Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland , located on the Rhine River.

This city is famous for many things, but its world-famous museums capture the attention of every traveler.

The other side of this city that interests most travelers is its creative, multicultural nature.

So, there are a number of places to visit in Basel that have the charm to fascinate travelers from all walks of life.

The most beautiful places to visit in Basel

Art Museum Basel

This museum is one of the oldest in the country and houses one of the most extensive collections of public art in Switzerland.

As a result, the museum has an important heritage status not only at the national level but also at the European level as a whole.

The rich history of the museum dates back to 1671. It began with a private collection of paintings by a lawyer named Basilius Amerbach.

His museum was later purchased by the city of Basel for public display.

Basel

Art Museum

Spalentor Gate

It is one of the three remaining gates of the 15th century fortification of the city.

Also known as the Spalin Gate, it is among the must-see places in Basel at night.

The 15th-century St. Peter's Church and the 16th-century Botanical Garden are located on either side of this gate.

The garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and is located within the University of Basel Botanical Garden complex.

Spalentor Gate

Basel Zoo

Known locally as Zoli, this is a large zoo in the city of Basel.

Opened in 1874, it houses a wide variety of local and rare animal species.

From lion enclosures to monkey houses, from penguin enclosures to fish and reptile tanks, all animals are kept in their semi-natural habitats.

Summer is the best time to visit this place as the weather is suitable for outdoor walking.

Basel

Basel Zoo

Historical Museum

The Historical Museum Basel has three main sites and is considered the most important museum of cultural history on the Upper Rhine.

Part of the museum also displays five centuries of music history, where you will find more than 600 musical instruments dating back to different periods of the centuries between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries.

Historical Museum

Old Town

Basel's Old Town is best discovered on foot as most of its sights are located close to each other.

This part of the city is located on the western side of the famous Rhine River.

What distinguishes the old town most are its houses, which are built in different shapes, colours and sizes.

So, take a walk through the old lanes of the town which will take you to some amazing historical sites.

Basel

Old Town

paper mill

The Basel Paper Mill is the national museum of paper, printing and writing in Switzerland.

Also known as the Swiss Paper Museum, this place showcases ancient methods of paper making.

The museum or former factory is divided into 4 floors, each floor dedicated to a type of paper. There are also many displays of historical posters inside the museum.

paper mill

Botmingen Castle

This castle, a complex located in the southwest of Basel, is a prominent landmark of the city.

Dating back to the 13th century, it is one of the few buildings in Switzerland that is still intact today.

The first recorded mention of it dates back to 1363, when it was owned by the Kammerer family. It is believed that these aristocrats built the castle.

Basel

Botmingen Castle

City Council

The City Hall is the seat of Basel's government and parliament.

Located in the centre of the old town, it is particularly eye-catching with its red façade, distinctive tower and frescoes.

It is worth visiting, as visitors will see its attractive designs and romantic corridors, and they can also climb the tower.

It was built after the Great Earthquake to replace the former seat of government.

After Basel joined the Swiss Confederation, the front of the building was replaced by a new, imposing structure. 

City Council