What to see and do
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Basel is well known for its museums - the city boasts almost 40! There is something for everyone, from the fascinating Basel History Museum to the Toy Museum with over 6,000 teddy bears and dolls. Must-see art museums include the Basel Art Museum and the astonishing private collection at the Fondation Beyeler covering works by Monet, Warhol and Picasso to name but a few. The Jean Tinguely Museum has eye-popping 'kinetic art' sculptures. The Old Town features well preserved medieval buildings and the Gothic cathedral with the tomb of Erasmus. To see a short video of the town, click here.
Another real pleasure in Basel is to cool off in the river - the water is certainly clean enough for bathing, and locals and visitors alike enjoy swimming here. Pop in to the tourist office to hire a waterproof swim bag for your belongings.Â
Further afield is the 2000-year-old settlement Augusta Raurica - the best preserved Roman site north of the Alps - and the scenic Wasserfallen area. This is an ideal starting point for mountain walks or for visiting the stunning Chellenchöpfli viewpoint over the Jura mountains. You can even visit France and Germany on a day trip! Across the German border lies pretty Freiburg, capital of the Black Forest region. Colmar in France is at the heart of the Alsace wine region and it is a delight to try the local vintage alongside a traditional meal.