its beautiful design. Made of sandstone, it features a square main tower and two round towers. There is also a clock on the gate of this significant heritage site in Basel that showcases the city’s rich past.

The Museum of Antiquities and the Ludwig Collection is also known as Antikenmuseum and the Sammlung Ludwig, was founded in the year 1961, a site of national significance, it is one of the many museums that the city of Basel has.

The most visited tourist attraction of Switzerland, Basel Zoo is situated in the northwest of the country. Sharing its borders with foreign nations, the zoo receives a great footfall from France and Germany. Although renowned by the name Basel Zoo, the official name of the zoo is Zoologischer Garten Basel, which means Basel Zoological Garden in German.

The Basel Historical Museum first opened in the year 1894, it is one of the largest museums in Switzerland and is a heritage site of National importance. The Historical Museum has three sites- Barfüsserkirche, Haus Zum Kirschgarten, and Musikmuseum. Each is displaying a collection of a different theme.

The Museum fur Gegenwartskunst opened in the year 1980 is a branch of the Kunstmuseum Basel and is exclusively dedicated to contemporary art. Located on St. Alban-Rheinweg, it is now known as Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart and is one of the Places to see in Basel.

Founded in the year 1966, the Basel Jewish Museum has since collected a historical collection of Jewish religious significance and everyday life fragments. Over the years it has emerged as one of the notable tourist attractions in Basel.

Designed by a famous architect Mario Botta, Jean Tinguely museum is one of its kind museums which is filled with artistic concoctions of sculptures created by a renowned scientist, Jean Tinguely. Basel is the hometown of Jean Tinguely and the museum is in a way tribute to his glorious work. The museum holds the collection of all kinds of varied machine sculptures created by the scientist throughout his career.

A sought-after museum in the medieval city of Basel, Fondation Beyeler was commissioned by Hildy and Ernst Beyeler, the celebrated swiss art dealers of the modern century. Fondation Beyeler boastfully accommodates the 250-odd pictorial icons of classic modernism of the 20th-century.

The Tinguely fountain was the creation of Jean Tinguely, a Swiss artist in the year 1977. The design of the fountain was laid on the site of the old theatre stage as a homage. The fountain since its creation has always ceased to amaze the visitors, becoming a landmark in Basel.