Basel

Switzerland

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2026

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Why visit Basel

Historically, Basel's position astride the mighty Rhine has contributed to its growth as a key trade and transport hub. Today, it's a global centre for the pharmaceutical industry – titans Roche and Novartis are both headquartered here. But that's of little interest to the many thousands of art and architecture lovers who visit each year for the world-famous ART Basel festival and the city's wealth of galleries, museums and iconic buildings.

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Swiss Bliss: Lakes of Lucerne and Lugano in 8 Days

highlights

  1. 1 Riding the world’s steepest funicular to the mountain town of Stoos
  2. 2 Admiring Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps from the summit of Mount Rigi
  3. 3 Visiting Switzerland’s only island botanical park at the Gulf of Ascona’s Brissago Islands
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Top places to visit in Basel

Discover the best attractions in Basel from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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