Basel features over 10 museums encompassing a wide variety of subjects including art, dolls, history, music, sports and even cartoons and caricatures. Additionally, there are several archaeological sites such as the Alemannic Burial Fields and Gallo-Roman Settlement. Basel has traditional Swiss architecture which is reflected in many of the sites.
After visiting a day of museums and other historical sites, enhance your Swiss cultural experience by attending a play, opera or ballet at the Theater Basel. If you happen to be in Basel in February or March, Carnival of Basel is a rich cultural event with public parades, concerts and street parties. The event is celebrated the week following Ash Wednesday and lasts for three days.
Basel is also home to Switzerland's largest and oldest zoo. The zoo features a large aquarium, monkey house, African exhibit and Sauter Garden. The Zoologischer Garten Basel sits on over 32 acres in the center of of the city and attracts over 1.5 million visitors a year.
Basel features three football teams. The most prominent team, also known as Fussball Club Basel, has won the Super Swiss League 12 times. Head to St. Jakob-Park, the 42,500-seat stadium, to catch a game. The stadium's outer layer illuminates in several different colors during the games.
Every October, some of the world's best tennis players gather in Basel for a large tennis tournament. Such participants in the past have included tennis great Roger Federer, who is a Basel native. Basel also has an ice hockey hall and admitted sports hall for various events.
Bar Rouge is Basel's premier bar and disco. Open on weekends until 5 a.m., the dance club sits on the 30th and 31st floors and features wonderful views of town. With floor to ceiling windows, even in the bathrooms, this is not for those afraid of heights.
If you're looking for a more low-key atmosphere, the Cafes Des Arts is just the place. Featuring a nice piano bar and live music, this is the perfect place to enjoy a drink after a long day of sightseeing. Casual dress is the code at Cafes, and those who appreciate art will enjoy the many wall displays.
