Basel Town Hall & Marktplatz
Rathaus Basel
A bright red town hall completed in the early 16th century, with painted facade murals and gilded spires. The inner courtyard is free to visit.
Basel Town Hall was built between 1504 and 1514, just as Basel was joining the Swiss Confederation. Its red sandstone facade is covered with murals repainted in the 19th century, and its bell tower and spires are decorated in gold. Passing through the archway into the inner courtyard, you can see a painted staircase and murals. It is free to visit on weekdays, and guided tours on weekends give access to the council chamber. In front lies Marktplatz, the center of the Old Town. On weekday mornings, a fruit, vegetable, and flower market is held here, and several tram lines converge on the square. It is a good starting point for exploring the Old Town of Greater Basel.
Opening hours
Inner courtyard about Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Nearby sights
- Basler Fasnacht
- Middle Bridge
- Natural History Museum Basel
- Museum der Kulturen Basel
- Basel Christmas Market
- Basel Minster
- Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
- Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche