The Best of Basel: The City’s Highlights and Hidden Treasures

Switzerland’s only port city is one with a tremendous personality that beckons to be discovered. Join me on a walking tour through the heart of Basel, a crossroads for France, Germany and Switzerland, where cultures meet and coexist.

On this tour, we’ll journey through the well preserved old town and see a mix of medieval and modern architecture. You’ll hear about the city’s legends, its history, and the people who shaped itl. Along the way, I’ll show you contemporary Basel and tell you about all the local festivals. You’ll also find out about the city’s reputation for art and humanism, starting with the publishing industry in the 1400s, and proudly continuing today with the international Art Basel fair. Here, in the country’s smallest canton, you’ll find over 40 museums and the oldest University in Switzerland. Of course, our tour would not be complete without the Rhine River, the Romans and chocolate!

During the course of our walk, the curious will discover:

• The difference between Klein Basel and Gross Basel
• Which sculpture was banned from the Market Square
• Where to find the tomb of the only queen buried in Switzerland
• How locals cross the Rhine River
• Who Erasmus was, and why he was called “the last man who knew everything”
• Whether Basel really is the birthplace of confetti

Join me in discovering how much more Basel has to offer besides art. Allow at least an hour to get the most out of this tour, and to savour some incredible chocolate!