lemiSwitzerland invites you to look beyond the chocolates, watches, and banks. Open yourself to its other side—panoramic landscapes, art hubs, and the surreal Alps
Riding through Basel
Basel
Basel is a densely populated area, with 200,283 residents as of March 2019. Although the second largest city in Switzerland already boasts of a well-developed public transport system (including trains, buses, and tram lines), cycling is still the best option for sustainable, economical, and fun mobility. Explore these places at your own pace when you visit the country’s cultural mecca!
Updated 4 years ago
Start off your bike tour with Jean Tinguely’s oeuvre. Created in the Dada tradition, Carnival Fountain is the artist’s critique of overproduced material goods during his time. It stands out with its quirky movements and kinetic sculptures, but it’s just as spectacular during the winter when the water is frozen. There's a chance you’d get soaked from splashes, so be extra careful!
- +41 61 268 68 68
Klostergasse 7, Basel, Switzerland
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Home to over 40 museums, Basel is regarded as a center of culture in Switzerland. Head downtown to see the Kunstmuseum Basel—home to one of the biggest collections in Europe, featuring the works of Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Auguste Rodin, among many others. Do visit the newest extension of the museum where you’ll find Christ & Gantenbein's minimalist monochrome stonework.
- +41 61 206 62 62
St. Alban-Graben 16, Basel, Switzerland
- https://www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch/en/
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Built between 1019 and 1500, Basel Minster has been witness to the influence of Christianity in Switzerland. The now Reformed Protestant church is known for its red sandstone architecture and two towers, which brighten Basel’s cityscape. From here, proceed to Pfalz for a picturesque view of the Old Town and the Rhine.
- +41 61 272 91 57
Münsterplatz 9, Basel, Switzerland
- https://www.baslermuenster.ch/
While there are plenty of restaurants to try in Basel, a trip to the marketplace is another great way to experience day-to-day life in any city. Markplatz is the go-to place for locals to find good meat, local produce, fresh flowers, as well as regional specialties. Most of the stores are closed on Sundays, so plan your trip accordingly to make the most out of your visit here.
Marktplatz, Basel, Switzerland
Stop over at the red house before leaving Marktplatz. The 500-year-old Basel Town Hall features Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance styles, which houses the Canton of Basel-Stadt government. The building is open to the public from Monday to Friday at 7:00AM to 12:00PM then at 1:30PM to 5:00PM. Drop by to see the murals and sculptures while you’re here!
- +41 61 267 86 54
Marktplatz 9, Basel, Switzerland
- https://www.staatskanzlei.bs.ch/rathaus.html
Turn your bicycle to Basel Old Town to feel like you’ve traveled to the 15th Century! Located on the West side of the Rhine, it boasts of an architectural diversity unique to the area. It’s so well-preserved, it’s considered one of the best sights in Europe. From here, take a detour to the Freie Strasse—the most popular shopping strip in the city—if you have time!
Marktplatz, Basel, Switzerland
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The history of Le Trois Rois dates back to 1621 when waterfronts meant prosperous trade. The hotel’s abundance has carried over to recent times, as you see the wooden figures of the “Three Kings” on the building’s façade. It is so iconic that Queen Elizabeth II, Dalai Lama, Charles Dickens, and many other notable guests have stayed here!
- +41 61 260 50 50
Blumenrain 8, Basel, Switzerland
- https://www.lestroisrois.com/en
- Check rates and book
End your tour of Basel at the historic Middle Bridge. Opened in 1226, this crossing connects Grossbasel (Old Town Basel) and Kleinbasel (lesser Basel) where trades used to be conducted. The bridge itself is a majestic beauty. On top of that, it’s where you will find the best view of the Old Town and the Rhine!
Basel, Switzerland
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