Basel is the second largest city in Switzerland. It is home to the country’s leading universities, attracting thousands of students from around the world each year. Many of these students never return, choosing to work in the city’s numerous research and innovation centers.

Besides the universities, Basel boasts numerous interesting museums, fashionable art galleries, medieval architecture, and, of course, entertainment venues—a must-see for a student town.

Basel Attractions
The historic core of the city, Greater Basel, is located on the southwest bank of the Rhine. Today, it has been converted into a pedestrian zone. The Cathedral, the city’s symbol, occupies its central position.

Marktplatz, with its Town Hall, is the center of Basel’s old town. The former Barfüssenkirche now houses the Historical Museum, and the neighboring Fischmarkt square boasts Basel’s most beautiful fountain, adorned with a statue of Our Lady. The red sandstone Spalentor gate is another landmark. Switzerland’s tallest building, the 150-meter-high Market Tower, is also located here.

Theater Square is especially noteworthy, featuring the Tinguel Fountain, a sculpture by Richard Cherry, and the Church of St. Elisabeth. Other architectural landmarks in Basel include the Bank Building and the Zentralstellwerk Bassel SBB building.

Also, explore the Alzacke Gate, stroll along the picturesque Viaduktstrasse, stop by the Church of St. Anthony, and end your busy day at the Department Building, a monument of Romanesque-Gothic architecture.

Near Basel are the Augusta Raurica archaeological site, where you can see over 20 ancient Basel landmarks.