Known as the Cultural Capital of Switzerland or University City Basel offers a diverse range of cultural, historical and leisure experiences. Here are some top tips to make the most of this city on a budget.
1) Top budget tip for Basel
To start making some essential savings it’s worthwhile investing in the BaselCard.
A 48 hour card costs 27CHF With the BaselCard you a free guided tour of the city, free sightseeing tour on the ferry plus free entrance to various attractions including some of those featured below.
2) Kunst Museum Basel
St Alban-Graben 16
Even if you are not an art lover, there is something here for everyone. In winter in the past they’ve even put up a free ice rink!
The museum holds a wide collection of art dating from various periods. It holds the largest collection of Holbein work plus has minor artworks of Picasso. In the past it has held exhibitions of famous artists like Warhol.
Price: Adults- Sfr 12, Students: Sfr 5. Kids go free. Free with BaselCard
Top tip: 1st Sunday of the month is free entrance.
3) Museum Tinguely
Photo credit: Courtesy of Suzanne http://www.flickr.com/photos/wurzeltod/
The building, designed by Mario Botta, is dedicated to the life and work of the major Swiss iron sculptor Jean Tinguely. Jean Tinguely (1925-1991) was an artist who grew up in Basel and later belonged to the Parisian avant-garde in the 1950s and 60s. He is well known in Basel for his machine sculptures in the square in front of the city theater.
The best way to approach the Musuem is by going up the Rhine along the Kleinbasel bank, and then through Solitude Park ( a very nice place specially now in Autumn )
Opening hours are Tuesday – Sunday 11 am to 7 pm, closed Mondays.
Admission : 15 Swiss Francs for adults or 10 CHF (reduced)
Paul Sacher-Anlage 1, 4058 Basle, Switzerland
4) Münster
Photocredit: Patrick H : http://www.flickr.com/photos/-heinecke-/
Originally a Catholic cathedral and today a reformed Protestant church, it was built between 1019 and 1500 in Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Pfalz, a small square in the back of the building, is a good viewpoint to see the city, but for 4 CHF, you can go up to the top of one of the church towers and see an awesome full view of Basel.
Rittergasse 3, 4051 Basle, Switzerland
5) Karikatur and Cartoon Museum
One of the more unique destinations in Basel is the Karikatur and Cartoon Museum. The museum is situated in reconstructed buildings with architecture resembling a gothic theme. Visitors to the museum will be intrigued by the various displays of caricatures and cartoons from the early 1900s to present.
Entry: CHF 9 ( Free with the Basel Pass)
6) Eating in Basel on a budget
Given that Switzerland is pretty expensive , my suggestion is to prepare your food and shop at the supermarkets with the odd meal here or there. Here are some general tips:-
Do check out Café Tacuba (Malzgasse 1 St Alban Grabe Basel, Basel Stadt 4052 ) it's a great meeting point for locals and does great coffee and pastries. They offer good value for money lunch on weekdays.Plus they have free wifi.
Manor, a department store, has Manora restaurants that usually have affordable options and serves a little bit of everything from pizza to stir-fries. You can usually eat there for around CHF 15.
COOP and Migros supermarkets have cafeterias in central locations that serve okay food that isn't expensive.
How to get there
BMI runs flights to Basel from just £79
Note: This post is courtesy of BMI.
Have any budget tips to share of Basel? Please leave your comments below!!
