Built close to the water
the charming old town
Basel's old town is one of the most intact and beautiful old towns in Europe. With its hills and (traffic-free) alleyways, its architectural diversity, its stores, museums, bars and cultural attractions, it is a little gem that offers a surprise around every corner and on many a façade.
Basel Minster
On the edge of the old town, the city's historic landmark is enthroned on the cathedral hill above the Rhine: Basel Cathedral with the Palatinate. The late Romanesque building made of red sandstone with its slender towers and colorfully patterned roof has dominated the cityscape since the 10th century. Not only is the precious interior worth seeing, but also the tranquil cloister with its ornate tombstones. In front of the church is Münsterplatz with the canons' houses, and behind it is the Basler Pfalz, the viewing terrace high above the Rhine, from which a staircase leads down to the river and the landing stage for the cathedral ferry.
Just take a stroll
Shore and city center
It is one of the four charming ferry boats that connect Grossbasel and Kleinbasel - without any fuel at all: the small boats cleverly use the current of the Rhine to drift across the river on a taut line - and a trip on them is definitely one of the best things to do when visiting Basel.
Basel's red town hall is also located in the old town. Located directly on the market square, it attracts attention with its playful façade paintings and imposing tower. There is a daily market on the market square in front of the town hall during the week. Culinary enthusiasts can find fresh produce and specialties from the region's farms and producers here.
Urban quarters
Three town gates are still preserved from the old town fortifications dating back to the 13th century. The Spalentor, with its patterned roof and three 15th-century console figures, a Madonna and two prophets, is the most magnificent of these. Today, the St. Albantor with its heavy security posts is the entrance to one of the most beautiful parts of the city: the historic St. Alban quarter, which you should definitely not miss. The St. Johannstor at the Johanniterbrücke is a worthwhile detour on the way to the Klybeckquai, a creative interim use of the banks of the Rhine near the Europahafen, or all the other sights in the immediate vicinity.
The Mittlere Brücke is one of the oldest and was also one of the most important Rhine crossings between Lake Constance and the North Sea for a long time. The original bridge from 1226 had to make way for a more efficient bridge in 1905. But the new version with its round arches is also worth a visit.
