When it rains in Basel

Grey rainy weather dampens the mood and also your desire to go out and do things. But it doesn’t have to be like that. There are plenty of interesting and entertaining things to do in Basel even when it's cold and wet outside. Here are some all-weather things to do in Basel.
Basel Zoo: Vivarium and primate house

You don't need to forego a visit to the zoo if it’s raining: the vivarium and primate house offer interesting alternatives to the open-air enclosures. Admire the colourful exotic fishes and immerse yourself in the mysterious world of the vivarium. The playful monkeys in the primate house will put everyone in a good mood. Then you’ll soon forget the grey rainy weather.

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Afternoon Tea (Les Trois Rois)

What could be cosier than a cup of tea in a warm room when it’s cold and wet outside? Celebrate the British way of life in the lobby of the Les Trois Rois hotel and enjoy delicious teas and snacks. 
The Les Trois Rois hotel serves tasty scones, sandwiches, pastries and a selection of aromatic teas from Lucerne-based “L’art du thé” every day.

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Botanical Garden glasshouses

There’s plenty of intriguing flora to discover in all seasons in the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel. With their colourful, exotic flowers, the glasshouses guarantee a good mood even in rainy weather. Plunge into the fascinating world of the rainforest in the tropical house or admire Switzerland's largest orchid collection. Tropical swamp and water plants, cacti or orchids will make you forget the outside world for a while, especially in inclement weather.

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Basel City Tour Bus

Embark on a different type of voyage of discovery: five daily Panoramabus tours offer you the opportunity to discover the most beautiful places and to board or leave the bus where you wish.

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Saunas & spas in Basel

When it's cold outside, there's nothing better than relaxing in one of the Basel region's spa complexes.

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Kletterhalle 7

The Kletterhalle 7 in Basel offers climbing fun for the whole family, regardless of the weather. Choose the right level of difficulty from over 120 routes for lead climbing and top rope climbing in an area of 780 m². Kletterhalle 7 also has a bouldering area with a separate weight-training board.

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Discovery trip in a vintage tram

Trams have long been an important element of Basel life. Our trip on a vintage tram will provide a window on the past: giving you a feeling of what it was like to travel around the city a hundred years ago. You can look forward to a tour in which you'll hear authentic sounds of yesteryear: as you rumble along in the old tram, our guide's enlightening commentary will help evoke times past. Besides that, the trip will enable you to see the city from a different perspective.

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Cinema

When else would you go to the cinema if not on a wet and cold day? Basel has a wide choice of cinemas that are sure to have something to suit you. The 40 or so cinema screens in the Basel region offer all the Hollywood blockbusters plus countless European and many non-European films. All films are shown in the original language with German subtitles.

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Panorama round trip

Climb aboard a tram no. 16 at the Schifflände, Marktplatz or Barfüsserplatz stops in the direction of Bruderholz and enjoy the view! The round trip, which takes 50 minutes, takes you from the historic city centre up to the peaceful residential district of Bruderholz. Daily from sunrise to sunset. Purchase an S ticket at the ticket machines at the Schifflände, Marktplatz or Barfüsserplatz stops. This is valid for a continuous trip.

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Theater Basel

Basel is home to the biggest multi-purpose theatre in Europe: Theater Basel. Operas, ballets and plays are performed here in two theatres and on three stages.

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Museums

Nearly 40 museums with spectacular collections and special exhibitions – unique in Switzerland and at the top of the international league too. If you want to understand why Basel’s residents are so keen on art, you should visit at least one of them.

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