The city of Basel enjoys a privileged location on the banks of the Rhine. The peaceful beauty of this medieval city owes much to the presence of the river and the many green spaces that invite its visitor to indulge moments of relaxation and contemplation. In the heart of the city, you’ll find the largest zoo in Switzerland, dating back to 1874, where visitors would rush to admire bears, wolves and ibex. Today the zoo showcases the African savannah with its lions, elephants, monkeys and antelopes. Climb the steep streets of the old town and admire the old half-timber frame houses, rubbing shoulders with contemporary constructions designed by internationally renowned architects such as Herzog & de Meuron, Diener & Diener and Mario Botta.
To honour the historic heritage of the city, head to Basel University, which was founded in 1460 on a citizens' initiative. Strolling across town, stop in one of its many museums. Basel gives you more than enough to choose from with 40 museums in an area of only 23 miles! The Museum of Fine Arts houses the most beautiful works of artists of the Upper Rhine Valley and the Netherlands of the Renaissance, as well as works of the nineteenth and twentieth century like Van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso or Léger. The Basel Carnival, which takes place between the months of February and March is one of the highlights of Basel's cultural events, with the Art Basel, considered the most important international art fair, taking place in June.
