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Exploring a city by foot can be tiring yet if you really want to get to know Basel, this is really the best method of exploration. The city centre is relatively small and moreover, there is no other way to discover what lies behind many of the narrow medieval alleys.
Main Market Square
This tour begins at the main market square (Marktplatz). Thanks to the many stalls this part of town is alive from early in the morning. You can buy fruit and vegetables, tasty pastries and rolls. Before you venture any further, be sure to cast a glance at red Rathaus. The buildings that border it on either side are not all in their original condition and you will soon spot a few architectural crimes if you look closely. One other building that merits attention is the art nouveauGlobus.
There are so many shops around the market place that one could easily succumb to a spot of retail therapy immediately but we are going to walk in the direction of the river Rhine, thereby passing the 'Lällekönig' a statue above the entrance of the Churrasco restaurant. It mocks those living on the other bank of the river by sticking its tongue out in their direction.
Rheinbrücke (Die)
While walking across the bridge known as the Rheinbrücke (Die), you will spot the small Käppelijoch chapel. Look in both directions from the bridge and you will soon notice what characterises modern-day Basel. To one side, you will see many industrial plants, most of which belong to local Chemical factories. They still have enormous influence on the city’s economics, and they stand in stark contrast to the landscape to the other side of the bridge, which is picturesque and hints at Basel’s appearance in the Middle Ages. One could almost be forgiven for thinking that nothing here has changed for hundreds of years.
Church of St. Martin
Once you can see the Münster Hill (Münsterhügel) in front of you, you should begin to tackle the Rheinsprung. A set of steps on the right winds through the ‘Path of 1000 Virgins’ (Elftausend Jungfern-Gässlein) and it will eventually take you to the Church of St. Martin. This is definitely worth seeing. Once you have reached the Rheinsprung again, carry on walking as you would have done. The university’s former building, numbered 11 will soon come into view. The city’s university was founded in 1460. Kleinbasel can be admired from the Weisses und Blaues Haus. stands between two bridges. The Natural History Museum a short walk away bears further testimony to the many museums in Basel, as does the Museum der Kulturen. Many years ago, there was an Augustinian Monastery in this area but regrettably, few traces of it can be seen in the present day.
Münsterplatz
The Münsterplatz, which you should now have come to is a rather odd square. It is always full of vehicles and was once described as ‘Europe’s most beautiful parking lot! The Café Isaak, famous for its huge cups of café latte and delicious chocolate gateau, is always a good place to stop and have a break.
By now you may feel rather tired but this tour would not be complete without the Münster. Erasmus of Rotterdam, the famous scholar was buried here and the stations of the cross hung here are true masterpieces. The two Münster Towers are worth the climb but if you don’t feel like walking up all those steps you can still admire the view of the Pfalz from behind the building. If you descend at the Pfalz you can take the Basler Fähren to Kleinbasel.
Kunsthalle
One of the locals’ favourite meeting places is Tinguely-Brunnen. Its mysterious figures and the interplay of water and light will make even the longest wait seem short. Art lovers can head to Kunsthalle from here and cinema buffs can go to the Stadtkino. Excellent plays are staged at the City Theatre . In other words, different cultural outings can be embarked upon from the fountain!
In the summer, the courtyard of the Kunsthalle-Restaurant is delightful, and the Campari Bar here is very popular. You can easily while away an hour or two here. A visit to the Puppenhausmuseum near the Barfüsserplatz is rewarding for the old and the young alike. After all, where else does it become more apparent how much childhood has changed? To catch the latest Hollywood import, go to the suburb of Steinen (Steinenvorstadt), where many of the city’s cinemas are.
Historisches Museum Basel
The Historisches Museum Basel, which is situated in what used to be the Barfüsser Church is full of curiosities. Many of the trendiest bars and cafes can also be found in the Barfüsser Square. If you like tradition, the Grand Café Huguenin is the one for you. You can buy cigars and smoke them in Bar Cafe Des Art's and lovers of Italian cuisine will go to culinary seventh heaven at Bodega zum Strauss. The trendiest watering hole around here is the crowded Rio Bar.
Church of St. Peter
Every Saturday, at the Church of St. Peter a Fleamarket is held on the church square. The university’s main building, known as the Kollegiengebäude is also on the square. Pass the university buildings and walk on–one of Switzerland’s loveliest city gates, the Spalentor will soon catch your eye. The university’s Botanical Garden, which has over 8,000 different species of plants is also within walking distance from the gate. You may want to relax here for a while!
Spalenberg
In the summer, buskers and street artists strut their stuff here. The atmosphere is always welcoming and as is to be expected from a pedestrian zone, there are also shops. You should note that most of them are quite expensive though. You can, however, enjoy the wonderful architecture for free!
If you are looking for somewhere more atmospheric, go to the Gemsberg on your right. Many of the Gothic houses here used to be artisan workshop. Today, this is one of Basel’s most sought after residential areas as well as one of the Old Town’s most scenic areas.
Kunstmuseum
The Museum of Art's (Kunstmuseum) collection is renowned and art lovers will certainly enjoy visiting it. Cross over the busy road in front of you. You are now in the district of St. Alban, where the Karikatur & Cartoon Museum Basel is located. Most of the buildings are very bourgeois and baroque and the gothic features are characteristic in their architecture.
Museum fur Gegenwartskunst
The Museum für Gegenwartskunst, opened in 1980, is dedicated to modernity. It is also housed in a former factory and visitors can enjoy one masterpiece after the other. The Basler Papiermühle is also nearby. Its home is a former paper mill and since 1980, its permanent exhibition has also dealt with the history of work. Paper is also made on the premises in the same way as it would have been in the past.
St. Alban Valley
Traces of the old city wall, which was built in 1386, can still be seen in the St. Alban valley. It once reached as far as the Rhine and the wooden sentry’s path dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. The last city tower was built in 1676. You can now board the Basler Fähren, which will take you straight to Kleinbasel. From here you can stroll along the Schaffhauserherrheinweg and enjoy the stunning views of Großbasel, especially as you walk underneath the Wettstein Bridge.
In Basel you will find so much to do, you may want to venture around on your own walking tour, or opt for a cruise on the Rhine. Whichever mode of transportation you decide on you are sure to get the best views of Basel.
Walking Tours
Basel Tourismus ( +41 0 61 268 6868/ http://www.basel.com/ )
Basel's Old Town ( +41 0 61 268 6868/ http://www.basel.com/ )
Tram Tours
Basel Tourismus ( +41 0 61 268 6868/ http://www.basel.com/ )
Cruise the Rhine
Scylla Tours ( +41 61 638 8181/ http://scylla-tours.com/ )
Basler Personenschiffahrt ( + 41 0 61 261 7550/ http://www.bpg.ch/ )
History and Culture Tours
Roman Town of August Raurica ( +41 0 61 268 6868/ http://www.basel.com/ )
Visit Switzerland Tours ( +1 800 255 3537/ http://www.visitswitzerlandtours.com/ )
Bike Tours
Switzerland is Yours ( +41 21 331 4848/ http:www.switzerland.isyours.com/ )
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