Basel is located in northwestern Switzerland, serving as a gateway to the Jura Mountains, which belong to Switzerland, as well as to nearby cities such as Zürich and Lucerne. It is also an important link to the French region of Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Additionally, Basel is the first port on the Rhine accessible to large cargo ships.

During the Roman Empire, the settlement of Augusta Raurica was founded near present-day Basel, and traces of Celtic settlements have been discovered around the Basel Castle area. The city was first mentioned in historical records in 374 AD.

The city's main tourist attractions include:

Basel Town Hall – still in operation today, housed in a beautifully restored Renaissance building.

Cathedral Square (Münsterplatz).

Tinguely Museum – featuring a permanent exhibition of works by Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely.

Schaulager Museum and Historical Museum.

Basel Art Museum (Kunstmuseum Basel) – home to an impressive collection of artworks.

Basel Zoo – the largest and oldest zoo in Switzerland (founded in 1874) and the country's most visited paid tourist attraction.

Art Gallery and Beyeler Foundation – an elegant museum housing a world-class art collection.

Basel City Fortifications – still preserving several historic gates, including Spalentor, St. Alban Tor, and St. Johanns Tor.

Basel Cathedral (Basel Münster) – built in Romanesque and Gothic styles.

St. Elizabeth Church.

Major annual events include:

Basel Carnival – the city's most famous event, starting at 4 a.m., six weeks before Easter.

Basler Herbstmesse (“Autumn Fair”) – held from October to November.

Basel Christmas Market (Basler Weihnachtsmarkt).

Museum Night – an event taking place in January.

The Basel Tattoo – a military music festival held in the second half of July, lasting one week and featuring 11 performances.

Basel is served by EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, the world's only bi-national airport, jointly operated by Switzerland and France. It is used by several airlines, including Wizz Air, Swiss Air, Air France, Lufthansa, EasyJet, and Eurowings.