The main sightseeing attractions in the city are clustered around the Old Town (Vieille Ville), on the south bank in Greater Basel (Grossbasel) and on the northern side of Little Basel (Kleinbasel). To get a preview of the attractions of the city, travellers can take a cruise across the River Rhine.
In the Basel Zoo, there are a group of western lowland gorillas that reside together with chimpanzees and orangutans. Basel Cathedral dominates the Old Town with its combination of Gothic and Romanesque features. Distinctive attributes of the cathedral also comprise its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles and twin towers.
The tomb of the greatest of the European Renaissance humanists, Erasmus of Rotterdam, is located within the cathedral. From Mittlere Brucke/Schifflande, tourists can enjoy views of Vosges Mountains, the Black Forest and the Jura.
Museum Jean Tinguely pays homage to the work of local kinetic artist Jean Tinguely (1925-1991). Tinguely Fountain with moving sculptures and waterpipes is located in front of Stadttheater at Theaterplatz.
Kunstmuseum Basel is the oldest art museum in Switzerland. It has the largest collection of works by the Holbein family in the entire world, as well as many artworks by other Swiss Renaissance artists. Foundation Beyeler is an art venue that was designed by architect Renzo Piano. More than 200 art collections of Ernst and Hildy Beyeler are housed in the museum.
The Swiss Architecture Museum focuses primarily on modern Swiss architecture, including Le Corbusier, and international contemporary architectural style. Built between 1762 and 1764, Wildtsche Haus initially served as an abode for silk ribbon manufacturer Jeremias Wildt-Socin.
Merian Park was built in 1968 with the intent to be a lively meeting place as well as recreational area for children and adults. The Exhibition Tower was designed by architects Morger and Degelo. This edifice has 31 floors and offers aerial views of the city from its top.
