Basel is a city that oozes history. The cobblestone streets, the impressive architecture and the vibrant nightlife make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Switzerland.
Whether you’re looking for stunning architecture, delicious food, or simply some peace and quiet, there are plenty of places to visit that will leave you blown away. Once you find a new place to settle in Basel and make your new home base you will have plenty of time to explore the city.
Here are 6 of the most beautiful places in Basel to visit:
Old Town
Basel’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful places to visit in the city. Spanning about 2 km and containing around 900 buildings, the town is best explored on foot.
The medieval architecture features brightly colored facades, ornate cornices and balustrades, and stately houses adorned with elaborate finery.
The town was once the economic and political heart of central Europe, and its architecture reflects this history. You’ll find buildings designed by world-renowned architects in every nook and cranny.
Highlights include the Basel City Hall, the Räterengasse (a pedestrianized street with shops and cafes), the Rathaus (the city hall) and the Schatzkammer (treasure chamber).
The Old Town is also home to numerous churches, including the Fraumünster (with its famous onion dome), St Jacobi (with its iconic clock tower), St Jakob-Kirche (dedicated to Jakob der Glückliche) and the Cathedral.
Marktplatz
The Marktplatz is a great place to start your exploration of Basel, as it is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings and modern landmarks.
This medieval age market has local and fresh organic produce like meat, honey, flowers, wine, vegetables, fruits, and coffee being sold here. The market is open throughout the week and is extremely busy on Saturdays.
The square is also home to a number of traditional biergartens, which are perfect spots to enjoy a cold beer or some local food.
If you’re looking for something photogenic while you enjoy some fresh bites, the marktplatz is definitely worth exploring.
Kunstmuseum Basel (Museum of Art)
Founded in the 1800s, the Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the oldest and most renowned art museums in the world.
The museum is home to a large and varied collection of art from around the world, as well as some impressive temporary exhibitions. Highlights of the museum include works by Rembrandt, Picasso, Witz and Monet.
With an impressive collection of paintings from all over the world, this museum is a must-see for all art lovers. It boasts an impressive collection that spans from the 14th century to the present day, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a fan of classical paintings or contemporary pieces, the Kunstmuseum has something for you. Plus, the museum’s outdoor garden is a lovely place to relax after exploring the galleries.
Basler Munster
Basel Minister is a well-preserved medieval cathedral in Switzerland and one of the most beautiful churches in the world. With its impressive stained-glass windows, massive tower, and ornate interior, the Munsterplatz dominates the skyline of the city.
The Munsters design is a mix of Romanesque interiors and Gothic style exteriors, making it Basel’s heritage landmark.
The exterior of the church is made of red brick and has a tower that is decorated with blue tiles. The interior of the church is decorated with gold and silver decorations and has a large dome that is covered in glass. The inside of the dome can be seen from many different angles, making it an interesting place to visit.
The Münster also houses a small art museum, which contains works by famous Swiss artists like Hans Memling and Peter Paul Rubens.
Zoologischer Garten
The Zoologischer Garten, located in the heart of Basel, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the city. It is one of the largest and most popular zoos in Europe.
The zoo has a vast array of animals and birds from all over the world such as the Bar-headed Goose, flamingo, Harvester Ant, Guinea pig, Amazon tree Boa, Four-eyed fish, and Cuckoo catfish.
The zoo is also famous for having the most gorgeous botanical gardens inside it and being the world’s best breeders. The gardens are also home to a variety of plants and flowers, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
If you’re looking for something educational and fun that is great for both adults and kids alike, Basel Zoological Garden is definitely worth a visit.
Tinguely Fountain
The Tinguely fountain was created by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely in 1977 and is a popular tourist destination. The fountain features a number of moving parts and is decorated with more than 2,000 LED lights.
It is an impressive sight with its dancing water jets and cascading waterfalls. You can walk through the sculpture and watch the water flow.
It’s also a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Basel and take in some stunning scenery.
Conclusion
Basel is a beautiful city, and if you’re looking for someplace to visit that’s both historic and picturesque, it should definitely be on your list.
No matter what time of year you go, the city will leave you in awe with its many attractions.
So, if you’re ever planning a trip to Basel, be sure to check out these most beautiful places to visit!
Images courtesy of unsplash.com
