Home Of The World’s Most Influential Art Fair - Basel, Switzerland

Basel is Switzerland’s third-largest city, split in two by the Rhine River and connected by six bridges. It’s an ideal destination if you’re drawn to art, history, riverside life, and a refined European atmosphere rather than loud nightlife or heavy tourist crowds. The city feels cosmopolitan yet intimate, shaped by its position at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany—a blend that shows in the food, language, and relaxed pace of life. Basel is clean, efficient, and calm, but never dull; after all, this is where Albert Hofmann accidentally discovered the hallucinogenic properties of LSD.

The Old Town feels lived-in rather than preserved. Red sandstone buildings line narrow medieval streets where tram bells echo softly, and tiny courtyards reveal themselves unexpectedly. A maze of cobblestone lanes, steep stairways, and small squares is framed by centuries-old houses with colorful shutters and painted façades. Buildings lean close together, fountains appear without warning, and the warm, earthy tones of the stone—especially around Basel Minster and the ornate Basel Town Hall give the area a timeless quality. In warmer months, people gather along the riverbanks, drift across the Rhine on the small cable ferries or float on the river with Wickelfisch bags, adding to the calm, unhurried rhythm of the crossing.

It’s the kind of place best explored slowly—wandering without a plan and letting stairways and side streets pull you along.

This is what caught my eye - I hope you enjoy!

The Spleen Gate is one of the three remaining medieval city gates in Basel. It is considered one of the most impressive and was constructed around 1400 as part of the the city’s fortification.

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There’s no shortage of sweets in Basel’s bakeries—windows brimming with delicate pastries, glossy fruit tarts, and classic Swiss treats.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Basel was founded in 1589 by Caspar Bauhin and is now located next to the Spalentor in the historic part of the city of Basel.

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Basel is a major center for art fairs and contemporary design.

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The Preacher’s Church built between 1233 and 1237.

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Art down by the boat landing.

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The Spalenberg district is part of the Old Town.

The red sandstone Basel Minster.

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The background mural, titled ‘John the Baptist’, was created by artist Numa Donzé as a backdrop to the fountain.

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The former Trade Museum, which closed in 1996.

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Firefighting uniforms displayed outside the Basel Fire Department Museum.

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The Holbein Fountain, featuring a figure of a bagpiper at the top, was erected in the mid-1500’s.

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An antique doorbell panel and decorative door metal grille.

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Spalenvorstadt area

The tower of St. Peter’s Church, one of Basel’s oldest and most historically significant religious structures, rises near one of the many unique fountains that dot the city.

This stately urban palace was built by Johann Jakob Fechter for the silk ribbon manufacturer Jeremias Wildt.

The Hotel Rochat built in 1899.

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The neighborhoody Cargo Bar situated along the Rhine.

The Grand Hotel Les Trios Rois, one of Europe’s oldest hotels with the original guesthouse dating back to 1681.

A medieval half-timbered house In the picturesque St. Alban quarter.

House Augustinehof is a 17th-century townhouse.

The Museum der Kulturen Basel complex.

The entrance to the St. Johann Chapel which was built in 1841.

Gymnasium am Munsterplatz is considered the oldest purpose-built school building in the city.

This ferry is one of the simplest and most charming ways to cross the Rhine. A small motionless boat glides quietly across the river using an overhead cable.

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This small chapel, on the Middle Bridge, is dedicated to St. Florian patron saint of firefighters.

The monument ‘Helvetia Traveling’ depicts Helvetia, the female national personification of Switzerland, seated barefoot with her cape, spear, shield, and a suitcase, gazing across the river toward the Old Town.

Basel is a major riverboat cruise hub.

The Globus department store in Marktplaz was originally constructed in 1904.

The Basel Town Hall dominates the city’s Marktplatz.

The Hotel Marthof Basel, a boutique hotel, housed in a building dating back to the late 1800’s.

The green tram passes through Marktplatz.

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What you should know:

• Credit/debit cards are widely accepted.

• Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) are very common.

• Locals are generally friendly but reserved – polite and helpful.

• The main language is German, but many people do speak English.

• The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).

• There are both free and paid parking option but parking can sometime be difficult at times in certain neighborhoods.

• Walking or biking is a great way to get around the city.

• You will need a valid passport and a power convertor if you are coming from the US.

• There are many restaurant and food options.

• The BaselCard is available with every booking at a Basel hotel, hostel, bed and breakfast or apartment. You will receive your personal guest card when you check in.

• Tipping is not expected but some people do round up.

For more information: Basel, Switzerland

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