Basel at first sight
There are many things worth seeing in Basel: the small wonders of everyday life as well as the city's famous landmarks. The best way to get your bearings is to take one of the themed city tours, which you can book directly at one of the tourist information offices. Or you can take the time to wander through the city on your own. Because with its mild, almost Mediterranean climate, Basel is also the city of strollers. If you are good on your feet and enjoy solving puzzles, you can also discover Basel in a playful way on one of the"Foxtrails" in the form of a scavenger hunt. For example, on a trail through the old town, one for families or the trail through green Basel.
The green Basel
Time out from city life
If you are looking for a little relaxation after a day full of culture, you can always find it on the banks of the Rhine, with a drink at a café or in the city's numerous parks. Right in the center, the university's botanical garden, steeped in tradition, offers an oasis of peace and exotic beauty. Those who need a little more distance will find the Meriangärten, famous throughout Switzerland, next to exciting new architecture in the Dreispitz area. The Lange Erlen zoo is not far from the hotel. And the nearby Hörnli cemetery with its huge, park-like grounds and adjoining forest is also ideal for a walk.
The Wenkenhof on the outskirts of Riehen offers a special blend of art and relaxation with its French garden and a picturesque English park with huge sculptures by Richard Serra. The park is open to the public, the French garden is open to visitors on Sundays and the Bistro Reithalle provides food and drink in the middle of the historic estate.
Into the Rhine!
Basel and its river
Along the Rhine
Landmark of the city, international waterway, location for culture and city life and, last but not least, bathing facility with the purest water: Basel's Rhine is a jack-of-all-trades and anyone who has not swum in or on it at least once has missed out.
There are various bathing establishments and beautiful water access points along the Rhine, such as the one at the Tinguely Museum - because the water of the Rhine is of bathing quality and a river bath has its own special charm, provided you observe the safety rules.
Lots of culture
But you don't necessarily have to venture into the water to experience the Rhine. You can immerse yourself in the life of the people of Basel at the many buvettes, the charming riverside restaurants. In summer, the river is home to numerous events such as the Im Fluss music festival. Four charming small ferries connect the two banks of the Rhine.
The boats, which are propelled across the river by the current, can also be hired for events. Those who prefer something larger and more sophisticated can treat themselves to a small city cruise on one of Basel' s passenger ships - from a simple cruise from A to B to a river pirate trip suitable for children or a festive fondue cruise.
Child-friendly
Basel for families
City tour for children
The treasure hunt with Basil is a fun way to get to know the city. On an exciting expedition through Basel with the little dragon Basil, there are tricky tasks to solve and questions to find answers to. The child-friendly city tour can be booked at the tourist information offices and is suitable for children aged between 4 and 14. The Family Trail Basel, an exciting scavenger hunt through the city that requires teamwork, is also designed for families.
Zoo, parks and theaters
In addition to the zoo and the Lange Erlen animal park in the city itself, the Affenberg with its free-roaming mountain monkeys in Alsace and the Steinen bird park in the nearby Black Forest are particularly popular with children. The Toy Museum in Riehen is one of many museums with a program suitable for children, and the puppet theater offers loving, top-class children's entertainment. When it comes to getting rid of excess energy, the Aquabasilea adventure pool is recommended. And when all this has been ticked off and the little ones are still not tired, the children's city map of Basel provides plenty of other ideas - with exact locations.
