Basel: Home to World-class Museums
Basel is located close to the French and German borders in northwest Switzerland. Home to 40 world-class museums, Basel is a city with a perfect balance of historical buildings and modern architecture. This city is also well known for hosting Baselworld, the Watch and Jewellery Expo, the biggest in the world, and Basel Carnival, one of the major street celebrations in Switzerland, every year. The most significant attraction of Basel is the Rhine River, which flows across the city and is the hub of transport and amusements. Travellers visiting here will be surprised by the charm and peace found in the atmosphere of Basel.
This city also has several notable universities, including the University of Basel, founded in 1460. Basel is a thriving international metropolis incorporating its rich cultural legacy and contemporary innovations and advancements. It offers a distinctive fusion of history, culture, and modernity, making it a popular destination for leisure and business travellers. To experience the beauty of this city, book a Kochi to Basel flight ticket with IndiGo.
Places to visit in Basel
Basel has many places to visit, from historical buildings to modern structures, from town halls to cathedrals, from antique book shops to the oldest University. Let’s look at some options that should be on a traveller’s list on a trip to Basel.
- Kunstmuseum Basel: Tourists seeking art must visit the Kunstmuseum in Basel. It is home to one of the finest paintings of Switzerland, apart from old gems and modern art pieces. Visit the Kunstmuseum to see the works of internationally renowned painters like Kandinsky, Léger, Chagall, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Corot, Cézanne, Braque, Picasso, Klee, Dali, Max Ernst, and others.
- Old Town: At Spalentor, this part of Basel lies between the river and the old city gate. Though the Old town is small, its stone alleys, mediaeval cathedrals, immaculately kept old buildings, and vibrantly painted fountains make it fascinating. Explore the city's historic districts with an experienced guide who can highlight interesting sites and share local history. Travellers can also stop at popular tourist attractions, including the Tinguely Fountain, Basler Münster, and Rathaus.
- Zoologischer Garten: Locally known as Zolli, Basel's zoo is the oldest and most prominent in the country. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in Switzerland and among the top fifteen zoos in the world. The zoo opened its doors in 1874 with 510 European animals and is now better known for its exotic species. Highlights include the penguins in the vivarium, the lion enclosure, and the monkey house.
- Basel Minster: Originally a Roman fort, Minster Hill is now an elegant 18th-century square. In the Gothic style, this cathedral was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1356. It was initially constructed from red sandstone from the French Vosges mountains between the 9th and 13th centuries. One of the earliest figured doorways in German-speaking Europe is the St. Gallus entryway in the north transept, which features numerous 12th-century Romanesque stone carvings.
- Marktplatz: If you wish to explore colourful local markets, then Marktplatz in Old Town is the perfect place to visit. Bright red Basel Rathaus stands out in the square with its vibrantly painted front. A statue of Munatius Plancus, the founder of this town, can be seen in the Marktplatz.
- Toy Museum: This unique museum does not attract only children, people of every age fall in love with this place. The Toy Museum of Basel, known as Spielzeug Welten Museum, houses more than 6,000 toys of many kinds. Exceptional dollhouses are a historical example of recently commissioned artists' work.
- Fondation Beyeler: The splendid collection of Classic Modernist art by Ernst and Hildy Beyeler is on display at the Fondation Beyeler, inaugurated in 1997. Numerous art pieces by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse and a wide range of well-known artists' creations, like Paul Klee and Vincent Van Gogh, can be witnessed here. This museum is set in a gorgeous park containing a structure designed by Renzo Piano.
Basel Airport (BSL)
The main entrance to Basel's beautiful city is the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL). Regular flights from Kochi land at this airport on their way to Basel. It provides service to the Swiss cities of Basel, Mulhouse, and Freiburg. The airport is located in the French town of Saint Louis. Northwest of Basel's downtown is 4 km away. The airport has a single passenger terminal, and buses, taxis, and trains are all readily available right outside the facility.
