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Dec
27
Basel Travel Guide
Filed Under Switzerland
A trip to Basel
Basel, located in northwest Switzerland and bordering both France and Germany, is Switzerland’s third largest city. The city abounds with cultural sites, including a wide range of museums offering insight into the rich history of the area. The surrounding picturesque countryside spans a wide area and offers scenic walking trails, waterfalls and caves.
Flights to Basel
The closest airport to Basel is located just over two miles from the centre of the city. Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport receives traffic from across Europe including domestic flights from within Switzerland. Limited flights arrive from outside Europe including from the US, Cuba and Jamaica. The airport’s facilities boast all the usual commodities such as banks, ATMs, bureaux de change, and a restaurant as well as excellent wheelchair access. Another excellent option is to travel to Geneva or Zurich and take one of the many trains available to Basel.
The tram network in the city is extensive and affordable, making it one of the best options for getting around Basel. You can buy multiple day or trip tickets, allowing you to hop on and off at your desired destination. While the tram is probably the best mode of transport inside town, buses linking Basel to the surrounding areas and region are widely available and reliable. Car hire is a popular option for those wishing to explore the magnificent countryside. The roads are in excellent condition and routes are well signposted.
Sightseeing in Basel
Basel provides visitors with endless sightseeing options. The Rhine River is a prime location for riverside walks, while the promenade is a picturesque spot for family days out among nature. Walking tours are an excellent way to take in the sights of the city. Tours usually start at Basel Zoo, one of Switzerland’s biggest, and end along the banks of the river. Along the way, key attractions include the Marketplatz, Rathaus (City Hall) and the Münster Gothic style cathedral.
Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Museum is dedicated to one of the country’s most renowned sculptors. The building of the museum is itself a sight not be missed, designed by Mario Botto, the creator of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
One of the most pleasant features of life in Basel is the strong culture for sitting at riverside cafés, affording locals and visitors alike prime locations to take in the sights, sounds and ambience of the city. Market square is a centre for night-time activity with stalls selling pizza, pretzels and sausages. Cuisine from around the world is widely available. Basel’s proximity to France means that the tantalising tastes of Europe’s food capital are never far.
Basel’s cosmopolitan atmosphere provides a range of options for night-time activity. From charming riverside bars and cafés to nightclubs that stay open until the early hours of the morning, there is something to suit all tastes. Stadtcasino is one of the prime hubs at night, featuring a large events arena and numerous bars and restaurants.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Ancient architecture dots the Basel landscapes, which are rich in indigenous flora and fauna. Sightseeing trips to medieval ruins are common daytrips and fun for all the family. Not far from Basel lies the town of Gruyères, where you can taste the world-known Gruyère cheese and gain insight into its production.
Shopping in Basel is a treat, no matter what your budget is. The local flea market provides an interesting array of goods at impressively low costs. For the more upmarket shopper, antique stores and clothing boutiques are among the classy options, while modern shopping malls provide a vast range of high street names.
Daytrips
Basel is located in the middle of many historical and scenic sights which are all within easy driving distance. France’s Alsace region and Germany’s Black Forest are very close to the city and offer a wealth of opportunity for sightseeing and of course, sampling the region’s culinary delights.
If you travel outside of the city, you will be surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside; perfect for a day’s exploration. There are a number of historical castles and ancient ruins to be found in the hills offering culture buffs the chance to experience the architecture first hand.
The famous ruins of Augusta Raurica are just 10kms away from the city centre while the bustling cities of Bern and Zürich are only one hour’s drive away. If sunshine and beaches is your thing, the Swiss Riviera is just a couple of hours away by car.
Must-see attractions
Basel is a historical city brimming with ruins and relics dating back to the Romans. The market plaza can be found in the centre of Basel and is lined by beautiful Renaissance buildings and shady trees. The plaza is home to trendy boutiques, fancy restaurants and lively bars. An old Renaissance palace known as Rathauscan can be found here; this is today used as the town hall.
Basel Zoo can be found very close to the market plaza and is one of the largest zoos in Switzerland. It was built over 130 years ago, near the market plaza, is one of the largest zoos in Switzerland. The zoo, built over 130 years ago, stretches over 26 acres. It is home to 4,500 animals and is great for people of all ages. Etosha House is particularly impressive, as it is a mini savannah housing cheetahs, meerkats, dung beetles and wild dogs.
If historical buildings are an attractive option, a Gothic cathedral can be found on the banks of the Rhine River. It was built in 1356, but is still fully standing today.
Best time to go
If you are looking to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Basel is in April or November. The streets, hotels and attractions are a lot quieter and the weather can still be pleasant. However, Basel is one of the warmest cities in the country, boasting hot summers, and many people like to take advantage of this by visiting during the summer months.
If you are looking for a sunny break, the months of June, July and August are the best months to visit. Winters can be cold and while you will find some good deals on hotel rates, it can often be too cold to enjoy the sights and you might not be able to take full advantage of the city.
Rainy day suggestions
Being a culturally important city, Basel is home to many museums. There are 27 in total, specialising in cultural and historical artefacts, art, comics, antiques, nature and science. The town hall is a good place to escape the rain as it is in the middle of the market square and close to some good restaurants and bars which can be visited afterwards.
If museums don’t really appeal to you, head into the city centre to enjoy the shopping opportunities. Pick up some souvenirs and have a look at the latest fashions on some of Switzerland’s trendiest streets.
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