Basel was my first destination in Switzerland. Honestly, I hadn’t planned on visiting Switzerland at all—the prices are famously high! But I figured, after traveling around the world, I didn’t want people to ask me how I could possibly skip Switzerland. Basel isn’t widely known as a tourist spot; rather, it’s a well-connected city located near the border. I just planned to spend a day here before heading deeper into Switzerland, but I was pleasantly surprised by the city’s great vibe. In this post, I’ll introduce some of the best places to visit, along with a hotel recommendation.
Table of Contents
Basel Minster (Cathedral)
The Basel Minster is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, Switzerland, blending Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. Originally built in the 9th century, this cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, with its current shape dating back to 1019. Its standout feature is the red sandstone exterior, giving it a distinctive reddish hue.
Inside, you’ll find medieval relics, artwork, and historical documents, giving the cathedral significant historical value—honestly, there were some pretty odd artifacts inside! While the interior is fascinating, the real treat is the view from the cathedral grounds, perched atop a hill overlooking the Rhine River. From the backyard-like area behind the cathedral, you get stunning vistas of the Rhine, the bridges crossing it, and the wide-open sky—a truly healing experience.
Right in front of the cathedral is a spacious plaza, Münsterplatz, surrounded by stately buildings. Instead of a bustling atmosphere, it’s a calm, relaxing space—perfect for taking a break. On one side of the plaza, there’s even a restaurant where you can order through the window. I snapped a photo of some locals in deep conversation—one of those authentic Swiss moments.
At the center is the Pisoni Fountain. For some reason, Swiss fountains often feature water spouting through long pipes.
Kunstmuseum Basel
While Basel might not be world-famous as a tourist destination, there’s actually a lot to see in just one day—including the must-visit Kunstmuseum Basel. The museum is spread across several buildings, each with distinct opening hours, so check before you go. The main and new buildings are open late until 8 PM on Wednesdays.
Admission is free with a Swiss Travel Pass. If you don’t have a pass, you can still enter for free every Tuesday to Friday after 5 PM—definitely something worth keeping in mind.
The museum’s collection ranges from masters like Holbein, Rembrandt, and Rubens to Impressionists such as Cézanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Gauguin, as well as modern art greats like Andy Warhol. For details, visit their official website.x`
Kunstmuseum Basel Official Website
Opening Hour
- Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wed: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
Admission Fees
- Adults: 25 CHF
- Ages 13–19, Students: 12 CHF
- Children under 12: Free
- Free with Swiss Travel Pass
Rathaus Basel (Town Hall)
The Basel Town Hall, built in the 16th-century Renaissance style, stands out with its red sandstone façade and striking murals—much like the cathedral. As it’s a working city hall, anyone can explore its beautiful inner courtyard. The vivid frescoes painted on the red walls are truly impressive.
Standing for over 500 years, the Town Hall was expanded in the 17th and 20th centuries, resulting in the current structure. The Town Hall sits on Marktplatz, where you can catch a lively farmers’ market selling produce and, in winter, the magical Christmas market.
Opening Hours
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on Weekends
Mittlere Brücke (Mittlere Bridge)
Just 200 meters from the Town Hall, you’ll find the oldest bridge in the city and my absolute favorite spot—the Mittlere Brücke. “Mittlere” means “middle,” as the bridge sits at the city’s heart, connecting Grossbasel (Greater Basel) and Kleinbasel (Lesser Basel). Originally constructed in 1226, the bridge has been repaired and rebuilt many times. At its center is a small chapel called Käppelijoch.
It’s not just the view of the Rhine and the city that makes this spot special; what truly caught my eye were people floating along in the river. Turns out, it’s common in Switzerland to use the river for your daily commute!
Crossing from the cathedral side (Grossbasel) into Kleinbasel over Mittlere Brücke, I found locals relaxing along the riverside, really soaking in life. Along the banks, you’ll spot not just people, but swans gliding by—a common sight in Europe, even if I’d never seen it back home.
They call Basel a city of culture and art, and even the trash bins on the street are covered in high-quality graffiti art—it’s easy to see why. While the cathedral and square weren’t crowded, it turns out everyone was gathered by the river, waiting for sunset. The peaceful atmosphere is just wonderful. Watching the sun set over the Rhine, I finally understood why people rave so much about Switzerland.
Where to Stay
Just a 30-second walk from the SBB train station and right next to a Coop supermarket, Hotel Schweizerhof has an unbeatable location. The rooms and bathrooms are spacious and spotless. I paid about 100 CHF (approx. $120 USD) per night, which is great value considering how expensive Switzerland is. The service was excellent—this place was pretty much perfect for me. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Basel, I highly recommend it.
As a bonus, they give you a free ice cream—delicious and a sweet little touch!
- Schweizerhof Hotel: Centralbahnpl. 1, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
Final Thoughts
Today, I’ve shared my guide to must-see attractions in Basel, including the cathedral, art museum, town hall, Mittlere Brücke, and a top hotel. I loved the city vibe so much that I’d definitely go back, but for those planning a quick trip through Switzerland, it might not be an absolute must-see. Still, if your journey through Switzerland or Europe takes you nearby, Basel is definitely worth a stop.
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