Basel is the second city in Switzerland
Basel is young and cosmopolitan because it here are the main universities of Switzerland, where students from all over the world dream to get every year. The official language of this city is German, but understanding the Basel dialect will not be easy, even for a person with perfect knowledge of German. In addition to universities, Basel is famous for its many museums, trendy art galleries and entertainment venues.
Sights of Basel
1. The Cathedral
First on the list should be this monastery which was built in the eleventh century. Its external architecture is built in the Gothic style, and if you go inside the building you can enjoy the Romanesque style. Inside you will meet the entrance of the Gauls in the form of a western facade, which will be decorated with sculptures. Inside, your gaze will be riveted to the crypt, which contains the graves of the bishops of this city. And for a fee, you can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the view of this city.
2. History Museum
Its main exhibition is located in the old part of the city, in the former Barfüsserkirche. In all three parts of the museum exhibits of medieval eras are shown. In the past, the building functioned as a church, but after the Reformation and until the 19th century it was used as a barn.
3. Jeanne Tengli Museum
This museum presents extraordinary "kinetic sculptures" made from a variety of household appliances. Some exhibits are destroyed, others move along the same system and form abstract paintings - all this delights visitors.
4. Paper Mill Museum
One of the most interesting places in Basel - paper mill museum. It is located in a building in which about five hundred years ago a paper mill operated, which supplied paper to many European states in the Middle Ages. All the premises of the plant have been restored, which allow you to get an idea of the ancient ways of creating and binding paper. There are many historical exhibits in the museum's collection.
Where to go near Basel?
1. The most popular place to visit for a day trip from Basel is Lucerne. This town seems to be drawn from a postcard, it is decorated with picturesque canals and wooden bridges. Alfalfa is like a box of ancient jewels.
2. Another German town Freiburg is located near Basel. It is worth a trip here for its main attraction - the Freiburg Münster - a Gothic cathedral that attracts views all year round.
The best restaurants in the city
1) Au Violon.
This is a small restaurant located in a restored building near the Leonhardskirche church. This restaurant serves seasonal, carefully prepared dishes. Location: Im Lohnhof, 4.
2) Bruderholz-Stucki.
This is one of the most famous restaurants in Basel, which has been awarded a Michelin star. A table must be reserved in advance.
Price: 85 francs per person
Location: Bruderholzalle, 42.
3) Spitz.
This establishment is located in the Kleinbasel district and has a beautiful terrace on the river bank. This restaurant serves some of the best fish dishes.
Price: 30 francs per person.
Location: Meridian, Rheingasse, 2.
4) Gifthuttli.
If you want to taste the traditional local cuisine, you should come here. Even the menu here is written in the Basel dialect.
The restaurant specializes in dishes prepared by virtuoso chefs.
Price: 35 francs per person.
Location: Scheindergasse 11
Basel Parking
After you rent a car from Bookingautos. There will be a question about parking.
Parking throughout Switzerland is divided into zones. Just like in Basel. The blue parking zone is free parking for one hour. In this case, you will have to buy a blue parking card from the police, bank or tourist office. The white parking zone is a paid car park. The price for it will be written in the nearest payment machines. Usually the cost is 1-2 francs per hour. However, in the center parking will cost 3-6 francs per hour. Yellow zone - parking is prohibited.
Red zone - free parking for fifteen hours. In this case, you should purchase a red parking card from the police, banks and tourist offices.
