If You’re Visiting the Tri-Border City of Basel, Don’t Miss These! 25 Recommended Tourist Spots

The Swiss city of Basel is a historic tourist city located along the Rhine River. As it is an international city that lies on the border of three countries, Switzerland, Germany, and France, it is bustling with tourists every year regardless of the season.

Basel, which has been heavily involved in the development of culture since the Middle Ages, is also famous as a city of architecture. The city of Basel is dotted with works by architects from Basel who are active around the world and is also known for its many museums and art galleries, making it a city full of tourist attractions.

1. Basel Town Hall

Basel City Hall, which stands facing the Marktplatz in Basel's old town, is a tourist attraction that is a landmark of Basel. The eye-catching red walls of the city hall are decorated with frescoes. In addition to the basic red color of the exterior walls, green and blue colors can also be seen, making it very colorful. In addition, the large clock tower and golden spires on the roof are beautiful Gothic-style architecture that delight the eyes of many tourists.

Basel City Hall was built over a period of 10 years from 1504 after the city of Basel joined the Swiss Confederation in 1501. The building was later damaged by earthquakes and other disasters, but was expanded and renovated to its current appearance. Counting from the time of construction, it is already a building with a history of over 500 years. When you visit, don't miss the magnificent paintings in the Representative Council Room.

2. Marktplatz (Market Square)

The Markt Square, which spreads out in front of Basel City Hall, is the center of Basel tourism. It is a good idea to start sightseeing around Basel from the Markt Square. The market is held at the Markt Square from 6:00 am to around 1:00 pm every day except Sundays (as of February 2017), so it is a lively place where many people gather from early in the morning.

There are rows of local Basel shops, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, cheese and bread shops. It is also nice to try the food and buy some to take home. Just looking at the food lined up will get you excited. There are also snack shops, such as sausage stalls that you can eat quickly, so it is also a good idea to visit for breakfast.

There are also many cafes around the Markt Square. It is also recommended to spend time staring at the scenery of the square from the window. Enjoy the unique scenery of Basel, such as tourists walking by and trams passing by. If you go early, the selection is good, so try to get up early!

3. Basel Cathedral

Along with the town hall in the old town of Basel, the Basel Cathedral is a mecca for tourists. It is a very large cathedral, so you will be overwhelmed when you stand in front of the building. When it was built in the 12th century, it was in the Romanesque style, but it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1356. The current cathedral was rebuilt in the Gothic style.

You can also visit the inside of the cathedral, so be sure to go inside. From the observation space facing the Rhine, you can see the lazily flowing river and the view of Basel. If you climb to the top of the tower, you can see not only Switzerland but also the Black Forest in Germany on a clear day. The beautiful stained glass surrounding the altar is also a highlight, and you can enjoy the quaint and heavy architecture.

The courtyard of the monastery adjacent to the Basel Cathedral is also very beautiful, so be sure to take a stroll around it. The Basel Cathedral is located in the city center and is accessible by a short walk from the Basel City Museum. It is a good idea to visit both places.

4. Spalentor

Spalentor is the gate that stands at the entrance to the old town of Basel. This magnificent gate, which seems to appear in a fantasy story, has a majestic appearance reminiscent of the Middle Ages. The heavy iron fence gives it the appearance of a fortress. Spalentor was originally the gate of the city of Basel built in the 14th century, and is an important historical building that remained even when the city walls were demolished in the 19th century.

I imagine that once the bustling city of Basel spread out before you when you passed through this gate. In addition to Spalentor, there are two other gates built in the same era that remain in Basel. Why not visit them together? The atmosphere of the structure is different on the front and back of the gate, so it is recommended to look at them from both sides.

The tram stops right next to Spalentor, making it very convenient for sightseeing. There are also many hotels around Spalentor, from luxury hotels to budget hotels. It is easy to stay near Spalentor and use it as a starting point for sightseeing in the center of Basel.

5. University of Basel

The University of Basel was founded in 1460 and became a university with the signature of Pope Pius II. It is also known as the oldest university in Switzerland, so it is a must-see tourist spot in Basel. Psychologist Jung graduated from the University of Basel's Faculty of Medicine and once taught there. When you hear that it is Jung's alma mater, doesn't it make you want to go sightseeing?

There was also a time when the philosopher Nietzsche was a teacher there. The historic university is the envy of international students from all over the world, and it still produces many talented people. Today, the University of Basel is famous for astronomy and earth sciences.

Among the campuses scattered all over the city, the one facing Peterplatz in the center of Basel is particularly eye-catching. It looks like a boxy, flat building, but inside there is a pleasant courtyard, making it a very unusual piece of architecture. There are many famous buildings in Basel, so it is fun to mainly take an architectural walk around the city.

6. Tri-border

Basel is a city with three borders: Switzerland, Germany, and France. A little way down the Rhine from the center of Basel, there is a large monument representing this triple border. Although this is not the actual border, the impressive shape of the monument symbolizes the fact that Basel is a city with three borders, and it is a popular tourist spot in Basel.

Take a commemorative photo of your trip with the triple border monument, with the three flags of Switzerland, Germany, and France painted on it, in the background! Right next to the monument, you can see the neighboring cities of Weil am Rhein in Germany and Huning in France. The mysterious sight of seeing three countries at once is unique to Basel. Near the monument, there is a dock for Rhine cruises and a shipboard restaurant that is popular with tourists. Why not add it to your sightseeing plan?

7. Kunstmuseum Basel

Basel, the city of art, has about 40 art galleries and museums. For those who like touring the world's art, we highly recommend sightseeing in Basel. Among them, the Basel Kunstmuseum boasts a collection that spans about 700 years, with 4,000 paintings alone in its collection! It is one of the leading art museums in Europe. It has a long history as an art museum, and is said to be the oldest public art museum in the world, having been open to the public since 1661.

For those visiting Basel as a tourist, the Basel Kunstmuseum's world's largest Hans Holbein collection is a must-see. And the famous work "Isle of the Dead" by Swiss painter Arnold Böcklin is also worth seeing. Other popular works that you should not miss include works by Henri Rousseau and Oskar Kokoschka's "Bride of the Wind." It was under construction from 2015 to spring 2016, but it has now reopened after renovation and is attracting even more visitors. Let's start your art tour of Basel with the Basel Kunstmuseum.

8. Tinguely Museum

The Tinguely Museum is a museum dedicated to Jean Tinguely, an artist who was born in Switzerland and lived in Basel. Tinguely is also famous for being married to fellow artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The Tinguely Museum, located along the Rhine in Basel, is notable for its strangely shaped architecture designed by Mario Botta. The roof is distinctive, resembling glasses. It's worth visiting just to see this building! The pond in the garden has a fountain, where Tinguely's strange objects are placed.

Tinguely is known for his moving artworks, known as kinetic art. The objects, made from discarded materials such as iron and old clothes, are like charming creatures with unique movements. Even children can enjoy it, so it's recommended for families to visit.
There are also fountains by Tinguely in the city of Basel, so be sure to check them out when you're sightseeing!

9. Swiss Architecture Museum

Basel is known as a city of art and culture, but it is especially notable for its architecture. Basel has produced many famous architects, including Mario Botta, and you can encounter wonderful architecture just by walking around.

If you want to learn more about the architectural history of Basel, visit the Swiss Architecture Museum. Founded in 1984, the Swiss Architecture Museum has held various exhibitions from abroad, including works by architects from Basel.

The museum closes relatively early, so you may have had the experience of rushing out when you visited as a tourist because you were worried about the closing time. The Swiss Architecture Museum extends its closing time until 8pm every Thursday. It is great for tourists to stop by after visiting other tourist spots. Basel Cathedral and Tinguely Fountain are also nearby, so be sure to check them out.

10. Basel Museum of Ethnography

The historic Basel Ethnographic Museum, built in the 19th century, was expanded and renovated in 2011 by Herzog & de Meuron, an architectural duo from Basel. Its distinctive feature is the jagged roof, which seems to have been placed on top of the building. Of course, this roof is also used as an exhibition space.

The Basel Ethnographic Museum has been collecting art since 1849, and has over 300,000 pieces of art. When visiting Basel, which has many museums, it is essential to visit the museums. The Basel Ethnographic Museum is a special museum where you can learn about traditional art not only from Europe, but also from other countries such as Africa and Asia. You can experience precious traditional art that gives you a sense of the ethnic background of each country. Visiting the Basel Ethnographic Museum may inspire you to visit other countries. Of course, the exhibits are interesting, but the architectural space is also a tourist attraction!

11. Novartis Campus

The Novartis Campus in Basel is the headquarters of the world-famous pharmaceutical company Novartis. This building is part of the Campus Project, which has been underway since 2001, and is a grand scheme that will see the construction of more than 40 buildings over a period of 30 years. The buildings on the campus were designed by famous architects from around the world, including Frank O. Gehry, Tadao Ando, and Renzo Piano.

The first building in the Campus Project is a work by Dinner & Dinner, which features a blue base with eye-catching colorful glass in red and yellow. Dinner & Dinner is an architectural firm based in Basel. Normally, only Novartis personnel are allowed to enter, but the Basel Tourist Board hosts tours of the interior twice a month. Normally, you can only view the building from outside the premises, but why not stop by during your sightseeing trip to take a look?

12. St. Anthony's Church

Even in the city of Basel, which is full of impressive architecture, St. Anthony's Church is a little unique. Even if you are sightseeing in Basel, you may not realize that this building is a church at first glance. When you think of a church, you usually imagine a tower that pierces the sky or gorgeous decorations, but St. Anthony's Church is made of concrete and is very modern.

The architect of St. Anthony's Church was Swiss architect Karl Moser. It was built in 1927. The building is surrounded by large stained glass that stretches vertically. The exterior alone is impressive, but the view from inside the church is the best.

When sightseeing, don't forget to see the inside of the church. Linear designs can be seen everywhere in the church, and the clean, modern worship space is very beautiful. Pay attention to the linear design of the pipe organ. When sightseeing in Basel, you can enjoy an architectural walk that mixes history and modernity.

13. Actelion Business Center

Actelion Business Center is the building of the pharmaceutical company Actelion in Basel. It is one of the most popular architectural spots in Basel. It was designed by Herzog & de Meuron, an architectural duo consisting of Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, both of whom were born in Basel They have buildings designed by them all over the world, and every time they are completed, they become a hot topic.

The Actelion Business Center is a building with a strong presence that will stop you in your tracks when you are sightseeing in Basel. It looks like a three-dimensional version of Jenga. You can find several Herzog & de Meuron buildings in the city of Basel. Each one has its own unique personality, so it might be fun to walk around looking for their architecture. The Actelion Business Center can only be viewed from the outside, but the appearance differs depending on the location, so take a look around the area.

14. Basel Natural History Museum

What an innovative way to display the exhibits! In other exhibition rooms, various animals sometimes peek out from the doors. It looks like you can take some interesting photos. This is the Natural History Museum in Basel. It's not just a museum with a row of stuffed animals.

There are many other fun exhibits of animals and insects, so it's recommended for sightseeing with children. Of course, adults can also enjoy the space and return to their childhood. If you want to take a commemorative photo of your visit, say "cheese" with the outdoor dinosaur model!

The Natural History Museum is a popular museum in Basel and has been loved by locals for many years. This may be because of the stylish layout and decoration of the exhibits. Sometimes it's seen through a child's eyes, and sometimes it's an artistic exhibit that adults will be fascinated by, as you would expect from Basel, the city of museums. There are many things to see, so make sure you have plenty of time when sightseeing. By the way, Basel also has a zoo.

15. Schaulager

The true identity of this mysterious building is the Schaulager Art Museum in Basel. It looks different from the front and back, so it is difficult to describe its presence in a single word. It was designed by Herzog & de Meuron, a popular Basel architect. When you visit Basel, you will see this name so often that you will remember it even if you didn't hear it before.

The Schaulager houses a collection of over 600 contemporary art pieces by the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation. When you stand in front of the building, you can see two screens and something like a house. It is a very mysterious building with a mysterious structure. The special exhibitions and permanent exhibitions that are open to the public are held on the first floor and basement of the building. If you are visiting Basel for sightseeing, why not enjoy some art at this unusual Schaulager? If you are going sightseeing from Basel city, take the tram and get off at Schaulager station.

16. Basel Paper and Printing Museum

The Basel Paper and Printing Museum is a museum that houses materials related to papermaking, printing, and bookbinding. The building was originally used as a watermill, so the waterwheel is still there. Be sure to check out the waterwheel when you visit.

The exhibits give you a detailed look at the history of printing technology in Basel. In a space that recreates a papermaking workshop, staff members demonstrate papermaking in the late 18th century. Don't miss the metal type casting demonstration. It's rare to see the process of pouring metal to create type! There are also corners where you can try things yourself, such as papermaking, so be sure to check the official website for events in advance.

And when it comes to sightseeing, souvenirs are something you can't forget. The museum shop sells handmade paper and cute notebooks. It's also recommended as a souvenir to remember your trip to Basel.

17. Fondation Beyeler Museum

After finishing sightseeing in the center of Basel, let's go to the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen on the outskirts. It's a luxurious way to spend your time sightseeing around Basel just to visit the museums. The Fondation Beyeler is characterized by its beautiful glass architecture surrounded by greenery by Renzo Piano. Renzo Piano's specialty is glass structures that are designed to allow the light to shine into the building. The soft light makes the artworks look even more beautiful. The scenery seen from the windows is also like a work of art. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

This museum has a collection of 200 pieces by Beyeler, who was famous as a skilled dealer, and has an attractive wide lineup ranging from works by famous artists such as Cezanne, Picasso, and Miro to modern art. On the way to the museum, you can walk while sightseeing in the leisurely scenery on the outskirts of Basel.

18. Toy World Museum

The Toy Worlds Museum in the center of Basel is a popular tourist destination in Basel. It has one of the world's largest collections of teddy bears, with over 2,500 teddy bears. The showcases are lined with teddy bears from all over the world, including the UK and the US, making it an irresistible space for teddy bear lovers.

Another attraction of this museum is the dollhouses. They mainly recreate scenes of life from the 19th to 20th centuries, and the dollhouses are incredibly detailed! The recreated stores include a bustling market scene, a bakery, a fishmonger, and a boutique. The diorama space is surprisingly detailed, with even the small furniture, tableware, and costumes carefully crafted down to the last detail. You'll want to take your time to appreciate every detail. Every exhibition room is a tourist spot that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Special exhibitions are also held, so it is visited by not only tourists but also many people from Basel.

19. Kirschgarten Museum

Kirschgarten Museum is located in Basel's upscale residential area. It is one of the historical museums scattered throughout the city of Basel and mainly introduces the lifestyle and culture of Basel from the 18th to 19th centuries. In particular, the collection of clocks made in Western Europe from the 15th to 19th centuries is wonderful and popular with tourists.

Switzerland is known as the country of clocks. From grandfather clocks and table clocks to pocket watches with beautifully detailed decorations, the small but valuable collection will catch your eye. The must-see tourist spot at this museum is the table clock with a portrait of Louis XIV embedded in it. The front and back have a beautiful perpetual calendar design. The price that a Swiss insurance company set for this clock is a whopping 1.8 billion yen! Other exhibits include 18th-century paintings, furniture, and ceramics. It's fun to look around the various rooms as if you were touring a mansion. There are many rooms and exhibits, so be careful about the viewing time when sightseeing.

20. Barfusser Church Museum

The Barfüsser Church Museum is one of the historical museums in Basel, along with the Kirschgarten Museum. It is located in the center of Basel's old town, so you will probably see it at least once during your sightseeing. As you can see, it was originally a Franciscan church built in the 14th century. Currently, various exhibitions are held about the history of Basel from the late Middle Ages to the present day.

There are valuable collections such as old maps of Basel and coins used in the past, as well as artworks themed on the Dance of Death and the treasures of Basel Cathedral. It is worth visiting just for the fact that the inside of the church is an exhibition space. Sometimes modern art is also exhibited. It is a tourist spot where you can enjoy both the historical church that has been watching over the city of Basel for a long time and artworks at the same time.

21. Bruderholz Water Tower

Among the many tourist spots in Basel, if you want to visit something a little more offbeat, then head to the Bruderholz Water Tower. To get there, take tram number 15 or 16 from the center of Basel to the last stop, Bruderholz Station, and after a while, you will see the hill leading to the water tower.

The Bruderholz Water Tower is a 36m-tall tower built in 1815 to commemorate Switzerland's permanent neutrality. Climb the 164-step spiral staircase to reach the observation deck at the top of the tower. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Basel City. If you view it from a little distance away rather than from the center of Basel, you will be able to experience a different tourist experience in Basel! It is basically open every day, so you can visit anytime, but I recommend taking a walk to the Bruderholz Water Tower while looking at the city during the autumn foliage season. The stairs are a bit tough, but please make an effort to climb them and enjoy the view.

22. Ferry on the Rhine

The Rhine is an important part of Basel tourism. There are many tourist spots along the Rhine, but the Rhine itself is also a popular tourist destination. In midsummer, a swimming competition is held and the citizens of Basel swim across the Rhine.

When you look at the Rhine, you can see the impressive sight of four cute ferry boats floating on the water. Now there are five bridges across the Rhine, but there was a time when there was only one bridge. At that time, boats were used to cross the Rhine. Boats tied to ropes on both sides of the Rhine move smoothly with the flow of the river.

It's a very analog method, but don't you think it's a very fun experience to get on this boat and cross to the other side? It's also very pleasant to walk along the Rhine promenade while looking at the cityscape of Basel.

23. Basel Museum of the History of Pharmacy

The Basel Museum of Pharmacy History, located near Barfüsserplatz in the old town of Basel, is located in Zum Vorderenzessel, a historic building built as a public bath in the 14th century. It is said that the alchemist Paracelsus and the painter Holbein gathered in this building. There are various exhibits, such as a room that recreates the appearance of a pharmacy commonly seen in the Middle Ages, pottery used as medicine jars, documents related to medicine, and paintings.

Natural remedies using herbs have been widely used in Europe, and if you visit a pharmacy when you come to Basel after sightseeing, you will notice that many medicines are based on herbs. There is also a herbal shop inside the museum that recreates an old pharmacy. The museum's original herbal tea is a perfect souvenir for your trip to Basel. There are also soaps and cosmetics that women will love. It is a tourist spot that you will want to stop by for shopping, as well as visiting the museum.

24. Basel Comic Book Museum

Japanese anime and manga are well known around the world, but you may be wondering what kind of manga there is overseas. Why not take a trip to the Basel Comic Museum, which introduces Swiss manga? The small building facing Sankt-Alban-Vorstadtstrasse near the Rhine was designed by Herzog & de Meuron. When you visit a foreign country as a tourist, some people buy newspapers to gather local information. With four-panel comics in newspapers, even if you can't read the words, you can understand the content by the pictures. The Basel

Comic Museum has a collection of about 3,400 original drawings, mainly satirical cartoons that were published in Basel newspapers. In addition to political cartoons, there are also exhibits of interesting illustrations. Special exhibitions are also held, so if you are interested in manga, why not visit the museum as a tourist?

25. Basel Central Station

Basel Hauptbahnhof, the gateway to Basel, is a large station located in the south of the city. Trains depart from Basel not only for domestic destinations in Switzerland, but also for destinations in Germany and France. You can easily travel to Zurich, the capital of Switzerland, and to Zurich Airport by using the SBB. Many people use the SBB when visiting Basel from other countries. Day trips to other cities starting from Basel are also recommended. Bern takes about 50 minutes.

In addition to shops and restaurants, Basel Hauptbahnhof also has a currency exchange office. If you need to exchange money during your stay in Basel, remember the station! If you are sightseeing with large luggage, it is convenient to use the baggage storage. Inside the station, there is the Swiss supermarket chain Migros, which is recommended for buying souvenirs from Basel. There are also several shops that are open on weekends, which is also a great thing for tourists.

◎Summary

From Basel, a city on the border of three countries, we also recommend taking a trip to Germany's Vitra Design Museum. It's only a short bus ride away, so visiting both museums after appreciating Basel's architecture and art will make for a fulfilling plan. Although it is a regional city in Switzerland, Basel is a very attractive tourist destination. There are many places to see, so it's best to stay for a few days and take your time sightseeing. The contrast between the surrounding abundant nature and the urban buildings is interesting, and you'll make many discoveries as you walk around the city.

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If You’re Visiting the Tri-Border City of Basel, Don’t Miss These! 25 Recommended Tourist Spots