Dec

27

Basel Travel Guide

December 27, 2007 |

A trip to Basel

Basel, located in northwest Switzerland and bordering both France and Germany, is Switzerland’s third largest city. The city abounds with cultural sites, including a wide range of museums offering insight into the rich history of the area. The surrounding picturesque countryside spans a wide area and offers scenic walking trails, waterfalls and caves.

Flights to Basel
The closest airport to Basel is located just over two miles from the centre of the city. Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport receives traffic from across Europe including domestic flights from within Switzerland. Limited flights arrive from outside Europe including from the US, Cuba and Jamaica. The airport’s facilities boast all the usual commodities such as banks, ATMs, bureaux de change, and a restaurant as well as excellent wheelchair access. Another excellent option is to travel to Geneva or Zurich and take one of the many trains available to Basel.

The tram network in the city is extensive and affordable, making it one of the best options for getting around Basel. You can buy multiple day or trip tickets, allowing you to hop on and off at your desired destination. While the tram is probably the best mode of transport inside town, buses linking Basel to the surrounding areas and region are widely available and reliable. Car hire is a popular option for those wishing to explore the magnificent countryside. The roads are in excellent condition and routes are well signposted.

Sightseeing in Basel
Basel provides visitors with endless sightseeing options. The Rhine River is a prime location for riverside walks, while the promenade is a picturesque spot for family days out among nature. Walking tours are an excellent way to take in the sights of the city. Tours usually start at Basel Zoo, one of Switzerland’s biggest, and end along the banks of the river. Along the way, key attractions include the Marketplatz, Rathaus (City Hall) and the Münster Gothic style cathedral.

Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Museum is dedicated to one of the country’s most renowned sculptors. The building of the museum is itself a sight not be missed, designed by Mario Botto, the creator of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
One of the most pleasant features of life in Basel is the strong culture for sitting at riverside cafés, affording locals and visitors alike prime locations to take in the sights, sounds and ambience of the city. Market square is a centre for night-time activity with stalls selling pizza, pretzels and sausages. Cuisine from around the world is widely available. Basel’s proximity to France means that the tantalising tastes of Europe’s food capital are never far.

Basel’s cosmopolitan atmosphere provides a range of options for night-time activity. From charming riverside bars and cafés to nightclubs that stay open until the early hours of the morning, there is something to suit all tastes. Stadtcasino is one of the prime hubs at night, featuring a large events arena and numerous bars and restaurants.

Fun by day – shopping and activities
Ancient architecture dots the Basel landscapes, which are rich in indigenous flora and fauna. Sightseeing trips to medieval ruins are common daytrips and fun for all the family. Not far from Basel lies the town of Gruyères, where you can taste the world-known Gruyère cheese and gain insight into its production.

Shopping in Basel is a treat, no matter what your budget is. The local flea market provides an interesting array of goods at impressively low costs. For the more upmarket shopper, antique stores and clothing boutiques are among the classy options, while modern shopping malls provide a vast range of high street names.


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