Basel Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland)



Picture of boat trip on the River RhineA traditional Swiss city in every sense of the word, Basel is filled with appealing tourist attractions, allowing visitors to enjoy a memorable holiday and taste of Switzerland. Tourists will find that the majority of the main attractions are located around the Old Town (Vieille Ville), on the southerly bank in Greater Basel (Grossbasel) and on the northerly side of Little Basel (Kleinbasel).

Many tourists find that the best way to sightsee is to enjoy a leisurely cruise along the River Rhine, which meanders through the very heart of the city and is lined with endless interesting attractions. For children, Basel's zoological gardens are always extremely popular, particularly its huge monkey house, where a group of Western lowland gorillas reside, together with chimpanzees and orangutans.


Further boat trip photo

Basler Fähren / Boat Trips on the Rhine

Address: Zwischen Schwarzwaldbrücke und Dreirosenbrücke, Basel, CH-4000, Switzerland, CH
Ferry trips across the River Rhine are always popular and since the boats are actually motorless, this is a peaceful way to enjoy some exceptional scenery. Further boat trips are available and run along central stretches of the Rhine, passing many of Basel's best-loved attractions along the way. So if you have time, head on board, sit back and relax, and simply enjoy the many views and fresh air.
Open hours: daily, March to October - 09:00 to 19:00; November to February - hours vary
Admission: charge

Stadtcasino Basel

Address: Steinenberg 14, Barfüsserplatz, Basel, CH-4001, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 061 225 9393
An integral part of the city's enticing music scene, the Stadtcasino contains a large concert hall, where many large orchestras often perform classical music concerts in front of audiences of up to 1,500 people. This is an imposing, historical entertainment venue, where many other attractions also often take place, namely art exhibitions, seminars and conferences.
Open hours: daily, hours vary
Admission: charge

St. Jakob Arena image

St. Jakob Arena / Ice Stadium

Address: Genossenschaft St. Jakob Arena, Hölzlistrasse 60, Binnigen, CH-4102, Basel, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 061 319 5050
A huge stadium situated on the south-easterly outskirts of Basel, the St. Jakob Arena is used for many of the city's biggest sporting events, particularly ice hockey matches, being the home ground of the Eishockey Club, a notable Swiss ice hockey team. Built in 2002 and featuring a capacity of just over 6,300 people, St. Jakob Arena also hosts a series of large rock concerts and is well connected to the region's public transport network.
Open hours: daily, hours vary
Admission: charge, discounts available

Scala Theatre

Address: Freie Strasse 89, Basel, CH-4051, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 061 270 9050
A modern theatre within the inner city area, the Scala Theatre lies along Free Street and is close to the Barfüsserplatz and the banking centre of the Bankenplatz. This is very much a multi-purpose venue and caters for a range of different events, accommodating almost 400 visitors and offering excellent rooftop vistas. The Scala Theatre is operated by the Scala Basel Association and is often used for concerts, conferences and exhibitions.
Open hours: daily, hours vary
Admission: charge, discounts available

City Zoo view

City Zoo

Address: Binningerstrasse 40, Basel, Switzerland, CH
Tel: +41 061 270 9050
Featuring a huge selection of animals and related attractions, Basel Zoo is home to a labyrinth of countless enclosures. Opened as far back as the 1870s, the zoo covers around 27 acres / 11 hectares and is visited by around one million people each year, who come to see everything from dwarf hippos to the relatively new Etosha House, which is home to many African creatures, including meerkats and cheetahs.
Open hours: daily, May to August - 08:00 to 18:30; March, April, September and October - 08:00 to 18:00; November to February - 08:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children, families and students