Basel Where culture is the architecture for the unforgettable
© Diccon Bewes
Stroll beside the mighty River Rhine and a panoply of choices are there for you: step into a museum to marvel at sublime examples of Renaissance masters? Wander through the atmospheric old town’s squares and streets? Or just pull up a chair at an open-air café and enjoy an apéro with cosmopolitan cool? With a rich heritage spanning from Roman times to today’s buzzing art world, Basel is history and Basel is now. Let us show you how to make the most of this city on the borders of Switzerland that’s at the heart of its cultural scene.
Blown away by Art Basel
This renowned art fair sees the city’s galleries filled with exclusive vernissages, standout shows and exceptional exhibitions that mix established names with new artists. Basel lives and breathes inspiring visual culture – the more art you see, the more alive you’ll feel.
Three days of glorious revelry
In the late winter mists at 4am on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, the drums and pipes announce the start of carnival (or Fasnacht). For three days the streets of Basel are alive with masked entertainers, colourful parades, infectious fun and plenty of confetti.
Float down the Rhine
Experience Basel from a serene perspective, letting the gentle river current guide you. From the water, either in a traditional Weidling boat or even your own swimming costume, you can take in sights such as the medieval cathedral and magnificent Mittlere Brücke.
Marvel at the museums
Culture in Basel is for every day, not just the art fair. The city is packed with world-class museums and galleries, such as the Fondation Beyeler or the Kunstmuseum. We know them all inside out so come with us on a magical trip to the Swiss cultural capital.
Shop like the locals
Basel’s markets and boutiques are brimming with delights. Our guide will take you to the and best-kept secrets and sellers famed for their one-off artisanal products, tempting gourmet delicacies and hearty regional produce. You won’t get closer to the heart of Basel than this.
Travel in Basel
This is a city on the edge. Of Switzerland, that is. Walk too far down some streets and you’ll end up in France or Germany: they are that close. This position at the heart of Europe and on a navigable stretch of the River Rhine made Basel an industrial and commercial powerhouse. But Basel is also a city of the mind, ideas and ambience. It is steeped in a history of learning (its university was the first in Switzerland, where the Dutch scholar Erasmus taught) and of vibrant culture, with a wealth of galleries and museums.
Wherever you want to go in Switzerland, we can make it happen. Just click on the link to find out all we have to offer in every region of this beautiful country.
