Skip to main content

Our website may be available in another language that is more suitable for you.

19 reasons to love Basel

There are many reasons to fall in love with Basel. You will discover something new with each visit.

LezBroz 2019 — Basel has a Mediterranean climate and as many as 300 days of sunshine a year. As soon as temperatures allow, the people of Basel take to the outdoors, and their joie de vivre is now clear to see.

Dreiländerbrücke — Where else can you visit three countries all at the same time (very conveniently on public transport), without having to travel a long way?

Basel, The London Police — In the now legendary Picasso year of 1967, the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by the artist for the city’s Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Picasso was so moved that he gave three paintings and a study to Basel. And the city's love of art is evident everywhere: it’s no coincidence that there are 40 museums here within a small area.

Fasnacht Basel — They are particularly beautiful to look at during the famous Fasnacht (Carnival), the three most beautiful days of the year. The Basel locals spend the remaining 362 days preparing for this event with a passion. Look forward to all these creative masks, colourful costumes and wonderful lanterns!

Serena Confalonieri, Basel, Best of — Silently, driven only by the current, four ferries take you across the river throughout the year. See how time seems to stand still during the brief crossing.

Rheinschwimmen Basel / Swimming in the Rhine — The people of Basel love nothing more than swimming in the Rhine. Thanks to the “Wickelfisch”, a waterproof bag used to carry clothes and keep them dry, the river becomes a stream of colour in the summer months.

Colceriu_Lembeck®IngoHoehn 263 — Switzerland’s biggest theatre offering drama, opera and dance is known for its outstanding productions and broad repertoire.

Klingeli_2 — The region is no longer an insider's tip for gourmets, with over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards. For instance, let Peter Knogl, “Chef of the year 2015”, indulge you at the Cheval Blanc, a restaurant with three Michelin stars.

Basler Münster, LezBroz 2019 — The Rhine is the city’s lifeline and an area for recreation. When temperatures rise, there's a distinct southern flair: buvettes serve food and drinks, residents put out tables and chairs, and barbecues pop up everywhere.

Safari - Family-Package — Every child here knows it: the zoo, known by locals as the “Zolli”. The oldest zoo in Switzerland is open every day throughout the year, providing visitors with an impressive insight into flora and fauna from around the world.

Basel HD - Loic Lagarde 2020 - 07 — Embark on a journey into the past spanning many eras. There can be few other cityscapes where buildings dating back as far as the fifteenth century engage so harmoniously and vibrantly with the contemporary creations of internationally distinguished architects.

FC Basel 1893 - GCZ — Basel can rightly call itself the football capital of Switzerland as hardly any other city in the country has such devoted fans as FC Basel. And the club shows its thanks in a fitting manner: with international success and countless championship titles.

BaselCard Key Visual CMYK — Your personal guest card will be handed to you when you check in. The attractive features of the BaselCard include free use of public transport, free surfing on the guest WiFi plus a 50% discount on admission to Basel’s museums, Basel Zoo, Theater Basel and much more.

Neubau Biozentrum Basel / New building Biocenter Basel — The University of Basel is the oldest university in Switzerland. Besides lending the city an aura of innovation and thirst for knowledge, it also attracts lots of young people to Basel, who make life here more colourful than elsewhere.

Markt Basel-Stadt — The city on the Rhine boasts fabulous flea markets where there are still real treasures to be found. And the city market on Marktplatz, held from Monday to Saturday, offers a wealth of delicious products.

20HDM_CASINO01_P0001303 — Herzog & de Meuron set a new bar with the superior Roche Towers and the futuristic exhibition centre. Since 2020, the Stadtcasino Basel, with its upgraded music hall and newly opened extension, has also borne their signature – and Basel has gained yet another architectural landmark.

The Basel Christmas market has been named “Best Christmas Market 2021” in an online vote on the travel website European Best Destinations.

Art Basel — Thanks to its location on the border with France and Germany, the multinational companies established here, and the two large trade fairs, there is always a cosmopolitan air in the streets and alleys of Basel. It’s therefore no wonder that the city’s inhabitants are considered to be particularly open-minded.

Sinfonieorchester Basel - Streaming_MirgaGražinytė-Tyla — Did you know that Basel is one of only a few cities to have two orchestras of international renown? The Sinfonieorchester (symphony orchestra) and the Kammerorchester (chamber music orchestra) play regularly at the world's greatest concert halls, delighting classical music fans.