|
Best of BaselBy Madelyn Miller, the TravelLadyThis is a city that has everything going for it. Culture, culinary experiences, shopping and a gorgeous setting. It is the only capital city that I can think of that offers all the sophistication of world-class city without most of the problems. Basel has a vibrant energy and a picture perfect location on the Rhine River. This could be a honeymoon setting just as happily as a convenient conference destination. Trams make in city transportation cheap and easy and help eliminate much pollution. The sky is blue, the air is fresh, and life is good. The best way to get to know Basel is to start in the Old Town to learn about the historical perspective that has shaped its character. Art and Architecture
The townscape of modern Basel is stamped by the mark of renowned international and Swiss architects. As an exciting contrast to the ancient buildings of the historical Old Town, modern buildings round off the picture of a cosmopolitan metropolis. When it comes to architecture, Basel has a good deal to offer, in particular the buildings of Herzog & de Meuron, Morger & Degelo or Diener & Diener, which attract worldwide attention. The urban center lies gracefully along the Rhine, no building so tall as to block another’s view of the Cathedral’s twin spires. Two blocks from the heart of the busy shopping district, you can walk through medieval residential streets. This balance of new and old, sophisticated and simple is seen throughout the city and seems to work with great success. Art is as much a part of the city as the Rhine river. A lot of outstanding works of art by international artists set their mark upon Basel’s public spaces and decoratge its streets and squares. Some examples are Jean Tinguely’s “Fasnacht (carnival) Fountain,” Borofsky’s “Hammering Man” and Serra’s “Intersection” Where to EatRestaurant susu’s I had a nice stir-fry sweet and sour chicken and peppers with glass noodles( 23 SF), but when I saw the sampler platter for two go by, I wished I had ordered that as my entrée. Just another good reason to go back I always enjoy eating a museum restaurants—because you get a double dose of culture and cuisine. Lunch at the museum restaurant Chez Jeannot which has its wall covered with art from the famous swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely is delightful. Restaurant « Chez Jeannot » Start Your Day
You might want to start your day at the fruit & vegetable market on the Market Square in front of the City Hall. The fruit and vegetable market takes place on a daily basis except Sundays. Hob knob with the locals and taste some of the fresh honey and pasta sauces among other offerings. You can take home the jellies and sauces, you will only be able to take pictures of the fabulous flowers to record the beautiful memories. Best MuseumsThe number of museums per capita is a reflection of Basel’s priority. With a population of 200,000, the city has more than 30 museums. If you plan on seeing multiple museums (and you should) be sure to get the Basel Museum Pass available from the main museums and Basel Tourisme. Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). The emphasis of the Kunstmuseum Basel is on Upper Rhenish and Flemish paintings and drawings from 1400 to 1600 and on 19th and 20th century art. The museum has the world’s largest collection of works by the Holbein family. The museum closes at 5 p.m. Kunstmuseum Fondation Beyeler
It is easy to get to Fondation Beyeler by tram no 6 from “Marktplatz” (direction Riehen Grenze). Get off at the station “Fondation Beyeler”. Duration: 20 minutes Visit the Fondation Beyeler. Around 200 works of the Classic Modernism document the very personal view of Hildy and Ernst Beyeler on 20th century art (among others Monet, Cézanne, van Gogh, Picasso and Warhol). There is a special exhibition on display until November 26 on “René Margritte“. Fondation Beyeler Museum Jean Tinguely Basel
Museum Tinguely. It is devoted to the life and work of the major Swiss iron sculptor Jean Tinguely (1925-1991). The museum building was designed by the Ticino architect Mario Botta. The permanent exhibition shows animated mechanical sculptures from all periods of Tinguely’s career. The whimsical art by this Swiss sculptor will delight children of any age. A lovely place to eat or bring a picnic lunch to eat on the lawn or by the water’s edge. Museum Jean Tinguely Basel Must See
Best Taste of BaselBasel even has its own signature cookie—a slightly crunchy
gingerbread like treat. It’s not often that I go somewhere and taste something I
have never tried before. The delicious selection of attractively arranged packages makes it hard to reach a decision, but they will of course be pleased to take it as a compliment. They will also probably offer you a taste of this local treat. It is a great gift to bring home since the shelf-life is almost as long as a fruitcake. There is a branch of Laeckerli in the lobby of the Merian Spitz Hotel, and you will find them offered on the breakfast buffet. Best Breads
If bread is the staff of life, you can live well in Basel. The breads are so beautiful, I found myself taking pictures of them. One of the best is Brothuus Zoller. My favorite bread is a grainy roll with toasted pumpkin seeds on top. You can find an outlet for their bread in the market.
Rosentalstrasse 68 Coffee or Tea They indulge in the German tradition of “kaffe and kuchen” in the late afternoon. But Baselers prefer tiny sweet gems, two or three to a saucer, instead of large slices of creamy cake. Or they might go for a delicate Chinese tea. Confiserie & Tea Room Schiesser Mercedes Caffe Best Sweet Tooth Experience
Sweet Basel, Schnabelgasse 4 Shopping TipsMost stores are open from Mon-Wed from 9am to 6.30pm, on Thur-Fri from 9am to 8 pm. Stores close at 6pm on Saturday.
Two supermarkets (Migros and Coop) and a pharmacy at the Swiss railway station (Banhof SBB) are open daily until 10pm.
On Saturday there is a wonderful flea market in the park. My favorite table promoted recycling by having a pile of things marked “Gratis.”
MADELYN’S FAVORITE STORES The look of Swiss sophistication is seen throughout Basel. I loved window shopping in the many boutiques. I tend to look for smart accessories because they are smaller, and easier to bring home than many souvenirs Rosen ‘s
Gelatine Pilzli Elisabethenstrasse 20 Ethno Art BEST STREET FOOD
Where to Stay
Ask for a room with a river view. I got gorgeous pictures
from my small patio. Part of the Best Western chain, this hotel has nice rooms with very well thought our space usage. I found plenty of surfaces and outlets for charging my camera, computer and such. Best Bargains in BaselIn a town that seems to have more museums per capita than anywhere else in the world, a museum pass seems like a very sensible purchase. The Basel card offers even more freebies and discounts BaselCard – many reductions - lots for free! With the BaselCard you benefit from more than 80 offers!
The advantages for you at a glance: BaselCard 24 hours = CHF 20.00 / € 13.00 Museum Pass With the museum pass of Upper Rhine Region you have
unlimited access to all 150 museums of the Upper Rhine Region. Cross the border
between Germany, France and Switzerland and discover the variety of the museums,
castles, monasteries and gardens. Price For More InformationBasel Tourismus, Aeschenvorstadt 36, 4010 Basel
WWW.baseltourismus.ch BEST WAY TO GET TO SWITZERLAND Swiss International Air Lines, the national carrier of Switzerland serves 70 destinations including 43 in Europe and 27 in Africa, Asia, North & South America. North American gateways include: Boston Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Newark, and JFK/New York. In 2004, 9.2 million passengers flew in Swiss First, Swiss Business and Swiss Economy Class. For more information, click onto www.swiss.com <http://www.swiss.com> or call 1-877-FLY SWISS. BEST WAY TO GET AROUND IN SWTIZERLAND The Swiss Travel System is incredibly comprehensive and
includes rail, lake steamers and city transportation lines. STS discount passes
are as individual as your travel plans and excursion wishes. Ranging from a
plain transfer ticket to flexible or consecutive travel days. Buy any Swiss
Pass and get a free Family Card for unlimited travel for kids up to 16. And the best way to get around just got better— - With any STS train pass, receive 10-20% discount on internet bookings on hotels (Best Western Swiss Hotels, Minotel, Sunstar Hotels and Swiss Backpacker Hotels) -Glacier Express: new First Class panorama cars - all public transport system entirely non-smoking. Great GuidebooksFodor’s Switzerland 2005 Frommer’s Switzerland Culture Shock! Switzerland
All photos by Madelyn
Miller
Madelyn Miller is a
writer and web entrepreneur that contributes to
www.travellady.com,
www.chocolateatlas.com,
www.cocktailatlas.com,
www.cheeseatlas.com,
www.carladynews.com, and
www.todaysgooddeeds.com
|
|
TM
.jpg)
.jpg)
Bead Box
Hotel Merian am Rhein****