Basel SBB Railway Station is the main hub of train travel in Basel and one of Europe’s busiest international border stations. Originally opened in 1854 and fully reconstructed in the early 1900s, the neo-Baroque building was inaugurated on June 24, 1907, marking one of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) first major architectural projects. Designed by Emil Faesch and Emmanuel La Roche, its grand structure boasts clock towers, curved domes, and a large Tudor-arched window on the Central Train Square (Centralbahnplatz)-facing facade, setting the station as a heritage site of national significance.

The station connects Basel to Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and France through a complex network of SBB CFF FFS trains, Deutsche Bahn ICE trains, and SNCF TGVs. The western side of the building houses Basel SNCF, which includes customs facilities for French-bound travelers. As a city landmark, Basel SBB is well-integrated with the city’s tramway network and offers direct bus access to the EuroAirport.

Inside, the station showcases a spacious, high-ceilinged ticket hall with timber-lined steel arches and murals from the 1920s, depicting scenic Swiss destinations. Over the years, the station has adapted to modern travel needs: a Passerelle walkway, added in 2003, connects platforms with the Gundeldingen district and provides shopping options under the RailCity concept. This 185-meter-long corridor replaced an older underpass, now reserved for logistics.

Recent renovations included constructing a striking signal box by famed architects Herzog & de Meuron, reflecting Basel SBB’s blend of historical significance and contemporary design. The station's expansions-new tracks, customer service areas, and commercial spaces-continue to enhance its capacity, making it a vital transit and cultural landmark in Switzerland.

The Basel Market Halle, also known as the "Grossmarkthalle," is a historic venue in Basel, with a vibrant past and a dynamic present. Originally constructed in 1929, this octagonal building served as a bustling market hub until 2004, when changing distribution methods rendered it obsolete. Following years of vacancy, the site was revitalized, blending historical architecture with modern uses.

The Market Halle’s shell vault is a masterpiece of engineering, inspired by the dome construction of the Leipzig Grossmarkthalle. Spanning 60 meters, with a thickness of just 8 centimeters, and standing 27-28 meters high, the dome exemplifies innovation in reinforced concrete design. The unique cycloidal shape was crafted under the direction of Adolf Goenner and Hans Ryhiner, with construction managed by Züblin AG and Hubert Rüsch. At its inauguration, the market hall was the third-largest reinforced concrete domed structure worldwide. Today, it is a listed building, preserving its historical and architectural legacy.

In 2013, a team led by architect Barbara Buser initiated efforts to restore the hall’s original purpose as a marketplace and community gathering space. Operated by Markthallen AG Basel, the venue now thrives as a cultural hotspot hosting flea markets, concerts, comedy nights, cooking classes, and more. Its interior is home to street food stalls representing global cuisines, alongside shops and private event spaces.

Today, the Basel Market Halle embodies its historical roots while serving as a modern hub of culture, cuisine, and community. Its transformation from a logistical center to a lively marketplace underscores its adaptability and enduring relevance in Basel's urban fabric.

Swiss artist Jean Tinguely created this magnificent fountain in 1977. The fountain stands where the city theatre company's stage once stood.

Tinguely created mechanical iron figures. The figures were crafted with scraps of metal and plastic from the dismantled theater.

Tinguely placed the figures in a shallow basin and added the water feature. The ten figures are powered by a low-voltage current and seem to be constantly talking and interacting with each other. The water jets splash back and forth between the figures. This motion and interaction represents the actors, dancers, and mime artists who performed on the theater's stage.

The fountain is lit at night and offers a different perspective on this fascinating fountain. In the winter, the water freezes in motion for yet another artistic display.

The Tinguely Brunnen Fountain is one of Tinguely's most well-known works. Tingley referred to the fountain as Composition of the Six Elements.

Basel Minster, one of Basel's most prominent landmarks, boasts striking red sandstone walls and vibrant roof tiles that have stood as a testament to the city's architectural heritage since the 11th century. This cathedral, completed and modified over nearly five centuries between 1019 and 1500, remains among the oldest structures in Basel, with roots that stretch back even further. Beneath the current cathedral, excavations have uncovered remnants from the Celtic period, including ancient walls, gates, and streets, revealing the hill’s long-standing significance.

The first cathedral in Basel was built in the ninth century by Bishop Haito, with a more substantial building consecrated in 1019 in the presence of Henry II, the Holy Roman Emperor, lending the church its nickname, the Heinrich Munster. This Romanesque structure, however, did not remain untouched by time or disaster. In the 13th century, the Minster underwent reconstruction, only to suffer extensive damage in the 1356 earthquake. Rebuilt in the Gothic style, the church was re-consecrated in 1363, marking a new chapter in its architectural evolution.

Two impressive towers define the Minster's skyline: the Georgsturm, built in 1429, and the Martinsturm, completed in 1500. These towers, named after the knightly saints George and Martin, feature notable medieval artwork, including a 1372 depiction of Saint George confronting a small dragon. Visitors who ascend the 242 steps of either tower are rewarded with sweeping views of Basel’s historic cityscape.

Basel Minster also played a unique role in history when, in 1440, it hosted the election of Felix V, recognized as an antipope, during a period of religious schism. Later, during the Reformation in the 1500s, Basel saw significant change, as the bishop was expelled, the monastery dissolved, and many religious artworks were destroyed. One such casualty was a statue of the Virgin Mary, which once adorned the central porch, now left empty. However, the scenes of prophets and kings on the main porch remain intact, as do statues of Emperor Henry II and Empress Kunigunde, preserving a glimpse of the Minster’s storied past.

Why You Should Visit:
The Basel Minster is an architecturally stunning cathedral with a long and storied history. The stained glass windows, arched ceiling, and organ are beautiful.

Tips:
Don't miss climbing one of the towers and enjoying dramatic views over Basel.

Munster Square is one of Basel's oldest squares and home to the magnificent Basel Minster. In addition to the cathedral, many restored medieval homes line the historic square.

Munster Square's land has been settled for millennia. Rauraci, a Gaelic tribe, lived in the area during the Iron Age. Remnants of their fortifications can still be seen on the corner of Munster Square and Rittergasse.

Munster Square developed over several centuries. The Basel Minster was a vital part of the square's development in the Middle Ages. The square's paving dates to the 14th and 15th centuries. During the 1798 Helvetic Revolution, the French and the citizens of Basel gathered to plant a freedom tree in Munster Square.

Throughout history, the square has played an important part in the city's daily life. Basel has held a unique Carnival celebration since the 14th century. It is the only protestant Carnival in the world, and Carnival lanterns are displayed in Munster Square during the festivities.

Munster Square is also home to the annual Museum Night and Allianz Cinema. In addition, it hosts the Basel Autumn Fair and the Basel City Run.

Architect Paolo Antonion Pisoni created the Pisoni fountain in 1784. This fountain is located in the southwest corner of the square and replaces an ancient fountain that had been in the square since the 14th century.

Munster Square has several townhouses with baroque and classical facades. In addition, the square is home to several medieval half-timbered houses.

Munster Square has several celebrity and historical connections. Celebrated philosopher Friedrich Nietzche taught in the square's high school. The General Reading Center is housed in a historic 1528 building. Musical history fans will enjoy visiting the Paul Sacher Foundation, which features the world's largest private collection of original musical scores.

The square features a popular vantage point with picture-perfect views of the Rhine River.

The Middle Bridge was originally built sometime in the 13th century. This bridge played an essential part in Basel's success as it allowed easy access for merchants and locals. Originally, money lenders charged those crossing with mules, horses, and goods a toll of 30 silver marks until the construction was paid off.

The Middle Bridge was rebuilt from stone between 1903 and 1905. The rebuilt bridge is 192 meters (630 feet) long and has seven arches. Six arches stretch over the Rhine River, and one covers the riverside footpath.

Today, private motor vehicles are prohibited in order to keep the city center car-free.

Visitors will find several sculptures on the bridge. Carl Burckhardt's last sculpture, The Amazon, is located on the bridgehead. The bronze sculpture shows an Amazon leading a horse. Burckhardt completed the plaster model but died before the sculpture was cast. Burckhardt's workshop completed the sculpture after his death.

Bettina Eichin's sculpture Hevetia auf der Reise sits on the bridgehead wall. The sculpture depicts a woman looking across the Rhine with her suitcase beside her.

The artist Ludwig Stocker donated the Lagerstätte sculpture to celebrate Basel's 600 year unification celebration in 1992. The sculpture represents the emblems of the three local guilds. This sculpture is partially submerged in the Rhine and is sometimes completely covered by water.

Town Hall is home to the Basel government and parliament. This dramatic red brick building with its imposing tower is one of Basel's most attractive landmarks.

The current Town Hall was built between 1504 and 1513 to celebrate Basel's joining the Swiss Confederation. It replaced an older, less grand structure. While the building has undergone many renovations over the centuries, the three iconic arched entrances are from the initial construction.

Artist Hans Holbein decorated the Town Hall's Assembly Hall in 1521. Hans Holbein would later rise to fame as King Henry VIII's court painter.

The Gothic-style Front Chambers were added in the 1600s. The tower was added in the 1800s. At the time, its imposing height was controversial, and a public vote was called before construction was approved.

The exterior facade features depictions of historical and legendary figures. On the balcony, an inscription reminds visitors Here begins Swiss land. The crenellations are decorated with Basel's coats of arms.

The interior is richly decorated. The courtyard features a Roman statue representing Julius Caesar's contemporary Lucius Munatuis Plancus. Plancus founded Augusta Raurica, the nearby Roman city.

Many paintings depict a law and order theme. For example, the Roman goddess of Justice, Justitia, is depicted in a scene over the Front Chambers.

The Cantonal Parliament debates twice a month in the assembly hall. The Cantonal Government meets in Town Hall every Tuesday. The Chancellery and the Department of Presidental Affairs are also located in the Town Hall.

Guided tours in English are available every Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

The vibrant red town hall dominates Market Square. Market Square hosts a daily market that features local produce and regional and Swiss specialties. In addition, visitors can stock up on flowers, coffee, honey, crafts, and wine.

The square dates back to at least the year 1091. Back then, the square was bisected by Birsig Creek. There was a grain market where the citizens met and handled business. In 1290, the first town hall was built and that became the center of the town's political life.

In addition to the town hall, the square was home to the court. In front of the courthouse was a flat stone used for executions and public announcements. The accused often were brought here to face the ridicule of the population.

In the early days, the square was surrounded by wooden shops and houses with fold-down shutters. Through the open windows, owners would sell their goods that included meats, sausages, tripe, herring, birds, and gingerbread.

The houses were destroyed in 1891 to expand Market Square. Over the years, large commercial buildings have taken over. The square was further modified in 1908 when it was leveled out. Today, it is one of the most important tram junctions in the city, with seven lines passing through this one spot.

Market Square is delightful over the Christmas holidays. Visitors can do holiday shopping while enjoying hot chocolate and festive holiday lights. But any time of year is a great time to visit, thanks to the many charming cafes, restaurants, shops, and boutiques.

Step into the Botanical Garden of the University of Basel, a living legacy of botanical history nestled in the heart of the city. Established in 1589 by Caspar Bauhin, the first professor of Anatomy and Botany, this garden is one of the oldest in the world. Originally located beneath the old university at Rheinsprung, it now thrives next to the Spalentor, Basel's iconic city gate.

Covering 8,000 square meters, the garden showcases over 7,500 plant species from the world’s major biospheres. It features a harmonious blend of outdoor spaces and four distinct greenhouses: the Tropical House, the Cloud Forest Greenhouse, the Succulent House, and the Cold House. Each offers a unique glimpse into specialized ecosystems, from the lush rainforest to arid desert landscapes.

A standout attraction is the historic Victoria House, constructed in 1898 to house the giant water lily Victoria Regia. This iron-glass masterpiece, carefully restored in 1996, is a treasure for architecture enthusiasts and plant lovers alike.

Open year-round, the Botanical Garden provides a peaceful sanctuary for visitors to explore its diverse flora, with highlights such as the Cloud Forest Greenhouse-the only one of its kind in Europe. Whether you're a botany aficionado or simply seeking a serene escape, this garden offers a tropical experience and a window into the natural world, right in the heart of Basel.

The Gate of Spalen (Spalentor), often regarded as one of the most beautiful gates in Switzerland, is a prominent remnant of Basel's medieval fortifications. Built in 1356, this imposing structure originally served as a protective barrier, part of a defensive ring wall constructed after Basel's expansion. The gate is one of three surviving entries from the city's once-extensive fortifications, which included over 40 towers and six gates.

Spalentor’s architecture features a square central tower flanked by two cylindrical round towers. Its impressive outward-facing façade, visible from afar, is adorned with 15th-century figures: a Madonna and two prophets. This decorative detail highlights its dual role as both a defensive structure and a symbol of the city’s importance.

The gate played a vital role in Basel’s history, serving as a key entry point for supplies and provisions arriving from Alsace. From this vantage point, visitors today can enjoy panoramic views of Basel's old town rooftops, the Jura Hills, the Black Forest, and the Vosges Mountains.

While the original city walls were largely demolished in the 19th century, Spalentor stands as a well-preserved testament to Basel’s medieval past, celebrated as one of Switzerland’s most magnificent city gates.