Location: Basel
Top Things to do in Basel
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The 10 Best Historic Sites in Basel, Canton of Basel
Located on the Rhine River near the borders of France and Germany, Basel contains the country's highest concentration of museums. 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.
Restaurants in Basel
1. Mittelalterliche Stadtmauern
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2. Basel Historical Museum - Barfuesserkirche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Housed in the Barfüsserkirche since 1894, Basel Historical Museum presents selected aspects of the history of Basel from prehistoric times to the present. Especially worthy of note here are the works of pre-Reformation sacred art such as the Basel Dance of Death and Basel Cathedral Treasury. The section called «Understanding the World» installed in the basement comprises a magnificent array of medieval tapestries with their fantasy worlds and scenes of real life, the Renaissance and Baroque collections grouped together in one «Great Cabinet of Curiosities», and Basel’s rich archaeological heritage. Among the other highlights here are the coin cabinet and Burgundian Booty.
Reviewed By L3785KOvictoriaf - Bridgwater, United Kingdom
Nice, warm and well laid out museum. I got caught up with the exhibits in the main area and nearly forgot about those down the stairs. Liked that you could leave your bag and jacket in a locker leaving you free to wander round with tablet. Some of the exhibits are interactive as well. Lady at the reception desk was very helpful. Definitely worth a visit.
3. Basel Minster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,060 reviews
Reviewed By gregoryd762
The only red stone minster we have seen so far, this beautiful cathedral set in its own square is very impressive.We have climbed many minsters, duomos and cathedrals, so found this climb relatively easy. Great views from the narrow platform. Unfortunately, we didnt realise there were other steps to go higher. Maybe next time, as there is so much to see in Basel.
4. Basel Historical Museum - Haus zum Kirschgarten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Haus zum Kirschgarten was built for the silk ribbon manufacturer and army colonel Johann Rudolf Burckhardt between 1775 and 1780. The architect Johann Ulrich Buchel designed a mansion worthy of his client's wealth and status which is also a tour de force of early Neoclassical style, influenced in part by Masonic concepts. The mansion has been a museum of domestic culture since 1951. Most of the interior is devoted to eighteenth- and nineteenth-century period rooms formerly inhabited by Basel’s affluent bourgeoisie. But the museum also houses several special collections and hosts mini-exhibitions, such as that on Sheikh Ibrahim.
Reviewed By Douglas645 - Horsham, United Kingdom
We had a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours here. There is lots to see : timepieces, porcelain, toys and how Basel houses were furnished. It is a beautiful house. As an added bonus there is a written English language guide on each floor which is well written..
5. Carolingian Outer Crypt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Approximately 1200 years ago the bishop commissioned the construction of the oldest Basel cathedral known archaeologically. The foundations of the outer crypt associated with the cathedral can still be seen today. The information point below the Pfalz can be accessed using the archaeology key (available from the kiosk in Basel Cathedral). Tip: Make an archaeological tour in Basel: The free audio guide app ,,Archaeo Tour" shows you around original sites from the Celtic, Roman and medieval periods of Basel's history.
Reviewed By pawel_hbg - Sopot, Poland
You can also visit some kind of outer crypt which is connected to Cathedral. It is worth to see that , the same as observation desk on river.
6. St. Johanns Tor
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By pawel_hbg - Sopot, Poland
St. Johanns Gate is one of the three surviving entrance gates to the old mediaeval walled city, which formed part of the fortifications built shortly after the great earthquake of 1356.
7. Predigerkirche
8. Murus Gallicus - Der Keltenwall
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 6 reviews
More than 2000 years ago the Celts fortified their new settlement on the cathedral hill by building a massive bank and ditch enclosure. Today, three windows in the ground provide a glimpse of the ruined enclosure. Tip: Make an archaeological tour in Basel: The free audio guide app ,,Archaeo Tour" shows you around original sites from the Celtic, Roman and medieval periods of Basel's history.
9. Gerber-Brunnen - Basiliskenbrunnen
10. Romische Umfassungsmauer
More than 1700 years ago the Romans were forced to move the northern border of their empire back to the River Rhine and they built a fortification wall encircling the cathedral hill. The information point can be accessed using the archaeology key (available from the kiosk in Basel Cathedral). Tip: Make an archaeological tour in Basel: The free audio guide app ,,Archaeo Tour" shows you around original sites from the Celtic, Roman and medieval periods of Basel's history.
