Basel

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Basel Town Hall
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Basel-Stadt

Basel Town Hall

4.8
4.4/5
45 reviews
Basel Town Hall stands on the Marktplatz and is the seat of the Basel government, as well as the municipal council. Particularly worth seeing are the municipal council chamber, the beautiful inner courtyard, the romantic arcades, and the magnificent tower.   Zürich's Town Hallhas been located in this area since the 14th century, rather than at the seat of the city's former rulers, the prince-bishops, who lived on the cathedral hill at the time. Choosing a different location demonstrated that the citizens of the time were seeking independence as their economic power grew, no longer wanting to be subject to the bishop. Craftsmen formed 15 guilds and, in 1501, carried out the municipal council's decision to join the Swiss Confederation. To commemorate this event, in the early 16th century, the front part of the then-Zürich's Town Hallwas replaced by a very famous new building. The battlements were also renovated and are very colorful, displaying 12 coats of arms representing the 12 cantons, including Basel, that joined the Swiss Confederation at that time. In the early 17th century, the Zürich's Town Hall was expanded, and Hans Bock painted the wider and longer walls with trompe-l'œil architectural features.   In 1900, the Zürich's Town Hall underwent further expansion; an annex was added on the left, and a tower was built on the right. At the same time, the original rear building from the 14th century was demolished and replaced with a new one. This was a period of historicism, as architects used elements from traditional styles, incorporating some old parts and their architectural forms into the new building, but the overall decoration was a very new style at the time, namely Art Nouveau.Basel · 1.2 km from downtown
Basel Cathedral
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Basel-Stadt

Basel Cathedral

4.3
4.7/5
50 reviews
High walls built of red sandstone, roofs covered with colorful tiles, and towering twin spires—all these make the cathedral one of the important features of Basel. The crypt, choir, tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam, Galluspforte, and two cloisters bear witness to the cathedral's centuries of history.    The history of Basel as a settlement began atCathedral Hill. In the 1st century BC, Celts from the Rauricii tribe lived in a fortified "oppidum." Today, remnants of the "Celtic wall" can still be seen in the semi-subterranean windows on Rittergasse. In 15 BC, the Roman army built a military base onCathedral Hill, located on the border between the Roman Empire and Germanic tribes. In the center of Münsterplatz, one can see a hidden Roman well that leads to the groundwater of theRhine River.    In the late Roman Empire, Christianity was established in the Basel region. Existing documents record bishops coming to Basel from Augusta Raurica, a Roman republican city located approx. 10 km upstream on theRhine River. In fact, the names of all bishops who have resided in Basel since the 8th century are now known.    Basel Cathedral dates back to the Carolingian dynasty; the building was destroyed in 917 when the Hungarians attacked the entire city. In the early 11th century, Henry II built a magnificent new church for Basel. During the 25 years at the end of the 12th century, the Henry-era church was replaced by a Romanesque building, and after the 1356 earthquake, it was renovated into a Gothic church.    Around Münsterplatz, the cathedral's canons built their own late Gothic residences, and the open space was used for commemorative processions, festivals, tournaments, and grand parades. In 1529, Basel became entirely Protestant. The bishop and canons left the city, and the empty residences of the canons were sold to wealthy merchants.    In the 18th century, the church was transformed into late Baroque and Neoclassical styles, while Münsterplatz became a quiet and prosperous residential area, later becoming the administrative center of Basel. Today, this magnificent square is used as a venue for various events and serves as an open space for people to meet.Basel · 1.3 km from downtown

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Featured Culture & history in Basel

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Basel Old Town Highlights: Self-Guided Audio Tour
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Basel self-guided audio walking tour (9 stops, approx. 2 hrs)
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Duration: 2 hrs
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From Basel: day trip to Colmar, Hohkönigsburg, Ribeauvillé
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4.7/5
· 22 reviews
Duration: 10 hrs
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22 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
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FromPHP 6,559.74PHP 6,904.99
Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: 2-Hour
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4.8/5
· 279 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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FromPHP 921.49PHP 969.99
Stories of Basel's Old Town
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4.4/5
· 146 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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FromPHP 1,966.87
Walking Tour through Basel Old Town
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4.8/5
· 242 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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95.9% of travelers recommend
5% off
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FromPHP 1,856.47PHP 1,954.18
Swiss Experience: Chocolate Tasting and City Tour of Basel
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2.5 hrs
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FromPHP 7,274.65PHP 7,657.53

Featured Spa & wellness in Basel

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Bad Krozingen: Admission to the Vita Classica Thermal Baths
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Vitznau: Train Tickets and Rigi Mineral Baths Day Ticket
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4.9/5
· 26 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
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FromPHP 6,781.16PHP 7,138.07
Self-guided: Mount Rigi, Lake Lucerne Cruise and Mountain Spa
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4.6/5
· 66 reviews
Duration: 7–10 hrs
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90.9% of travelers recommend
FromPHP 12,596.05
Lucerne: Boat Trip, Mount Rigi Train, & Mineral Baths Ticket
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4.9/5
· 41 reviews
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FromPHP 11,719.37PHP 12,336.18

Featured Day tours in Basel

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Private Alsace Wine Tasting & Basel Day Tour from Lucerne
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Duration: 10 hrs
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Explore Basel in 60 minutes with a Local
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4.9/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 1–2 hrs
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FromPHP 6,246.60
Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Small Group Tour | From Basel
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4.5/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
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FromPHP 24,167.81PHP 25,439.81
Jungfraujoch & Lauterbrunnen Alpine Tour | From Basel
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 11 hrs
Free cancellation
FromPHP 45,947.62
Private Full-Day Tour to Grindelwald Lauterbrunnen Interlaken Mürren from Basel
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4.9/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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FromPHP 167,303.23
The natural wonders of Switzerland: private tour from Basel (1 day)
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5.0/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 8–9 hrs
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FromPHP 166,481.06

Featured Food & drink in Basel

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Basel: Self-Guided Food Tour
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4.2/5
· 10 reviews
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FromPHP 2,835.33PHP 2,984.56
Traditional Swiss Dinner: Cheese Fondue, Appetizers/Dessert
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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FromPHP 10,086.39
Private Bern Old Town & Emmental Cheese Tour from Zurich with Tastings
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Duration: 8 hrs
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From Zurich: Private Lucerne Tour, Lake Cruise & Exclusive Fondue
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Duration: 6 hrs
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From Zurich: City Tour, Lake Cruise & Lindt Chocolate Private Tour
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Duration: 8 hrs
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FromPHP 59,566.21

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What travellers say about Basel

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猫猫在旅行August 9, 2023
5.0
Basel's City Hall is unexpectedly beautiful. We arrived in the city center early and other attractions were not open, so we went to the City Hall first. The red sandstone building is very colorful and decorated with gold, which is very beautiful. There are many large murals inside the building with rich colors. Against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, this red building is even more beautiful.

Basel Town Hall

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M32***83November 23, 2024
5.0
The oil paintings exhibited here are very artistic and the colors are very beautiful.

Fine Arts Museum Basel

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小丸子本尊January 10, 2020
5.0
We walked along the Rhine River to the famous Three-Country Monument in Basel. The air in Switzerland is so good! There were few people on the road during the morning rush hour. The Three-Country Monument is right by the river, so it was quite memorable to take some photos there.

Border Triangle Basel

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翱翔的大鲨鱼March 13, 2020
4.0
The exterior of Basel Cathedral is a typical Gothic building with a history of nearly a thousand years. Although the exterior is very simple and low-key, the interior is very solemn and rich. The care of this cathedral can be seen from the big picture to the details.

Basel Cathedral

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_TS***9hSeptember 8, 2023
5.0
beautiful not big zoo, nice place to spend with kids. Various amount of animal like giraffes, elephants, lions, monkeys,penguins and etc.Some play area outdoor also 👌 So if you are in Basel with little ones this place is must see

Zoo Basel

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xiaohei5678November 9, 2019
5.0
It is a bit like a fairy tale world, with small characters and objects that are lifelike. Although the small city of Basel is not big, it brings visitors surprises beyond imagination. It is unforgettable.

Toy Worlds Museum Basel

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爱爱李October 17, 2019
4.0
Basel Football Stadium is a home stadium. This team is also the most famous one in Switzerland and is often the winner. Here you can feel the passionate atmosphere of local football. [Fun] Very interesting venue

St. Jakob-Park

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Basel?

Don't miss these attractions in Basel: Basel Town Hall, Fine Arts Museum Basel, and Border Triangle Basel. If you like Culture & history, try Basel Old Town Highlights: Self-Guided Audio Tour. If you enjoy Spa & wellness, try Bad Krozingen: Admission to the Vita Classica Thermal Baths.

You can give Basel: Self-Guided Food Tour and Traditional Swiss Dinner: Cheese Fondue, Appetizers/Dessert a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Private Alsace Wine Tasting & Basel Day Tour from Lucerne, Explore Basel in 60 minutes with a Local, and Mt. Pilatus & Lake Lucerne Small Group Tour | From Basel. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 4, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Basel is around PHP 6,246.6 – PHP 167,303.23. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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