Best 20 things to do in Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to Basel, the city that will make you feel like a cool, cultured local even if you accidentally pronounce it as "Baaasel." Brace yourself for a whirlwind of adventures! Start with a visit to the Kunstmuseum to see famous works of art, then hop on a tram to explore the Old Town and pretend you're in a fairytale. Finally, don't leave without indulging in Swiss chocolate – trust me, it's scientifically proven that it increases your chances of discovering the secret underground tunnels beneath the city. Happy exploring!
Save destination1. Dreiländereck
Westquaistrasse 75, 4057 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to Dreiländereck in Basel, the place where three countries come together, making it a favorite spot for indecisive travelers who can't pick just one destination! Here, you can stand with one foot in Switzerland, the other in France, and attempt a daring split to shake hands with Germany. Just remember, if you ever need to be in two places at once, this is your golden opportunity! Marvel at the geographical confusion as you witness three different cultures seamlessly coexisting in this tiny, triangular space. Experience the thrill of eating a croissant in France, followed by Swiss chocolate, while casually discussing punctuality and efficiency with your newfound German friends. Don't worry, it's perfectly acceptable to speak three languages simultaneously, or just stick with wild gesticulations if words fail you. As you take a selfie at this cross-border hodgepodge, make sure you channel your inner acrobat and strike a pose that screams, "Look at me, I'm defying international boundaries!". Dreiländereck is not only a geographical quirk but a place where you can indulge in the delightful paradox of feeling like a citizen of the world while standing in one spot.
Learn more2. Jean Tinguely Museum
Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to the Jean Tinguely Museum in Basel, where art becomes a wild rollercoaster ride! Prepare to witness Tinguely's whimsical contraptions, a delightful fusion of quirky doodles and a midnight rendezvous between rusty junk and funky genius. Step into a world where sculptures spring to life, waltzing with kinetic energy and casting their spell over visitors, making it utterly impossible to remain still.
Learn more3. St. Jakob-Park
4052 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to St. Jakob-Park, a place in Basel that is more than just a mouthful to pronounce! Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, this stadium is a delightful concoction of concrete and greenery, perfect for those who want to experience the thrill of sports while pretending to be one with nature. With its mesmerizing architecture that resembles a waffle iron gone wild, St. Jakob-Park promises an adventure where you can cheer for your favorite team while trying to figure out whether you're at a football match or a botanical garden.
Learn more4. Rheinuferpromenade
Rheinpromenade, 4332 Stein, Switzerland
Welcome to Rheinuferpromenade in Basel, Switzerland, where you can stroll along the river and wonder if you're in Germany or Switzerland, because borders can be confusing, just like your teenage years. Enjoy the scenic views of the Rhine River while battling with the constant urge to randomly yell, "I'm on a boat!" Even if the river does not offer cruises, your inner adventurer will still appreciate the calming sounds of water and the occasional overly-enthusiastic seagull trying to photobomb your selfie.
Learn more5. Basel Zoo
Binningerstrasse 40, 4054 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to Basel Zoo, where even the animals have impeccable Swiss precision! This quirky zoo boasts a remarkable collection of exotic creatures who know how to strike a pose better than any supermodel. Take a stroll through the park and marvel at the hilarious antics of monkeys that could give comedians a run for their money. And don't fret, when the clock strikes noon, the animal chorus may be singing, but thankfully, the lions won't be having their afternoon tea.
Learn more6. Museum Tinguely
Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to Museum Tinguely in Basel, where art meets quirkiness like never before! Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Jean Tinguely, a Swiss artist who puts the "fun" in funky! Prepare to be mesmerized by his imaginative, interactive, and often downright hilarious mechanical sculptures that will have you questioning whether you accidentally wandered into a mischievous inventor's dream. Don't forget to bring your sense of humor and expect the unexpected at this one-of-a-kind museum!
Learn more7. Zoo Basel
Binningerstrasse 40, 4054 Basel, Switzerland
Nestled in the heart of Basel, Zoo Basel is the wild wonderland that effortlessly combines the charisma of a traditional zoo with the atmosphere of chaotic hilarity. Home to over 600 species and boasting an impressive collection of animals from every corner of the globe, this is the place where the animal kingdom puts on a show that will leave you in stitches. Whether you find yourself laughing with the playful penguins or trying to keep up with the mischievous monkeys, Zoo Basel promises an adventure that will tickle your funny bone while opening your eyes to the fascinating realm of the animal kingdom.
Learn more8. Schlössli Wörth
Rheinfallquai 30, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland
Nestled in the charming city of Basel, Schlössli Wörth greets visitors with its whimsical charm and historical allure. This petite fortress is like the Mona Lisa of castles, small but captivating! It's the place where knights once roamed, and now offers a cozy retreat for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Come marvel at the mini majesty of Schlössli Wörth – the castle that proves great things come in small, fortress-shaped packages!
Learn more9. Fondation Beyeler
Baselstrasse 101, 4125 Riehen, Switzerland
Nestled in the vibrant city of Basel, Fondation Beyeler awaits art enthusiasts with a seductive wink! This cultural haven tickles your senses with its exquisite collection, giving a free pass to immerse yourself in the whimsical world of modern and contemporary art. Stroll through the museum's captivating architecture, as if it were a fashion runway for breathtaking masterpieces, and let Fondation Beyeler steer you on an artistic adventure that will make you feel like a high-class eccentric connoisseur.
Learn more10. Spalentor
Spalenvorstadt, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to Basel, where history meets hilarity at the iconic Spalentor! This magnificent gate, also known as the Entrance to Twilight Zone (not really, but it could be), has stood tall since the medieval times, charming visitors with its formidable presence and guarding endless tales of the past. Marvel at the gate's intricate architecture, secretly hoping it doesn't lock you inside a time portal to 1477 because, let's face it, contemporary wifi would be sorely missed there!
Learn more11. Pharmazie-Historisches Museum
Totengässlein 3, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to the Pharmazie-Historisches Museum in Basel, where history meets a concoction of curiosities! Step into this peculiar time capsule and indulge your curiosity in all things pharmaceutical. From ancient potions to odd-looking instruments, this museum will surely tickle your funny bone, leaving you wondering how people survived the era of leeches and mysterious powders. Prepare to embark on a journey through time as you marvel at the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the pharmaceutical world. Navigate through the labyrinth of little-known facts and peculiar artifacts, giving you a peek into the minds of the early pharmacists who brewed up remedies like a mad scientist with a penchant for healing. Don't miss the chance to witness the evolution of pharmacy from medieval apothecaries grinding herbs to the sleek aisles of modern-day pharmacies. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and slightly bizarre experience, this museum will leave you thinking twice before reaching for that questionable-looking pill. After all, the history of medicine has had its fair share of "Oops, sorry, we didn't know what we were doing" moments.
Learn more12. Basel Paper Mill Museum
St. Alban-Tal 37, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
Nestled in the heart of Basel, the Basel Paper Mill Museum awaits those seeking a quirky adventure in the land of paper. Step back in time as you wander through the corridors of this seemingly harmless mill, where paper battles have been fought and conquered. Prepare to be amazed by the captivating exhibitions detailing the tumultuous journey from tree barks to pristine sheets of paper, leaving you contemplating the profound wonders of the humble pulp.
Learn more13. Fasnachtsbrunnen
Klostergasse 7, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to Basel, where you'll find the iconic Fasnachtsbrunnen, a fountain that's more entertaining than a monkey possessed by a water-obsessed ghost. In the heart of the city, this delightful piece of architectural wonder spits out water like it's gossiping about the juiciest local scandals. Surround yourself with the whimsical sculptures of jesters, lions, and caricatures who have clearly embraced the motto "the wetter, the better" - a refreshing treat for both your eyes and your sense of humor!
Learn more14. Augusta Raurica
Giebenacherstrasse 17, 4302 Augst, Switzerland
Welcome to Augusta Raurica, the ancient Roman city nestled just outside Basel, where time travel by foot is possible, and gladiators have been traded for trams! Explore the beguiling ruins of this open-air archaeological park, where you can witness the magnificent amphitheater that once hosted chiseled heartthrobs battling it out for attention, or roam the remnants of thermal baths that would make your modern-day spa blush. History buffs and ancient Rome enthusiasts, don't miss this chance to soak up an authentic Roman experience while simultaneously dodging rogue selfie sticks!
Learn more15. Tinguely Fountain
Klostergasse 7, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to the Tinguely Fountain in Basel, the world-famous concoction of delightful chaos and whimsical waterworks! Prepare to be dazzled by this kinetic masterpiece, where a myriad of complex machinery and mischievous contraptions come together to showcase the eccentric genius of Jean Tinguely. As you marvel at the dancing sculptures and water-spitting contrivances, don't be surprised if you find yourself questioning whether you've stumbled upon the secret laboratory of a mad scientist or a whimsical playground for misbehaving machines.
Learn more16. Basel Historical Museum
Barfüsserpl. 7, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to the Basel Historical Museum, where history comes alive, and so does the dust! Step back in time as you wander through the maze of artifacts, collecting a lifetime's worth of allergies along the way. Marvel at ancient relics, conveniently labeled in small print for the enjoyment of those with 20/20 vision or binoculars. Don't miss the grand finale, the museum's pièce de résistance: an interactive display on the evolution of house cleaning tools, guaranteed to make you appreciate your Roomba on a whole new level.
Learn more17. Vitra Design Museum
Charles-Eames-Straße 2, 79576 Weil am Rhein, Germany
Welcome to the Vitra Design Museum in Basel, where design enthusiasts geek out like teenagers at a science fiction convention. This quirky museum showcases an array of funky furniture, mind-bending installations, and avant-garde designs that make you question your own taste in home decor. Prepare to enter a world where chairs come alive and whisper, "Sit on me, I dare you!", and where even the walls seem to be in a heated debate about the merits of minimalism versus maximalism.
Learn more18. Lange Erlen Park
Erlenparkweg 110, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to Lange Erlen Park in Basel, where nature gracefully fuses with Swiss quirkiness. As you stroll through this urban oasis, watch out for the local fauna, including cheeky squirrels who can snatch your snacks with the agility of Olympic athletes. Don't be surprised if you stumble upon a group of dedicated locals engaging in the ancient art of competitive gnome spotting; trust me, it's a serious business around here.
Learn more19. Kunstmuseum Basel
St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Welcome to Kunstmuseum Basel, where art comes alive and the stories of countless masterpieces whisper in the halls. Marvel at the collection that spans from the medieval era to contemporary art, like a historical roller coaster ride for your eyeballs. Don't be alarmed if you find yourself pondering the mysteries of life in front of a Picasso or having an existential crisis in the presence of a Rothko – it happens to the best of us.
Learn more20. Basel Minster
Münsterpl. 9, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
Nestled in the picturesque city of Basel, the Basel Minster holds court like a sophisticated diva, towering over its surroundings with an air of elegance and superiority. Its intricate Gothic architecture screams, "I'm not just a pretty face!" Inside, the Minster welcomes visitors with a palpable aura of medieval grandeur, as if it's secretly plotting to transport them back in time just for a giggle.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Basel, Switzerland by plane is to fly into EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, which is located just 6km from the city center. Several airlines, including Swiss International Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air France, operate flights to Basel from major cities across Europe and beyond.
Car
If you are traveling to Basel by car, it is recommended to take the A3 motorway, which runs directly into the city center. However, parking in the city can be challenging, so it is worth considering using public transport or a taxi once you arrive.
Train
For those traveling to Basel by train, the best option is to take advantage of the city's excellent rail links. The main railway station, Basel SBB, is located in the city center and is served by a number of domestic and international trains.
Boat
Traveling to Basel by boat is a unique and picturesque way to arrive in the city. River cruises operate along the Rhine River, with many stopping in Basel as part of their itinerary. The main port in Basel is located in the city center, just a short walk from many of the city's attractions.
Bus
Traveling to Basel by bus is easy and convenient, with several bus companies operating services to the city from various European destinations. The main bus station in Basel is located just a short walk from the city center.