Basel Heritage: Medieval Gates, Iconic Cathedral & Rhine Views

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Start your tour at the iconic 20th-century Tinguely Fountain, created by Jean Tinguely, one of Switzerland's greatest and most innovative artists. The dynamic water displays of this masterpiece of kinetic art are sure to leave you in awe, while the surrounding theaters and museums add to the cultural experience.

   15 min

2. Next, pass by the striking Basel Cathedral, known for its colorful roof tiles and a fascinating mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Dating back to the 9th century, this majestic structure offers a deep dive into Basel’s history and art.

   Passes by

3. From the cathedral, head to the hidden gem of the Palatinate Observation Platform. Located at the top of Pfalz hill, this spot offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old Town, the Rhine River, and the distant Swiss and French Alps!

   20 min

4. Continue your stroll along the scenic riverside and stop by the 14th-century Augustiner Brunnen Fountain. Here, you can learn about the Basilisk, Basel’s heraldic animal, as a statue of the mythical creature sits atop the fountain, holding the city’s coat of arms.

   15 min

5. Just a short walk away is the historic Mittlere Bruecke, the oldest bridge still standing across the Rhine. Standing here, you can almost hear the echoes of history and nature that have shaped Basel’s past.

   Passes by

6. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Market Square. With its colorful display of regional produce, and the lively sounds and aromas of Swiss specialties like flowers, coffee, honey, and wine, this square offers a delightful feast for the senses!

   15 min

7. In the square, you’ll find the bold red Town Hall, an architectural marvel with intricate frescoes adorning its façade. Take your time to admire the impressive 500-year-old building and its characteristic tower.

   15 min

8. Your next stop is Spalentor, the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval gate in Switzerland. As a national monument, Spalentor is a testament to Basel’s rich military history. Walk through its ancient archways and explore the details of its beautifully preserved facades.

   15 min

9. Finally, escape the city center’s hustle and bustle at the tranquil University of Basel Botanical Garden. This lush, secluded space is home to a diverse collection of plants and flowers, offering the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature.

   15 min

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Basel

• Its from-price is 35% below the median of the 42 city tours we list in Basel.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 32 of 42.

About Basel

Basel is a Swiss city on the Rhine where Switzerland meets France and Germany, with a red-sandstone old town, a Gothic minster and many art museums.

Basel sits on a bend of the Rhine at the point where Switzerland, France and Germany meet. Its old town climbs the left bank to Münsterplatz, where the Gothic Minster in red sandstone holds the tomb of the scholar Erasmus. The Town Hall on the Marktplatz is red too, with a painted façade, and the Middle Bridge links the old town to Kleinbasel. Small ferries pulled across the river by the current alone run between the banks.

Top-ranked sights in Basel: Basel Minster (Basler Münster).

See all 234 experiences in Basel