Train to Basel arrive at the impressive central railway station which is famed for its beauty and for being the busiest border station in Europe. Once here, visitors can enjoy attractions such as Munster Cathederal and the Kunstmuseum Basel. In the evening, catch a cultural performance at the national theatre or simply stroll around town sampling the very best in food and drink.
Visiting Basel
The primary area of interest to visitors to Basel is the glorious Old Town which is located just south of the central station and to the north of Basel Zoo. Starting in Marktplatz, visitors should walk through the charming cobbled streets to the iconic Munster Cathedral. As well as admiring the stunning Gothic facades, one can also climb St. Martin's tower for the cost of only a few Franks. Marktplatz is best explored on a Saturday morning when stalls and vendors sell freshly baked pastries, artisan coffee and an array of charcuterie items. The Rathaus, or town hall, is located in the square and visitors can visit the courtyard for free or enter the building on an organised tour with the Basel Tourism authority. Basel Theatre, also located in the city centre, stages a range of operas and ballets on its main stage, with the smaller performance area regularly hosting plays by some of the greats including Chekhov and Ibsen.
Basel locals hold education and culture in high regard and this is reflected in its numerous museums covering everything from classical painting to dolls. Kunstmuseum Basel is the jewel in the crown and hosts works by some of the world's most esteemed artists, including an entire room dedicated to Pablo Picasso. For those who prefer art with a more contemporary style, the Kunsthalle Basel hosts a range of modern temporary exhibits. Those travelling on a budget but wanting to explore Basel's museums will appreciate the free hour offered by most museums in the city at the end of the day. The restaurants of the Old Town are, widely speaking, of a high standard and frequented by locals as well as tourists visiting the city. A few of the highlights of the culinary scene include Löwenzorn, Hasenburg and Gifthüttli, all of which serve a range of traditional Swiss food to enjoy when you visit Basel.
Book your train to Basel
Trains to Basel arrive at Basel SBB railway station which, in previous times, has been known both as Centralbahnhof and also Schweizer Bahnhof. The station itself is a national heritage site thanks to its resplendent beauty and it is the busiest border station in Europe. It is located in the south of the city and is one of Switzerland's most important transport hubs, with connections via bus and tram situated directly outside the entrance. Almost 2000 trains arrive and depart the station each day, many of them to international destinations. High-speed ICE trains connect Basel with much of northern Europe, with daily services to destinations including Zurich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Hanover, and even as far as Amsterdam. The high-speed operator TGV also serves Zurich before travelling onto French cities such as Dijon, Lyon and Paris's iconic Gare Du Nord. National long-distance trains also operate from SBB with regular services to all major cities such as Bern, Spiez and, of acourse, Zurich. At the weekend, night trains serve the local region. There is also a direct Airtrain to Zurich's international Kloten Airport.