Words & Pictures by Shaun Troke
There are many, many museums & attractions in Basel, most of you’ll receive discount for, using the courtesy BaselCard from your hotel…
But, if like me, you’re not a huge fan of museums (or paying for attractions), here’s a few alternatives worth checking out…
For free!
ART & ARCHITECTURE
Hammering Man
Placed near the busy Aeschenplatz intersection, you’ll find this Jonathan Borofsky artwork hammering away outside the UBS building.
Messe Basel New Hall
Catch a tram to Messeplatz, and you’ll arrive directly underneath this visually impressive building!
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the New Hall sits over cafes & restaurants…
And, close by, is the Hyperion Building that hosts Cafe Rouge, who offer panoramic views over Basel!
Spalentor
While this attraction is great to look at & grab a picture of, it’s the surrounding area that’s worth a walk around, too! Leading up to the gate are cafes, bakeries, and, other small business, all aligning both sides of Spalenvorstadt.
Tinguely Fountain
Named after its creator, Jean Tinguely, this artwork features mechanical figures firing spouts of water in different directions. What’s also nice about this attraction is that there’s plenty of seating surrounding it, too.
BORDER TRIANGLE
This may not seem like the most interesting attraction, yet the walk getting here was what made it all worthwhile…
After disembarking a tram in the Basel-Kleinhüningen area, you’ll need to head towards the Rhine River to find the riverside footpath – that is popular with joggers – that’ll take you to the Border Triangle.
It’s called the Border Triangle because while you’re standing in Basel, over one side of the river is France…
…and, on the other side is Germany…
Both of which can easily be reached on foot, by tram, or, by boat!
CITY STREETS
Housing
If you enjoy walking around a new city, embracing its culture, then Basel provides many exceptional looking buildings…
Particularly in the residential areas.
The houses are quaint, and often quiet…so much so, that it can feel like no one is living in them!
Graffiti
Basel’s most famous street art can be found on Gerbergässlein, portraying world famous musicians.
Apparently, if someone can’t find their favourite musician on the mural, they should make a suggestion to the commissioning rock bar – L’Unique – located across the alley!
TRAM TRIPS
Part of the BaselCard (you’ll receive from your hotel upon arriving) is having free access to public transport.
WATERFRONT
I spent a LOT of time walking & sitting along the waterfront of the Rhine River.
The views are particularly nice from the north-eastern side of the river, where you can walk from bridge to bridge, taking in the Basel skyline…
On the other side of the river, one of the best viewpoints is from the rear of the Basel Minster: Pfalz. Sure, you can pay to climb to the top of the Basel Minster to see higher views…
But, the views from below are just as good!
You can find out more about Basel in our series GOING SOLO, available to watch here on YouTube!