- Must visit
Kunstmuseum Basel
Switzerland’s oldest public art museum, renowned for its outstanding collection from Old Masters to modern and contemporary art. A top cultural stop in Basel.
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96112One of the largest cities in Switzerland, Basel is conveniently located near the country’s French and German borders. That means it’s easy to reach by train, whether passengers are traveling from anywhere in Switzerland, from major cities in Germany or even from Paris. Basel has three mainline train stations, the largest of which, Basel SBB, is centrally located with excellent transport links to the rest of the city and Basel Airport.
Most regional, intercity and international trains to Basel arrive at Basel SBB railway station, which is one of Europe’s busiest border stations. The station lies within easy walking distance of attractions like the Basel Kunstmuseum (Museum of Art). It offers plenty of amenities on site, including shops and restaurants that are open 365 days a year. Regular buses, regional S-Bahn trains, and tram services connect the station to the local area.
Trains to Basel from other Swiss cities like Zurich or Bern are provided by Swiss Federal Railways, otherwise known as SBB. Direct services depart from all major cities several times per hour. Trains from Germany are provided by Deutsche Bahn, which offers direct services from Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Munich among others, up to once per hour per destination. Trains from France are offered by SNCF, with direct journeys from Paris several times a day. There is even a direct daily service from Milan provided by Trenitalia.
Basel might be one of the easiest cities to reach in Europe by train. Sitting near an international border in the very heart of the continent, it’s perfectly located for train travel and makes for an ideal stop along a tour of the continent. Paris is a little over three hours away by train, while Milan is less than five hours away. It also takes less than one hour 30 minutes to reach Basel from Zurich, the Swiss capital.
Art Basel alone makes Basel worth a visit. The world-renowned contemporary art fair is the place to discover new work by the most exciting artists from around the globe, with plenty of unique and interactive exhibits with a broad, crowd-pleasing appeal. It’s easy to get around the city at all times of the year, thanks to an extensive network of buses, regional trains, and trams.
Discover the best of Basel — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Basel trip today.
Switzerland’s oldest public art museum, renowned for its outstanding collection from Old Masters to modern and contemporary art. A top cultural stop in Basel.
A world-class museum in nearby Riehen with masterpieces by Monet, Picasso, Rothko, and others, set in a celebrated Renzo Piano building and landscaped grounds.
Dedicated to Jean Tinguely’s kinetic sculptures, this museum combines playful mechanical artworks with a striking riverside setting.
Basel’s central market square, framed by the town hall and daily market activity, making it one of the city’s liveliest gathering places.
A walkable historic core of lanes, fountains, church squares, and traditional facades, ideal for exploring the city’s character on foot.
The riverfront paths are essential to Basel life, popular for scenic walks, sunset views, and watching local river swimmers in warm months.
Traditional Basel spice biscuits made with honey, nuts, candied peel, and spices. They are the city’s best-known sweet specialty and a classic souvenir.
A dark roasted flour soup often served during Basel Fasnacht. Its deep, toasty flavor makes it one of the city’s most iconic seasonal dishes.
Savory onion tart popular in Basel and northwestern Switzerland, especially in autumn. It is usually made with onions, cream, and egg in a pastry crust.
Historic Basel restaurant in an elegant guild house, known for refined Swiss cuisine and a formal atmosphere in the Old Town.
Well-known traditional Basel restaurant serving regional Swiss dishes in a cozy, historic setting. A good place to try local classics.
Stylish brasserie with a lively atmosphere, offering Swiss and French-influenced dishes in a beautifully restored landmark building.
Basel is costly by European standards. Hotels, dining, and daily transport are pricey, though supermarkets and lunch specials can help reduce costs.
Service is usually included. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated, not required. Round up taxis; small tips for hotel staff are optional.
Official public transport app
Basel SBB -> Barfüsserplatz, Basel
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