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.

Saint Martin's Church (Martinskirche) is the oldest parish church in Basel, perched on Cathedral Hill (Münsterhügel) in the heart of the Old Town. Its origins trace back to 1101/1103, with parts of its Romanesque predecessor believed to date as far back as the 8th century. Over centuries, it evolved into a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture, blending elements of its Carolingian and medieval heritage.

The church’s lower tower sections and west façade date to 1287, while its choir and side façades showcase the artistic developments of the late 14th century. A mural above the south portal, painted by Hans Rohner in 1922, depicts Saint Martin of Tours, the church’s patron, adding a vibrant historical touch to its exterior.

Saint Martin’s Church holds a pivotal place in the history of the Reformation in Basel. In 1529, reformer Johannes Oecolampadius preached here in German for the first time, marking a significant shift in religious practice. Following extensive renovations in 1851, the church transitioned from a sacred space to a cultural hub. Its outstanding acoustics have since made it a premier concert venue, hosting orchestras and choirs in a space redefined by its history.

The church is also home to numerous epitaphs and an atmospheric interior that invites both reflection and admiration. Its bell plays a unique role in Basel’s cultural calendar, ringing to mark the opening of the Herbstmesse (autumn fair) and the Morgenstreich at Carnival.

Saint Martin’s Church embodies Basel’s deep historical roots and vibrant cultural life. Its location on Cathedral Hill offers visitors an excellent starting point for exploring Basel’s rich architectural and artistic heritage, blending spirituality, history, and culture in one remarkable landmark.

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.

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.

Saint Paul’s Church (Pauluskirche) in Basel is an architectural gem that blends Neo-Romanesque design with Art Nouveau artistry. Originally constructed between May 1898 and November 1901 by architects Karl Moser and Robert Curjel, the church was part of the Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton Basel-Stadt. Situated on an elevated triangular property in Basel's Ring district near Schutzenmatte, its monumental cross-shaped design and square tower make it a striking landmark, visible from the SBB train station along Viaduct Street.

The church's exterior features intricate Art Nouveau-inspired reliefs, including Christ Helping a Fallen Sinner by Carl Burckhardt and a sculpture of Archangel Michael defeating the dragon by Oskar Kiefer. The façade, with braided bands and geometric motifs, is complemented by a grand staircase and east-facing main entrance, diverging from traditional church orientations.

Inside, the semicircular arrangement of pews ensures all attendees have a direct view of the raised stone pulpit and communion table in the apse. The space follows the Wiesbaden program, emphasizing a unified liturgical setting. Artistic highlights include mosaics by Heinrich Altherr and stained glass windows by Max Laeuger, depicting key scenes from the life of Jesus and the Revelation.

The church underwent a significant transformation in 2019, ceasing regular services and becoming a cultural venue, Saint Paul's Cultural Church, in July 2021. Operated by a dedicated association, the space now hosts events, weddings, and concerts. Its unique aesthetics and historic ambiance make it a popular filming location, having been featured in music videos by artists such as GMT, Bausa, and Powerwolf. In 2023, the church received the Swiss Location Award with the highest distinction of "outstanding," cementing its status as a premier venue for cultural and celebratory occasions.

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.

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.

Since 1933, Rio Bar has been a cornerstone of Basel’s nightlife, combining Swiss tradition with a lively social atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Barfüsserplatz, this iconic venue has welcomed generations of guests, from artists and students to businesspeople, celebrities, and loyal FC Basel fans. It's more than just a bar; it’s a piece of Basel’s cultural fabric-an institution for many, and even a second home for some.

Step inside and you’ll find a blend of nostalgic charm and bustling energy. The unique train compartment seating, cozy “Carmen-Stübli” lounge, and mirrored ceilings set the stage for an unforgettable visit. Whether you’re sipping on whiskey, beer, or a fine glass of wine, the Rio’s relaxed yet vibrant vibe makes it a prime spot for socializing and celebrating.

Hungry? The bar offers light bites like croque monsieurs and freshly baked flammkuchen to accompany your drink of choice. And for art lovers, Rio Bar hosts biweekly vernissages for its famed “Art Box,” hailed as the smallest outdoor gallery in the world.

Getting a seat might require some patience-especially during peak hours-but that’s part of the charm. It’s a place where strangers quickly become friends, and every visit feels like a shared experience. Rio Bar proves that some things truly stand the test of time, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s equal parts trendy and timeless.

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.

The Basel Paper Mill Museum, officially known as the Swiss Museum for Paper, Writing, and Printing, is a captivating destination located on the historic Saint Alban pond in Basel. Dedicated to the history and techniques of papermaking, book printing, and writing, the museum offers an immersive experience of these artisanal crafts, providing visitors with hands-on activities such as dipping paper, printing on presses, and exploring traditional calligraphy in the Scriptorium.

The museum is housed in the Gallizian Mill, a building that originated as a corn mill for Klingental Abbey in 1428. Converted into a paper mill by Anton Gallizian in 1453, the site remained a hub of production until 1521. Over the centuries, the mill saw ownership changes and structural expansions, including a significant addition by publisher Johann Christoph Imhof-Burckhardt in 1788. Later repurposed as a tobacco factory and warehouse, the building was faithfully restored for the museum's opening in 1980 by the Christoph Merian Foundation.

The museum spans 1,200 square meters across three connected mills: the Gallizian Mill houses workshops and event space; the Stegreif Mill serves as a café and ticket office; and the Rych Mill includes a shop, additional workshops, and displays such as a 1964 Fourdrinier paper machine. A highlight of the museum is the fully functional waterwheel, renovated in 2022 with a 300-year-old oak transmission.

The museum owes much to chemist Walter F. Tschudin, whose extensive research and collection of artifacts on Basel’s papermaking history laid the foundation for the museum. Established in 1971, the Basler Papiermühle Foundation, supported by figures like Eduard Hoffmann-Feer, ensured the preservation and promotion of this craft.

With approximately 40,000 annual visitors, the museum offers a vibrant mix of interactive exhibits and guided tours. Visitors can create handmade paper, try marbling techniques, or print with vintage presses, all while learning the finer points of bookbinding. The museum's commitment to inclusivity ensures participation for all, including those with disabilities.