Highlights in Basel
The cultural diversity paired with buildings steeped in history make Basel a unique highlight. Enjoy a concert at the Stadtcasino Basel, stroll through the old town, visit an exhibition held in one of the city's many museums or pay a visit to the animals in the Basel Zoo. The city has something for everyone.
Basel Old Town
Take a walk through the Basler Altstadt, the old town, which is one of the most intact and most beautiful in Europe. You'll be surprised by the unique architectural diversity.
Buildings from the 15th century can be found on every corner, together with those made by internationally renowned contemporary architects. Thanks to its manageable size, the city is ideal for you to explore on foot. You will then discover that although this rather unusual combination of tradition and modernity creates tension, the cityscape itself is one of harmony.
Kunstmuseum Basel
The Kunstmuseum Basel is an art gallery which owns the world's largest collection of works by the Holbein family. The Renaissance is also represented in significant works by Konrad Witz, Martin Schongauer and Lucas Cranach.
Tinguely Museum
The architect Mario Botta has created an unusual "play room" for Tinguely's works with his museum on the Rhine. In the impressive central hall alone, there is space for up to twenty sculptures. The unfailingly moving figures captivate art connoisseurs and amateurs alike. Jean Tinguely communicates and integrates with the observer through his works. Tinguely's works are bursting with spirit, joie de vivre, irony and poetry.
Fondation Beyeler
The Fondation Beyeler is the owner of Hildy und Ernst Beyeler's art collection, which the husband and wife collected over a period of about 50 years and which was transferred to the foundation in 1982. In 1989, the collection was put on display to the public for the first time in Madrid with a focus on classical modernity. The Beyeler Collection documents the personal view of the married gallery owners Hildy und Ernst Beyeler on 20th century art. Among other artists, you will find works by Degas, Monet, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, Mondrian, Warhol, Lichtenstein and Bacon.
Basel Zoo
The Zoological Gardens, known affectionately as "Zolli" by Basel's inhabitants, opened in Basel in 1874 and is home to a large number of indigenous and exotic animals. Basel Zoo is a popular excursion destination and well worth a visit at any time of year. In the summer months the park is an ideal place to stroll in the open air, in the winter months the various animal houses guarantee up close and personal encounters with a wide variety of animals. If wou wish to discover an underwater world, there are several unterwater creatures to discover at the vivarium.