16 reasons
to love Basel
#1
MEDITERRANEAN FLAIR
Basel, the city on the Rhine, has a Mediterranean climate and as many as 300 days of sunshine a year. As soon as temperatures allow, the people of Basel take to the outdoors, and their joie de vivre is clear to see.
#2
IN GOOD COMPANY: ONE CITY, THREE COUNTRIES
Where else can you visit three countries all at the same time (very conveniently on public transport), without having to travel a long way?
#3
BASEL’S RESIDENTS ARE CRAZY ABOUT ART
In the now legendary Picasso year of 1967, the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by the artist for the city’s Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Picasso was so moved that he gave three paintings and a study to Basel. And the city’s love of art is evident everywhere: it’s no coincidence that there are 40 museums here within a small area.
#4
THE CITY WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD
Not just during the famous Fasnacht (carnival), the three “most beautiful days” for the people of Basel. For the remaining 362 days of the year they prepare for the event with a passion. Look forward to creative masks, colourful costumes and wonderful lanterns!
#5
FLOATING PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES
Silently, driven only by the current, four ferries take you across the river throughout the year. See how time seems to stand still during the brief crossing.
#6
SWIMSUITS – THE TYPICAL SUMMER OUTFIT IN BASEL
The people of Basel love nothing more than swimming in the Rhine. Thanks to the «Wickelfisch», an airtight bag used to carry clothes and keep them dry, the river becomes a stream of colour in the summer months.
#7
A FOR ART
Switzerland’s biggest theatre offering drama, opera and dance is known for its outstanding productions and broad repertoire. The famous Tinguely fountain in front of the theatre offers visitors an idea of what to expect inside.
#8
CONNOISSEURS GATHER AT BASEL’S RESTAURANTS
The region is no longer an insider’s tip for gourmets, with over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards. For instance, let Peter Knogl, «Chef of the year 2015», indulge you at the Cheval Blanc, a restaurant with three Michelin stars.
#9
DOLCE VITA ON THE BANKS OF THE RHINE
The Rhine is the city’s lifeline and an area for recreation. When temperatures rise, there’s a distinct southern flair: stalls set out their wares, residents put out tables and chairs, and barbecues pop up everywhere.
#10
BASEL ZOO: FOR ANIMAL LOVERS AND EXPLORERS
Every child here knows it: the zoo, known by locals as the «Zolli». The oldest zoo in Switzerland is open everyday throughout the year, providing visitors with an impressive insight into flora and fauna from around the world.
#11
A CITY FULL OF CONTRASTS
Embark on a journey into the past spanning many eras. There can be few other cityscapes where buildings dating back as far as the fifteenth century engage so harmoniously and vibrantly with the contemporary creations of internationally distinguished architects.
#12
BASEL’S RESIDENTS SEE EVERYTHING RED-BLUE
Basel can rightly call itself the football capital of Switzerland as hardly any other city in the country has such devoted fans as FC Basel. And the club shows its thanks in a fitting manner: with international success and countless championship titles.
#13
THE HOME OF ACADEMIC LIFE SINCE 1460
The University of Basel is the oldest university in Switzerland. Besides lending the city an aura of innovation and thirst for knowledge, it also attracts lots of young people to Basel, who make life here more colourful than elsewhere.
#14
FOR A SPECIAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The city on the Rhine boasts fabulous flea markets where there are still real treasures to be found. And the city market on Marktplatz, held from Monday to Saturday, offers a wealth of delicious products.
#15
WORLD-CLASS VENUE
Thanks to its location on the border with France and Germany, the multinational companies established here, and the two large trade fairs, there is always a cosmopolitan air in the streets and alleys of Basel. It’s therefore no wonder that the city’s inhabitants are considered to be particularly open-minded.
#16
MUSIC UP TO YOUR EARS
Did you know that Basel is one of only a few cities to have two orchestras of international renown? The Sinfonieorchester (symphony orchestra) and the Kammerorchester (chamber music orchestra) play regularly at the world’s greatest concert halls, delighting classical music fans.
Text & Photos: © Basel Tourismus