Basel

Built between the years 1019 and 1500 in the Romantic and Gothic styles, visit to this medieval cathedral is a must. It's a mesmerising structure with a glazed patterned roof and pinkish red sandstone walls. Munsterpltaz – formerly the site of a Roman Fort, is a stylish 18th century square. The Basel's Cathedral influences the skyline and is one of Basel's main landmarks. The Pfalz - the terrace offering stunning views over the Rhine - is one of the most popular viewpoints in the city.

Basel's Old Town is known for its unusual array of Swiss national heritage sights. It can be best discovered by foot with all building being close to eachother. The Altstad's oldest buildings are from the 14th century with part of the city being on the west side of the famous River Rhine. The salient feature of Basel Old Town are the terrace houses that have been built in diverse sizes, shapes & shades. Walking through the Old Town you will be crossing some of the landmark sites like the Basel Cathedral, City Hall, Marketplatz and more.

The prime focus of the Old Town is Marketplatz, where you will find a colourful local market selling local food specialities & flowers. The eye-catching structure dominating the square is the bright red Basel Rathaus having a colourful painted frontage. Don't miss stepping into its beautiful courtyard where you can see the wall paintings restored from 1608 and after. You will also see the statue of the legendary founder of the town, Lucius Munatius Plancus which is on the outer staircase sculpted in 1580.

Founded in 1874, Basel's large zoo is affectionately known as Zolli by its locals & comprises of 640 species. The Zoo is dating back 1874 having a completely modern approach & design is the largest & oldest zoo in the Country. Housed with Mammals, predators, reptiles, birds, aquatic life, seahorses & elephants. Its new elephant house was opened in 2016 providing 5000 sqm for them to roam in. The highlights are the penguins in the vivarium which also houses fishes & reptiles, the Monkey house & the Lion enclosure. The zoo has also been successful in breeding Cheetahs & Rhinoceros.

Situated between the two main squares on the old town, Basel's Christmas Market is one of most beautiful in Switzerland as the streets of the city are dazzling with fairy lights & lit up Christmas trees. The market open in last week of November until late December very year. The magnificent Christmas tree stands tall on the Munsterplatz beautifully decorated. "Sennenhutte" on Claraplatz welcomes its guests for a fun fondue dinner. In small rustic wooden chalets almost 160 traders and artisans gather for sale. If someone is looking for gift ideas then one can seek inspiration from a wide selection and charming ambience. Traditional delicacies like waffles, Gluhwein, Basel's own Lackerli, Swiss Raclette or most relished grilled sausages. The market is enriched by various pre-Christmas events.

Basel has a choice of numerous museums to visit like the Kunstmuseum Basel (Museum of Art), Spielzeug Welten Museum (Toy Museum), Antikenmuseum and the Sammlung Ludwig (Museum of Antiquities and the Ludwig Collection), Museum für Gegenwartskunst (Museum of Contemporary Art), Jüdische Museum (Jewish Museum), Basel Historical Museum, Museum Tinguely (Art museum in Basel) and more. For museum lovers Basel has it all with enriched knowledge.

Basel Carnival (Basel Fasnatch) has been added to the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list for its uniqueness & quality where creative energies are portrayed at this three day event. The locals call is the "three best days" of the year as Basel is turned upside-down. It all begins on a Monday after Ash Wednesday at precisely 4 am. The city centre is then converted into an illuminated, hand-painted lanterns accompanied by thousands of drummers & costumed pipers with music through the streets until "Endstraich" on Thursday again exactly at 4 am. Basel Carnival is an experience in itself and a must see.