Courtyard Basel by Mariott

Augusta Raurica

Just a short trip from Basel, Augusta Raurica is one of Europe’s most impressive Roman archaeological sites. Once a thriving settlement, this ancient city now offers visitors a chance to explore remarkably well-preserved ruins, including a grand amphitheater, a Roman house, and an intricate mosaic floor. The on-site museum showcases artifacts that reveal daily life in the Roman era, from tools to jewelry. Families can enjoy interactive experiences, such as workshops on Roman crafts, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed reconstructions. With scenic views of the Rhine River and plenty of open space to explore, Augusta Raurica is a unique day-trip destination that brings history to life.

Basel

The city borders both Germany and France and this has helped to give the city the best of both worlds. Basel also boasts over 40 exciting museums to choose from, so surely there should be a few that hit the spot. A sure hit is the Foundation Beyeler museum. Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, it boasts a unique collection of some of the greatest modern classics. It features works by Bacon, Baselitz, Warhol, Ernst Max, Kandinsky, Miró and Rodin, to name just a few of the many artists who grace the art museum's beautiful walls. The Kunstmuseum Basel is certainly also an experience if modern and more contemporary art is of interest. Their collection of sculptures, graphic works and of course paintings is simply impressive.

Although Basel is not very large with its approximately 170,000 inhabitants, it is the third largest city in Switzerland. The Rhine divides the old town in two, with Kleinbasel to the north and Grossbasel to the south, where the historic centre is also located. Kleinbasel is characterised by large pharmaceutical factories and it was here, among other things, that the Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann invented the psychedelic drug LSD in 1938, which was later used in psychotherapy.

Basel offers shopping in style and class. Basel has a network of trams with as many as 10 lines, making it both convenient and quick to get around the city centre. Most shops are located in the old Grossbasler, which has a network of small and narrow shopping streets that can get quite steep at times - but it's definitely worth the effort. From the bustling Freie Strasse to the Market Square to the Spalenberg with its fine small and exclusive shops like the Johann Wanner Christmas House or the Manor, the oldest shopping centre in the city. Good deals can be found in the small design shops and galleries just outside the city centre, try St. Petersburg. Johann or Feldbergstrasse.

And finally, the most important thing - finally get a BaselCard. It includes a 50% discount on museum prices, free entry to Basel Zoo, a guided tour of the Old Town, an exciting treasure hunt, transport and much, much more. It simply doesn't pay to do anything else! The stage is set for an active holiday in Basel as there is much to see and experience.

Mulhouse

There is much to discover in the historic city of Mulhouse. Discover the historic centre, which houses the famous temple of Saint-Etienne, a neo-Gothic church dating from the 19th century. The town hall has a beautiful façade and you can also discover the Mieg House, a 14th century town house long inhabited by Mulhouse's wealthiest family. Mulhouse also offers great shopping, exciting museums and beautiful green parks, such as botanical and zoological gardens. Mulhouse is, in other words, a cultural centre to be explored.

Parc Zoologique & Botanique de Mulhouse