Basel’s highlights range from world-class art museums and a Gothic riverside cathedral to relaxed Rhine walks and quirky kinetic sculptures. Below are key attractions with brief descriptions, typical hours, approximate admission, and simple visit tips.​

Historic Old Town & Basel Minster

Basel’s Altstadt (Old Town) is a compact maze of cobbled lanes, colorful townhouses, and small squares between Marktplatz, Mittlere Brücke, and the cathedral hill. It is free to explore at any time; visit in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds, and wear good shoes for steep, uneven streets.​

Basler Münster (Basel Minster) is a red-sandstone Gothic cathedral with twin towers and a Rhine-facing terrace offering classic city views. Entry to the church is usually free or by small donation during the day, while tower access (when open) costs a few francs; go earlier in the day for clearer views and check for closures during services.​

Rhine Promenade & Ferries

The Rhine Promenade is Basel’s outdoor living room, with broad steps, walking paths, and cafés along both banks of the river. Walking here is free 24/7; in summer, bring a swimsuit and a waterproof “Rhine swim bag” if you want to float with the locals, and always use designated entry and exit points.​

Traditional “Fährimänner” ferries and short river crossings offer a scenic, low-cost way to see the skyline from the water. Expect to pay only a few francs in cash or contactless per crossing, and ride early evening for atmospheric light and photos without harsh glare.​

Kunstmuseum Basel

Kunstmuseum Basel is the city’s flagship fine‑arts museum, famous for Old Masters and modern works by artists such as Holbein, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Standard opening hours are roughly 10:00–18:00 on most days with one late evening; Mondays are usually closed, so always confirm the current schedule before you go.​

Adult admission is commonly around 28–30 CHF for the main collection and special exhibitions, with reductions for students and seniors and certain free times (such as one evening hour on select weekdays or the first Sunday of the month). Book tickets online at busy times, allow 2–3 hours, and start with the permanent collection if your time is limited.​

Fondation Beyeler

Fondation Beyeler is a renowned modern art museum in nearby Riehen, set in a serene park with architecture by Renzo Piano. In 2025 its regular hours run daily from about 9:00 or 10:00 to 18:00, with extended opening to 20:00 on Wednesdays.​

Adult tickets are around 30 CHF during major exhibitions, with reduced rates for concessions. Pre‑purchase timed tickets for blockbuster shows, plan at least 2 hours including the gardens, and consider visiting on a weekday morning for a quieter experience.​

Museum Tinguely & Fountains

Museum Tinguely, on the Rhine, presents kinetic and interactive works by Jean Tinguely, where many sculptures move or make sound when activated. Typical hours are late morning to early evening most days, with one closed day per week; check the current timetable as seasonal hours can shift.​

Adult admission is roughly in the mid‑20 CHF range with discounts for children and cardholders. This is especially fun for families—plan 1.5–2 hours and bring ear protection if sensitive to noise because some installations are loud.​

City Museums: History & Nature

The Historisches Museum Basel (main site in Barfüsserkirche) traces the city’s development through medieval art, tapestries, and everyday objects set in a former Franciscan church. Expect standard museum hours from late morning to late afternoon on most days and similar mid‑range ticket prices, with multi‑site passes sometimes available.​

Naturhistorisches Museum Basel showcases dinosaurs, fossils, minerals, and animal dioramas, making it a strong choice for families and science fans. Admission is typically comparable to other city museums; visit on a rainy day, and check for family tickets or free periods to save on costs.​

Self‑guided city walk

Several self‑guided walking routes link Basel’s main sights, including the Tinguely Fountain, Basel Minster, Mittlere Brücke, and Rhine promenade. One popular loop is about 7–8 km and takes roughly 2 hours of walking, or half a day including museum stops and café breaks.​

The walk itself is free; you only pay to enter museums you choose along the way. Pick up a printed map from the tourist office or download a digital route, and wear layers because weather can switch quickly between sun, wind, and showers.​