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.

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.

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.

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 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.

The Three Kings Hotel is one of Switzerland's oldest hotels and has welcomed visitors and merchants since the 13th century. In the middle age, the hotel was a popular place to stay among salt traders due to its location right next to the salt tower where ships were docked in order to transport the sought-after commodity down the Rhine River and out into the rest of Europe.

The current luxurious hotel was originally built in 1844. Johann Jakob Senn was a master tailor who foresaw that the railway and river steamer revolution would expand leisure travel and gambled on building this luxury hotel. Basel architect Amadeus Merian designed the Belle Epoque-style hotel.

Many grand hotels are named after the Biblical "Three Kings," who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. As a destination for travelers and merchants, "The Three Kings" represents a tradition of welcoming traders and travelers.

Part of the hotel was sold and used as a bank in the early 20th century. Next, this portion was used at the City Tourist Information Office. Finally, in 2004, Thomas Straumann purchased the hotel and the re-purposed block. Over two years, Straumann renovated and rebuilt the hotel. His goal was to keep the beauty and allure of the 1844 property while updating it to meet modern luxury standards.

The hotel has attracted a variety of celebrities. Notable visitors include Helmut Schmidt, the Dalai Lama, King Faroul of Egypt, and Queen Elizabeth II. In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte met Basel officials here to discuss the French-Swiss relationship.

Famous artists and writers have also frequented the hotel. Charles Dickens, Voltaire, Jean-Paul Sartre, Picasso, and Duke Ellington are among the celebrities who have enjoyed The Three Kings Hotel's hospitality.

The Wildtsche House, located on Petersplatz in Basel, is a stunning example of 18th-century patrician architecture. Built between 1762 and 1768, this late Baroque mansion was commissioned by Jeremias Wildt-Socin, a prominent silk ribbon manufacturer. Designed by Johann Jakob Fechter, one of Basel’s most notable architects of the 18th century, the house embodies the grandeur and elegance of its time.

Originally intended as a residence for Wildt’s daughter Margaretha and her husband, artist and art collector Daniel Burckhard-Wildt, the house features exceptional craftsmanship. The interior boasts mirrors, fireplace surrounds, and console tables created by Bernese sculptor Johann Friedrich Funk, as well as exquisite tower stoves from the faience manufactory Frisching in Bern. The entrance hall, with its twin staircases and stucco-decorated ceiling by Johann Martin Frohweis, is a masterpiece of design.

Since 1951, the Wildtsche House has been managed as a foundation and serves as the headquarters of the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences. It is also a venue for events hosted by the Basel Cantonal Council, the University of Basel, and private organizations. With its richly adorned rooms available for rent, the house remains a cultural and architectural landmark, blending history with contemporary use.