Travel
Where to today ? Basel
Basel, a charming city on the Rhine worth discovering
What comes to mind when thinking of the border city of Basel also called Bâle by French-speaking Swiss?
If you like tennis like I do, you may think right away of the name of Roger Federer and the Davidoff Swiss Indoors. Originally from Basel, the Number One Tennis Player in the world recently moved to the lake of Zurich. Each year, you can see him play in his hometown at this tournament. He already won it three times.
The impressive Rhine river, which runs through six European countries, goes also through Basel. So you will see many boats on the river passing the city. Located just on the French and German border, it is much more than a frontier city; it is an exciting cosmopolitan town with always something happening.
Museum lovers, who always want to go to at least one museum when visiting a new city, will be happy in Basel. There are two museums well worth the visit:
- The Kunstmuseum, holds a collection of Renaissance through Modern art. One can admire the works of Elder, Van Gogh or Picasso. Downtown in the street St. Alban-Graben 16 Tel.: +41 (0)61 206 62 62
- The Fondation Beyeler, where you can see Modern art such as Miro, Cézanne or Warhol. Located outside of Basel in Riehen, MünsterBaselstrasse 101. Tel.: +41 (0)61 645 97 00
What else can you do in Basel in one day?
Take a stroll in the old city to admire the 500 years old houses. Make a stop at the beautiful, colorful gothic cathedral, the Münster.
Behind the cathedral, rest a minute at the square called Pfalz, to enjoy the wonderful view.
Take the street, Auguststrasse, to go to the Middle Bridge, crossing the Rhine river. The bridge is for cars, pedestrians and trams. It is about 100 years old and is at the exact same place, where the first bridge was built in 1226.
Stroll along the Rhine river, sit on the steps and enjoy the views of the boats going by. There are often festivals along the promenade.
Have a bite to eat at the restaurants or just a drink at a café. Don’t forget to go to the marketplace to enjoy the magnificent red city hall. The building, which looks as it is today since the 16th century, was enlarged twice in the 17th and 20th centuries.
Another landmark in the city is the famous machine sculptures by Jean Tinguely. There is always a lot happening around it and you can often see crowds gathering for one reason or another.
Then, why not go shopping in the main pedestrian zone off the market place. Also stop at a bakery for a sweet honey, orange candied peel and almond cookie called Läckerli (the name means “delicious”). The cookie is worth trying, as it is just as delicious as the name it carries!
I am sure you will love Basel as much as I do.
