Basel Vacation

Attractions and Sights by Boat, Rail & Walking Tour

By: Denise Morrison /  Basel Pg 2 of 3

From either the Marktplatz square or the Freie Strasse, take one of a number of narrow passageways up the hill to reach the Munsterplatz (Munster square). Built in the 12th century, Basel's Cathedral – the Munster – a red sandstone, Romanesque and Gothic-style landmark stands where Roman fortifications once stood. The Munster is free to tour and features, for example, the tomb of Erasmus, who taught at Basel's university – the oldest in Switzerland. The Munsterplatz is a popular gathering place and among the sites here are the Swiss Museum of Ethnology, a puppet theater and a couple fine eateries, such as Restaurant zum Isaak, frequented by an artsy crowd. Don't miss the terrace park to the rear of the cathedral as it offers picturesque views of the Rhine.

Take a small ferryboat or walk across the nearby bridge Mittlere Brücke (one of five bridges) over the Rhine to ‘Kleinbasel'. This area is home to Basel's Messehall (convention center), antique shops, department stores, and several museums. Worth visiting here is the Fondation Beyeler, a well-regarded art museum, displaying works from Klee to Kandinsky. Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, who grew up in Basel and is known for his kinetic {and eccentric} mechanized sculptures, has a museum here. Special exhibits (including one of Max Ernst's works) and related subjects such as contemporary kinetic art are featured. Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, the Tinguely Museum, which is run by Roche (the pharma firm) offers a museum store and a café with views of the Rhine.

Visitors should note that Basel is home to numerous museums that appeal to all ages and tastes. The Kunstmuseum (Art Museum) is Europe's oldest public art collection and houses works by Picasso, Van Gogh and Holbein in a newly revamped building. Others attractions vary from the Doll's House Museum, The Pharmaceutical Museum, the Jewish Museum of Switzerland, the Museum of Natural History, to the Frank Gehry-designed Vitra Design Museum (located just across the border in Germany; a short bus ride away). The Basel Zoo, affectionately known as Zolli is the largest in Switzerland – 28 acres - and houses upwards of 223 animal species.

There is a good assortment of hotels in Basel, though reserve far in advance if you plan to attend major events such as Art Basel. And, especially if your plans include staying at such grand dame properties as the Hotel Les Troi Rois (one of Europe's oldest hotels and recently renovated) or the train station-close Hotel Euler. The Swissotel Le Plaza Basel is a large hotel adjacent to the convention center; or you may wish to opt for a hotel in the Old Town, such as the Hotel Basel or the art hotel Der Teufelhof – also the site of a small theater and in restaurant.