Almost 40 museums, street art on every corner, plenty of gourmet restaurants, the dolce vita along the Rhine shore, a home for science - Basel is full of surprises! A city trip to the tri-national region is worth it at any time of year. Now in particular, as the carnival revellers are still practising and the city is slowly putting on its Christmas attire. Check out these 4 excursion ideas in Basel and suitable hotels:
Adieu le Louvre, Hello BeyelerSwitzerland's most-visited art museum celebrates its 25th jubilee. To mark the occasion, the Fondation Beyeler is presenting one of its most extensive exhibitions to date: Around 100 works by 31 artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Giacometti, Rothko, Warhol and Bourgeois, but also contemporary artists such as Dumas, Gonzalez-Torres, Dean and Whiteread. An exceptional opportunity to discover the impressive quality and scope of Fondation Beyeler's collection!
The forbidden town opens its gates
The Novartis Campus, with its nearly 20 buildings designed by internationally renowned architects, was considered the "forbidden city" of Basel for years. The modern campus has opened its gates to the public since 3 October 2022. Visitors can explore the outdoor facilities as well as some shops and restaurants from Monday to Friday (07:00 - 19:00). Make sure you visit this Mecca of modern architecture to immerse yourself in the world of scientific research.
Our 4 suggested hotels in and around Basel
Hotel Victoria ****
Urban lifestyle right in the heart of Basel: a comfortable hotel just across the railway station, serving fine dishes in the "Bar&Bistro" restaurant.
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Hotel Schweizerhof Basel ***
The Schweizerhof has been family owned for four generations is also located right next to the train station. Expect a delicious breakfast buffet!
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Adagio Basel City Aparthotel ***
Fully furnished flats only 10 minutes walk away from the Old Town. Including the cleaning service, family flats for up to 4 persons are available on request.
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Hotel Hofmatt *** in Münchenstein
This charming 3-star hotel is only 15 minutes away from the city centre. The nearby recreation area 'Park im Grünen' is only a short walk from the hotel.
Book nowYou' ll receive a complimentary BaselCard upon check-in in all four partner hotels. This entitles you to unlimited use of public transportation and a variety of discounts, e.g. on the entrance fee to the Fondation Beyeler.
Food lovers take note
Beneath an impressive domed building, very near the railway station, you will find Basel's market hall. Dozens of food stalls serving delicacies from all over the world can be sampled here: Have you ever tried an Ethiopian shiro wot, empanadas from Argentina, shakshuka from Jerusalem or a Kurdish dumpling?
© Markthalle Basel
Johann Wanner's Christmas shop boasts a huge selection of Christmas tree baubles from European glassblowing workshops all year round. His ornately decorated shop on Spalenberg is known beyond the country's borders and his decorations have even decorated the Queen's Christmas tree.
The Christmas atmosphere will soon be spreading beyond Johann Wanner's shop and across the whole of Basel. On the 24th of November starts the wonderful Christmas market on the Barfüsserplatz and the Münsterplatz.
