Basel travel guide: Everything you need to know about the historical Swiss town

The Rhine in Basel (Image: Getty) Float down the Rhine river Pick up a ‘Wickelfisch’ – a bag that will allow you to float – from the tourism shop or elsewhere and get ready to live like the locals. There are lots of safe points to enter down the river, simply fill up the Wickelfisch with your belongings and some air and float through the city. This relaxing activity is completely free and a great way to cool off. Basel has lots of museums and galleries to learn and immerse yourself in the culture, open 365 days a year. The , founded by Ernst and Hildy Beyeler, is one of the most popular museums in Switzerland. It hosts a number of changing exhibitions. Visit now to see the works of Doris Salcedo, ‘The Mind’s Eye’ exhibition and work by American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Other museums worth visiting include the Kunstmuseum Basel and Tinguely Museum. Open 365 days a year, adult entry from 20 CHF.  Walk through the city There is plenty to see by simply walking through Basel. The quiet and romantic St Alban’s area is also the ideal spot if looking for beautiful buildings and a peaceful stroll. Or, visit the Old Town to see stunning architecture, including the constantly moving Tinguely Fountain. Basel has around 300 fountains in total that are not only beautiful to look at and full of history, but many provide clean drinking water and can even be bathed in. One fountain in the old town even offers out red wine at New Year for residents to ‘cheers’ together. Enjoy your travel card The city allows all guests who have booked into a hotel to get free public transport around the city for the duration of their booking, meaning there is even more available to see.  Basel is a historic town (Image: Getty)   The restaurant opened in 2017 and has already garnered a name for itself with locals. It matches delicious beers with food creations made from locally sourced produce. A changing special menu is also available to sample the best at that moment, with beer pairings available. This is more than just a restaurant, however, as local residents and guests can take part in a number of creative workshops. The restaurant is located in what used to hold busy nightlife. Now more residential, brings some of that life to the location. Open Tuesday-Saturday.   Stop for a meal or a drink at , with a terrace overlooking the Rhine. Tuck in to fish and chips, fill up on a tasty salad or pick from one of the specials of the week. Open Tuesday-Saturday.  Basel is just a short plane journey from the UK (Image: Getty) The French brasserie is in the heart of the lively Kleinbasel district and offers a range of delicious menu items. Order meat or fish from the grill, or choose from a varied vegetarian selection. Don’t miss the hidden courtyard which was redesigned by Herzog & de Meuron. Visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner.    The modern Mövenpick Hotel is a great location for exploring and travelling alike. It is a short and pleasant walk to many of the main landmarks, but if going further afar, it is minutes from the main train station and there are many trams and buses around. It has a modern design created by interior designer Matteo Thun and many rooms offer stunning views of the city.