The Cultural Capital of Switzerland

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland along the Rhine River, at the mouths of the birds and wiese rivers, where the French, German, and Swiss borders meet, at the entrance to the Swiss Rhineland.

Basel, a dynamic economic centre and a research stronghold is Switzerland’s third-most-populous city  (after Zürich and Geneva) and a pocket-size cosmopolitan city with about 200,000 inhabitants. Cross-border relations have always been a part of life here. Basel collaborates closely with its neighbours on all sides of the borders on issues such as transport, environment, education and culture.

The quality and quantity of Basel’s cultural offering is mind-boggling: no other European city has a comparable density of outstanding museums. You’ll see this in the city’s adoration of all things art and in its colourful, raucous yearly Fasnacht festival that is a must-see.

Basel people love art. There is city’s historical place where you can taste fresh foods you desire or sample some. If you want to brush up on either (French and German) language, or both, Basel is the perfect place to go. It boasts around 300 days of sunshine every year.

The culture-centric city, site of the world’s most influential art market each June, is also home to the lovely Munster Cathedral, made of red sandstone with a multi-colored tile roof. Green spaces abound, including the popular zoological gardens in the city center. Switzerland’s largest site of Roman ruins, Augusta Raurica, are an easy day trip to the east.

You know what Roger Federer was born here.

Why Basel?

• Basel’s Zoo is one of the best
• Across the city there are over 40 museums.
• Basel is home to some of Switzerland’s largest and most eclectic theatres.
• Basel knows better how to celebrate Christmas
• Its Historical Architecture

If you’re visiting the city on the first Sunday of the month, head to one of the many of the museums in Basel that offer free entry. 

How to get there

Below you’ll find a quick reference guide to travel times to/from Basel.

• Basel – Zurich: train 1h:15 / car 1h
• Basel – Bern: train 1h / car 1h
• Basel – Lucerne: train 1h:15 / car 1h
• Basel – Geneva: train 3h / car 2h:30
• Basel – Paris: train 3h:10 / car 5h:15
• Basel – Frankfurt: train 2h:45 / car 2h:55

Many visitors to the city arrive by river cruise ship (usually on an Amsterdam to Basel river cruise) however, from neighbouring France and Germany, to the city can also be easily reached by both road and rail from across Europe. Use our handy driving and Swiss Travel (rail) Pass guides to plan your visit to Basel.