Basel Sightseeing

Basel boasts a rich cultural history and one of the best preserved medieval old towns in Europe, dominated by the impressive münster (cathedral).

There are over 30 museums, including the witty Museum Tinguely, dedicated to the avant-garde painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely, who was born in Basel. You can see his Tinguely Fountain in front of the Stadttheater. At the Basel Paper Museum, you can even make your own paper.

The excellent Kunstmuseum Basel, Switzerland's oldest art museum, contains a vast collection of Renaissance and modern art. The private art collection at Fondation Beyeler comprises around 200 modern masterworks by some of the finest artists of the 20th century.

Over the last 20 years Basel has become an important centre of modern architecture, and the Basel Architecture Museum gives a thorough and interesting introduction to the subject.

Basel Tourismus
SBB railway station
Tel: (061) 268 6868.
Website: www.basel.com

There is also a tourist information office in the Stadtcasino at Barfüsserplatz. As well as general tourist information, both offices also offer visitors help with accommodation bookings and tickets.

The BaselCard includes free entrance to several museums and the zoo, a free city sightseeing tour and free ferry boat rides. There are also reductions on car hire, discounts in certain restaurants and a handful of other offers. The card is available for 24, 48 and 72 hours from tourist information centres, the airport and some hotels.