One of Switzerland’s most important cities is Basel, located less than 90 km from Zurich, the country’s largest city.
This significance is due to the wealth of historical and cultural landmarks found there.
The ambiance is largely medieval, yet it also has areas that show how well modernity complements the city. If you’re fortunate enough to visit this part of the world, you’ll experience a bit of history firsthand.
Join us in this article as we guide you through the highlights of the city.
What to See in Basel in a Day?
Basel is one of those cities that seems to come alive at dawn and quietly fade away by the early hours, only to reawaken the next day. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford to spend multiple days here. Most people visit for only a day, so it’s essential to make the most of it.
That’s why the best thing you can do is make a detailed plan for your visit to Basel to ensure you make the most of your time. If you want to discover everything there is to see in Basel and its surroundings, pay attention to this article. We’ll share the key spots you can visit in this charming city.
Here are some of the activities we enjoyed most that you can do in one day in Basel:
- Basel: Historic Center Walking Tour
- Welcome to Basel: Private Tour with a Local Guide
- Historical Basel Tour for Groups
Basel Cathedral
The Basel Cathedral is one of the city’s top attractions, drawing many tourists. It’s a must-see spot for anyone interested in art, architecture, religion, or history.
Also known as the Basler Münster, it’s one of the most important sites to see in Basel. When visiting, make sure to allow plenty of time to appreciate everything here, starting with its stunning façade.
Visiting the cathedral will immerse you in the centuries-old history of Basel, with every detail—from its impressive Gothic architecture to its beautifully preserved interior—offering a glimpse into the past.
If the day is sunny, climbing to the viewpoint at the top of the cathedral will give you a stunning view of the surrounding squares and nearby houses with their ancient tiled roofs.
It’s the perfect spot to take some of the best photos of the city.
There are a few guides offering tours at reasonable prices, which is highly recommended if you want to learn more about the rich history surrounding the cathedral.
These guides have valuable historical insights to share, and many of them speak Spanish.
Munsterplatz
Located at the back of the Basel Cathedral, Munsterplatz square is a central hub for tourism in Basel.
The square is spacious and open, featuring numerous bars and restaurants where you can stop for a meal.
It’s highly recommended to visit at sunset, right after exploring the cathedral, so you can relax and watch the sunset from a cozy spot, perhaps with a glass of wine in hand.
Market Square or Marktplatz
The ideal place to visit during the day is the city center, where you’ll find Market Square, also known as Marktplatz.
Here, you’ll find several fruit and food markets on weekends. During other days, you can enjoy the performances of street artists, who are a delight for tourists.
You’ll also encounter a large number of flower vendors, filling the area with beautiful colors and delightful aromas.
Mittlere Bridge
The Mittlere Brucke Bridge is a key part of the Rhine River, which is, by the way, one of the most important rivers in the European Union.
Originally built in 1226, the bridge was completely different from what you see today.
It underwent an almost complete renovation in 1905, marking the introduction of the city’s tramway.
Because of its rich history and ongoing significance, the bridge is a must-see in Basel. Walking across it, you can admire the medieval-style houses that give the city a magical atmosphere.
Medieval Spalentor Gate
The legendary Gothic gate of Basel, or Spalentor Medieval Gate, is located on the western side of the city. It’s part of a group of four similar gates, and this one is the most elaborately decorated. These gates were part of Basel’s city walls around the year 1400.
Many tourists in Basel are drawn to this gate, which is impressively large. Its medieval architecture gives it the feel of a castle entrance, with two side towers in the same style and a tall, pointed dome at the top.
Basel Town Hall
The Basel Town Hall in Switzerland is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, admired for many reasons by residents. The building’s façade boasts an eye-catching design in red and gold, which stands out boldly in Marktplatz.
The town hall is over 500 years old and has served the same purpose since its construction. Parliamentary and governmental meetings for the Canton of Basel-City’s Parliament and Government are still held in this historic building.
For those exploring Basel, the town hall is a must-see, showcasing not only vibrant colors and historic charm but also centuries of political significance.
Tinguely Museum
The museum dedicated to Jean Tinguely in Basel is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The Tinguely Museum houses a large collection of paintings and sculptures created by the Swiss artist.
The most impressive part of the permanent exhibition is the iron sculptures. Some of these sculptures even include sound and movement. A very popular area in the museum is dedicated to Formula 1, where more than 60 pieces from different single-seater cars are displayed in a unique arrangement, forming various shapes.
Some of these car parts were originally used by drivers Eddie Cheever and Alain Prost and were donated to the museum by Renault.
The museum is located on the banks of the Rhine River, and the building itself is striking. The structure was designed by the Swiss architect Mario Botta, who led the construction from start to finish. Botta personally requested to be involved in the project due to his deep admiration for Jean Tinguely.
Touring Basel’s City Fountains
The fountains of Basel are a captivating attraction that draws hundreds of people each day, making them a popular gathering point for tourists. The fountains are so versatile that, with the help of an impressive light display, they recreate shapes of animals and iconic figures of the country.
This almost magical spectacle keeps visitors captivated for several minutes. You can find these fountains at various locations around the city. In summer, children are allowed to play in the fountains, which is both delightful and fun to watch.
Basel Zoo
Basel Zoo has been so beloved by both residents and visitors since its opening in 1874 that it is affectionately known as “Zolli.”
Here, you’ll see a wide variety of animals, from “common” to exotic species.
The zoo grounds include a park with green areas and play spaces for visitors. Everything is adapted to operate year-round, which is impressive considering the harsh winters in this part of the world.
The best time to visit the zoo is in the summer.
The zoo is divided into various sections:
- One of the most popular is the Vivarium, where you can admire an impressive variety of aquatic species up close.
- Another area that attracts many visitors is the enclosed area for Gamboa lions, a spectacle in its own right.
- The monkey enclosure (recently renovated) is designed as a large habitat. It’s a fun area, especially for those traveling with children, as watching the monkeys in this space is both amusing and entertaining.
A particularly appealing area for young visitors is the nursery zone for baby animals. Every time a new animal is born at the zoo, it is placed in this special area with its parents.
If you’re lucky, you might see leopard cubs with their mothers.
Basel Zoo opens daily at 11:00 a.m. and closes at nightfall.
Basel Zoo offers an enjoyable day for families, with each section providing new and memorable experiences. From fascinating exotic animals to engaging enclosures, the zoo is a highlight for visitors of all ages.