visit in base

Visiting a Military Base (for Dummies)

I still cringe thinking about the first time I went on base. I commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Summer of 2014 before starting medical school and excitedly went to visit an Air National Guard Base to check out the uniforms and explore. I gave the military police a long story about how I just joined and what my intentions were on base and handed them my reservist ID. He appeared unamused by my itinerary of what I hoped to accomplish on base and when he saluted me I just smiled, waved and awkwardly drove away. UGH. I didn’t know any better.

In hindsight, I feel like it was no surprise that I made a total fool of myself visiting a base for the first time. Military bases are for the most part off limits to the general public, and it is hard to know what questions to ask or what websites to research if you’ve never had exposure to the military life. Additionally, pulling up to the gate and being stopped by military police with their large guns and police dogs is intimidating to say the least. To save you from making the same mistakes I did, I’ve compiled a brief list of do’s & don’t’s for going onto a military base

Prior to your Visit

Going on base for the first time shouldn’t be a spur of the moment decision. Prior to going research the base online and try to find their “visitor’s information”. Some base websites aren’t up to date but you should be able to find the contact information of an operator who can put you through to the visitor center. Some important questions to ask is which gate is available to visitors and what the hours of the gate are.

Once you have a good idea of where to go to get on base, make sure you have base access. Military bases are currently doing 100% ID checks which means you have to have a valid non-expired license to get on base. You either need to have a military ID, military orders, be accompanying someone with an ID or orders, or have special privileges (i.e. being sponsored on base for an event). Additionally you will want to make sure you have your vehicle registration and proof of insurance for the car you will be driving. If you are driving a rental be sure to keep your rental agreement handy.

In your research, make sure you know what you are or are not allowed to take on to base. Military installations are currently considered “gun free” zones unless you are law enforcement or base security. If you do have a firearm you typically have to alert security and check the gun into the armory. Some bases may have an alcohol ban, for instance after a fatal car crash involving an intoxicated military member caused a alcohol ban at all Japanese military installations.

Approaching the gate

Follow all road rules as you approach the gate. You will want to drive up slowly. If you are driving onto base at night, be sure to turn your headlights off as you approach the gate otherwise you’ll be blinding the military police who are waiting to check your ID. Once you get to the entrance, roll down your window and hand over your ID and the IDs of anyone else in your vehicle. Be sure to hand your ID card so that when the military police (MP) grabs it it will be facing the correct direction. Fun fact: handing over your ID upside down is considered a sign of distress, and the MPs will stop and question you even if you unintentionally handed it in the wrong direction. They will scan your ID and if you are an officer they will issue you a salute. Even if you are in civilian clothes, you should return the salute as a courtesy. Only the driver (if an officer) is expected to return the salute even if there are numerous officers in the car, if a non-officer is driving the car the MPs will usually attempt to direct their salute at the officer in the car.

You are subject to a vehicle search when entering base. Although this has never happened to me, it has happened to my coworkers. They may just ask some additional questions and peer into your car or they could ask you to step out and do a thorough search.

Rules of the Road

Now that you’ve been granted access onto base be sure to follow the rules of the road. Don’t speed! Most roads on military bases are between 25-35mph and the Military Police are very vigilant and will pull you over and ticket you (regardless of rank). Aside from being ticketed, depending on your violation there could be a number of disciplinary actions including losing driving privileges while on base depending on how fast you were going. Be sure to always wear a seatbelt and don’t use your cell phone unless your car is equipped with bluetooth capabilities.

Pay attention to the other cars on the road for clues on what to do. You may be on base when Reveille or Retreat are playing. These are songs played overhead which are part of the ceremony in raising or lowering the American flag and cars are expected to pull over until the end of the song. Some bases may have temporary road closures for instance if there is a road that is close to the flight line, there may be red lights to signal cars to stop if planes will be landing shortly.

Where to go on base?

Navigating on base can be difficult because maps may not be updated and some routes may not be identified via GPS. Also various roads on bases could be restricted to certain traffic and gates may be open at certain hours. While at the visitor center ask for a map and directions to base amenities.

The BX (Base Exchange):

This is a department store that sells a variety of items including clothing, furniture, electronics, home goods, etc. Depending on the BX they can have pretty extensive displays for designer brands (Clinque, Murad, Victoria’s Secret, Yankee Candle company) at discounted rates. Another benefit to shopping on base is there is no sales tax which means you save on your overall purchase even if you are paying full price. In order to make a purchase you need to be in uniform or have a military ID.

The BX is usually a part of a strip mall, which typically includes a food court, a dry cleaner, a barber shop and a uniform shop. From the bases I have visited it seems that you can find the same fast food chains on every base including Burger King, Popeyes Chicken, Charley’s Grilled Subs, Subway, & Taco Bell. Some bases will also have an optometrist, nail salon, or other local specialty shops.

The Commissary:

This is the base grocery store. Shopping at the commissary saves you money as prices are very competitive because products are sold “at cost” and the commissary works directly with the manufacturers of the products to set the price. This means the prices frequently fluctuate but usually always are well below the cost of what the item would cost at a civilian grocery store. There is also no state or local food tax, however the commissary does add on a 5% surcharge Word to the wise, the people who bag your groceries and/or carry your groceries to the car for you work for tips, so if you want to utilize this service be sure to have cash to give!

Every base has an Officer’s Club or Enlisted Club which is a restaurant and bar that is geared towards those of similar rank. This helps prevent fraternization between officer and enlisted personnel. These clubs can also be used for social get together’s or special events (ex. Dining Out at COT )

There also plenty of fun things to do on base. Many bases have movie theaters, bowling alleys, swimming pools, Skeet Shooting, and golf courses. You usually can also find outdoor rental equipment which can include anything from kayaks, to lawn games, to camping equipment. A good resource on every base is the ITT office or the “Information, Ticket, and Tours” office which provides information and discounted tickets and admission to local attractions as well as popular vacation spots (Disney World, Sea World, etc).

You can also find several gyms which may offer basketball courts, racquetball courts, and group fitness classes. Some bases have several gyms that are geared towards different types of workouts, such as gyms that contain more free weights vs those that offer more of the group classes.

Naval Station Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia, is the proud home of the largest naval base in the world. No matter what your reason is for visiting Norfolk, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to tour Naval Station Norfolk .

Naval Station Norfolk's mission is to support and improve the personnel and logistics readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. The Norfolk naval base provides seaport, airport, and squadron facilities, quality of life, and personnel management services.

Don't miss the tours of the Naval Base . The 45-minute tour departs from the Naval Tour and Information Center located at 9079 Hampton Blvd, next to Gate 5. Bus tours conducted by Navy personnel ride past aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, amphibious assault ships and the busy airfield. The tour also drives by historic homes from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition. There is a charge for the tour. A picture ID is required for all adults.

Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest Naval Station, occupies about 4,300 acres on a peninsula known as Sewells Point. Port facilities extend more than four miles along the waterfront and include some seven miles of pier and wharf space.

75 ships and 134 aircraft are home-ported here, and when they are not at sea they're along side one of the 13 piers or inside one of the 11 aircraft hangars for repair, refit, training and to provide the ship's or squadron's crew an opportunity to be with their families. Naval Station Norfolk is homeport to aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, large amphibious ships, submarines, supply ships, airplanes and helicopters.

Air Operations conducts over 100,000 flight operations each year, an average of 275 flights per day or one every six minutes. Over 150,000 passengers and 264,000 tons of mail and cargo depart annually on Air Mobility Command aircraft and other chartered flights from the NSN airfield. It is the hub for Navy logistics going to the European and Central Command theaters of operations, and to the Caribbean.

The land on which Naval Station is located was originally the site of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition , a mammoth 300th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in America in 1607. 21 states constructed buildings that celebrated their history and industry. Pennsylvania House, a 2/3rds replica of Independence Hall, is one of several state houses that are still standing at the Naval Station.

During the Jamestown Exposition, high-ranking naval officers agreed that this site was ideal for naval activity. After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the Secretary of the Navy was persuaded to buy the property.

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise

The Victory Rover makes 2-hour narrated cruises past Naval Station Norfolk. It departs from Nauticus on the downtown waterfront. Enjoy a fascinating and entertaining commentary along the way aboard this Navy-themed vessel. See aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers and all of the other ships that form the world's most powerful fleet. On board, guests will enjoy plenty of comfortable seating, clean restrooms, air-conditioned enclosed deck, open-air upper deck, snack bar and souvenir shop.

Reservations are available. Bring a camera and binoculars.

Hampton Roads Naval Museum at Nauticus & the Battleship Wisconsin

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum presents 225 years of naval history in the Hampton Roads region. The museum is also responsible for the historic interpretation and day-to-day operations of the Battleship Wisconsin.

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the entrance to the Battleship Wisconsin are located on the second floor of Nauticus : The National Maritime Center in downtown Norfolk (at One Waterside Drive). There is no on-site parking, but there are several city operated parking garages within walking distance.

Home » Travel Guides » Switzerland » 15 Best Things to Do in Basel (Switzerland)

15 Best Things to Do in Basel (Switzerland)

Cosy, walkable and straddling the Rhine, Basel is at the tripoint where the Swiss, German and French borders meet. Basel’s art and culture put it on an equal footing with almost any city in the world. The Kunstmuseum is the shining light, replete with Renaissance, Baroque and modern art.

And the Altstadt is a confusion of alleys and streets with monumental wayfinders like the Basel Minster (Cathedral) and the 15th-century City Hall. In the Altstadt you can make your own paper at a water-powered mill from the 15th century, or step into a house where Erasmus would meet up with his friends 500 years ago.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Basel :

1. Kunstmuseum Basel

Switzerland’s largest and richest assortment of art is yours to enjoy at this superlative museum.

The roll-call of names says it all: Beginning in the Renaissance there’s Konrad Witz, Lucas Cranach the Elder and Hans Holbein (the museum grew from an early collection of his works). There are Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Brueghel the Elder and Rubens.

From the 19th century you can admire pieces by van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Manet and Gauguin.

The Kunstmuseum has an entire room just for pieces by Picasso.

And elsewhere Giacometti, Klee, Franz Marc, Braque and Chagall are just a taste of the 20th-century art collection.

2. Altstadt

Basel’s old town has an uncommon array of Swiss national heritage sites.

If you check in at the tourist office they’ll suggest a few themed walks around Grossbasel on the left bank and Kleinbasel on the right bank of the Rhine.

As the many plaques make clear, the Altstadt’s oldest buildings are from the 14th century.

These streets were once walked by historic figures like Erasmus, the 16th-century theologian and humanist.

We cover many places in the Altstadt later, but some spots to keep in mind are the sweeping Münsterplatz, the irregular townhouses on Petersgasse and the jovial monkey fountain on Andreasplatz.

At Spalenvorstadt is the Holbein Fountain, a Renaissance masterpiece by Hans Holbein the Younger from the 16th century.

Suggested tour : Walking Tour through Basel Old Town

3. Basel Minster

There’s no missing Basel’s medieval minster church and its two 60-metre towers, Georgsturm and Martinsturm.

It’s a mesmerising edifice with pinkish red sandstone walls and a glazed patterned roof.

A lot of the architecture is from the 14th and 15th centuries after an earthquake in 1356 toppled the high medieval Romanesque church.

One of the earlier elements is the main portal, which was partly dismantled by iconoclasts in the Reformation.

But they left the Gothic archivolts, which boast angels, prophets, roses, kings and an image of Abraham.

To the right of this see the “Seducer” courting a young virgin, with snakes and toads behind his back to symbolise evil.

For €5 you can struggle up a narrow spiral stairway to survey Basel and the Rhine.

4. Museum Tinguely

In the Solitudepark on the Rhine’s right bank is a museum for the 20th-century kinetic sculptor Jean Tinguely.

His wacky, needlessly complicated machines are anchored in the Dada spirit and satirise mass production and materialism.

But on any level they’re also fun, fanciful and interactive, so it’s an art museum where kids will never be bored.

You can push buttons and pull levers to start these machines whirring.

The exhibition chronicles Tinguely’s career, from the 1950s to 1980s.

One of his final pieces was Grosse Méta Maxi-Maxi Utopia from 1987, a tangle of pulleys, wooden wheels and electric motors with steps allowing that you can climb.

5. Basel Paper Mill

As early as 1453 this mill on the Gewerbekanal was in the business of producing paper.

Since 1980 the mill has been a working museum where you can get in touch with historic methods for dipping paper, printing and bookbinding.

Machines powered by a waterwheel turn rags and pulp into leafs ofpaper: You’ll be able to make a page of your own on the first floor.

Upstairs are the early printing presses, and quills invite you to perfect your calligraphy, while the crafts of bookbinding and paper marbling are demonstrated on the top floor live before your eyes.

6. Basel City Hall

The City Hall feels at the centre of Basel in every sense.

Martkplatz in front is a nexus for Basel’s tram network, while citizens and tourists flock to the square for the daily market.

The red sandstone behemoth that confronts you on Marktplatz is from the start of the 16th century and no expense was spared in its construction.

There are many symbols to decipher on the facade, like the 12 coats of arms of the Old Swiss Confederacy, including Basel’s, adorning the merlons at the top.

Go through the arch to enter the enthralling courtyard where there’s a 17th-century fresco by Hans Bock and a statue of Basel’s Roman founder Lucius Munatius Plancus sculpted in 1580.

7. Basel Historical Museum

HMB for short, the Basel Historical Museum has four locations.

Three of these are inside the city, and one, the Coach and Carriage Museum, is in Münchenstein to the southeast.

The main attraction is in the converted Barfüsserkirche and concerns itself with the late medieval period and early modern age.

Inside you can examine works from the Cathedral treasury, collections of coins and stained glass, tapestries, altars and possessions belonging to Erasmus.

There are also historic cabinets of curiosity, put together by wealthy collectors in the 1600s and 1700s.

But maybe the most haunting piece of all is Basel’s Danse Macabre fresco attributed to the 15th-century painter Konrad Witz.

8. Spalentor

Basel was once defended by two layers of city walls.

The Inner Wall was built around 1230, and following the earthquake in 1356 a new Outer Wall with 40 towers was raised to accommodate the growing city.

Practically all of these walls were torn down to allow Basel to grow and provide a healthier living environment in the 19th century.

Three gates remain, the most impressive of which is Spalentor.

This controlled the western approach to the city from France and was part of that outer wall begin in the 1350s.

As well as a pair of towers and patterned there’s a lot of ornamentation to look for on the facade, like Basel’s coat of arms framed by two lions.

9. Basel Zoo

With more than 640 species, few zoos on the planet can claim to have as much diversity as Basel Zoo.

This is the largest and oldest zoo in the country, dating back to 1874 but with a completely modern approach to enclosure design.

Expansions and renovations happen by the year, and in 2016 a new elephant house was opened, providing 5,000 square metres for them to roam in.

The aquarium (vivarium) is a perennial favourite and has almost of 500 species of fish, reptiles and amphibians, as well as king and gentoo penguins.

Maybe the zoo’s most famous inhabitant is Goma, the first western lowland gorilla born in Europe and turning 58 in 2017.

Under the minster towers the Pfalz is possibly the best spot on street level to contemplate the Rhine and the rows of houses on the right bank in Kleinbasel.

This terrace is above the Münsterfähre jetty, and is roughly on the site of Basel’s former episcopal palace.

Here and there you’ll notice ornately designed ledgerstones for Basel’s noble families dating back as far as the 1500s.

There’s a telescope on the wall, while the benches in this little square are shaded by trees and just right for a packed lunch.

11. Antikenmuseum Basel

Basel has the only museum in the country dedicated solely to ancient civilisations.

This deals with Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Middle Eastern and Roman objects across more than 3,000 years up to the 1st century AD. The collections were first put together in the 17th century and the museum opened in its current form in 1986 after a major donation by the industrialist Peter Ludwig.

One spellbinding item from Ancient Greece is an intact Laconian volute-krater (a vessel for watering down wine) from the 6th century, while the Egyptian galleries are rich with jewellery, sculptures and sarcophagi.

12. Pharmazie-Historisches Museum

Historic medicine is the subject of this world-class museum in a listed building in the Altstadt.

In the early 16th-century there was a printing press here, part-owned by Johann Froben, a close friend of Erasmus, who would often call in.

The amount of artefacts inside is almost overwhelming and has ceramic vessels from floor to ceiling.

There are mortars, first-aid kids, laboratory instruments, entire pharmacy interiors including cabinets, strange contraptions for practising alchemy and the preserved remnants of historic medications.

But maybe most exciting are the 15th and 16th-century books by physicians Johann de Cuba and Leonhart Fuchs.

13. Spielzeug Welten Museum

On Barfüsserplatz is as a museum to catch the imagination of both grownups and children.

A five-storey building has been made fully accessible, and holds more than 6,000 dolls, miniatures and dollhouses.

But it’s the record-breaking army of over 2,500 teddy bears that makes the headlines.

Many of the exhibits are interactive, including miniature scenes that light up, play music and have moving parts.

It might be hard to believe but this cornucopia of toys was assembled by just one person, the German-Swiss billionaire Gisela Oeri.

14. Fondation Beyeler

Six kilometres outside town, on the German border, the Fondation Beyeler is worth every second of the journey.

Awaiting you is the fabulous modern art collection of the 20th-century dealers Ernst Beyeler and Hilda Kunz.

In the 1990s this trove of 200 works was given a swish permanent home designed by Renzo Piano.

You’ll savour 23 Picassos, and paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Francis Bacon, Lichtenstein, Pollock, Warhol, Monet and Cézanne.

On top of this there’s an ethnological exhibition of 25 works from North America, Oceania and Africa.

15. The Rhine River

The Rhine flows so quickly through Basel that ferries don’t need any form of propulsion other than the river’s currents.

These vessels are tethered to steel lines and zip across the water.

You can catch a “Fähri” at four points along the river in the centre of the city, the most popular being Münsterfähre below the Pflalz.

There are also “Badhysli”, bathing areas where stronger swimmers pit themselves against the currents and others rest in the shallows.

These spots have a resort atmosphere in summer when people lounge in the sun and chat at cafe terraces.

Outside the city the Rhine takes the place of a sea or lake, and has beaches for sunbathing, watersports and barbecues in summer.

15 Best Things to Do in Basel (Switzerland):

Kunstmuseum Basel
Basel Minster
Museum Tinguely
Basel Paper Mill
Basel City Hall
Basel Historical Museum
Antikenmuseum Basel
Pharmazie-Historisches Museum
Spielzeug Welten Museum
Fondation Beyeler
The Rhine River

24 Fantastic Things to do in Basel, Switzerland

Written By: The Planet D

Switzerland

Updated On: July 9, 2024

Basel, Switzerland will surprise you. While plenty of people are aware of Geneva and Zurich , Switzerland’s third-largest city should not be overlooked. There are so many things to do in Basel, it requires at least three days to explore. From the Old Town and life on the Rhine River to the countryside of the German and France border there is plenty to marvel at.

If you find yourself in Switzerland make sure to add the cultural capital of the country to your itinerary. You’ll enjoy the perfect mix of historic and contemporary architecture, outdoor fun, and sophisticated museums. Many attractions, shops, and dining establishments are located in the city center. In a nutshell, Basel has it all!

Table of Contents

Things to do in Basel, Switzerland

Note: “Things to do in Basel” was originally written by Ben Kepka of Cultured Kiwi in 2018 who spent two years living in Basel. We have since updated it with our experiences from our summer trip to Switzerland in 2021. He included some things that Dave and I missed in Basel, so we have left them (with credit) at the end of this post.

1. Take A Walking Tour of Old Town

Like many places in Europe, the Old Town is always the main tourist attraction of a city, and when in Basel, that also rings true. The best way to get acquainted with the Old Town of Basel is to take a walking tour.

Our walking tour started at Basel Town Hall (Rathaus) by the Market Square (Marktplatz), a 500-year-old beauty built in a Neo-Gothic/Neo-Renaissance style with distinctive red sandstone and playful fresco paintings. We went inside to look at the lovely courtyard before moving on to find out-of-the-way places like the world’s smallest museum – The Hoosesagg Museum (Pocket Museum), and the hanging gardens of the Museum der Kulturen Basel (Museum of Cultures). Basel is one of our picks for the top places to visit in Switzerland .

2. Or Walk the Altstadt (Old City) On Your Own

To really enjoy what Basel has to offer, you must explore the old town on foot. There are many fantastic sites close to each other that are easy to miss when you’re in a car or when cycling. A good example of this is The Basel Munster Cathedral, which captures the soul of the city through its twin towers and red sandstone walls.

You’ll see the same architectural style when you visit the town hall, an iconic landmark in the Old Town. The beautiful drawings, its red façade, and the tower reflect the historical richness of Basel.

Next to the City Hall, you’ll find Marktplatz, where locals sell fresh fruit and vegetables. The Old Town, built on two hills along the Rhine River, has many shops and boutiques. You can also check out the other amazing places that are worthwhile visiting in Basel.

3. Take a Weidling Tour

Weidling on the Rhine River in Basel Switzerland

One of the most unique things to do in Basel is to get on the Rhine River and do some traditional paddling. Weidling is a traditional wooden boat that dates back to the Middle Ages in Basel. They were used to paddle upriver using a technique called spiking.

You can try your hand at paddling on the Rhine to see what it was like for traders moving between Venice and the North Sea. Through the Association Waidlig Basilea you can book city tours on the water, rowing lessons or you can enjoy a Weidling ride with an aperitif as you take in the gorgeous views of downtown Basel. Visit the Waidlig Basilea website for more details.

4. Float Down the Rhine

In the summer, you’ll be surprised to see how many locals enjoy the Rhine River to relax and have fun. You’ll notice a stream of bobbing heads among the many ferries. If you’re a *good* swimmer, you should definitely take a dip in the Rhine and join the legions of locals!

The Baselers use the current of the river to float downstream. When we were there, the water was really high due to heavy rains and it wasn’t recommended to swim, but some hearty locals were still facing the fast flow, and watching them was a hoot!

You’ll notice everyone has blue bags they are swimming with . They’re called Wickelfisch. Every person in Basel has one in their apartment . They’re waterproof and help store your valuables while you’re floating down the river or when you’re cycling in the rain. You can buy a Wickelfisch from the many small shops along the Rhine River. Don’t leave Basel without one!

5. Cross the Rhine

There are so many unique things to do in Basel, especially on the Rhine River. One would think that crossing the Rhine River would be like any other river crossing. Across a bridge or on a ferry. But in Basel, you can cross the Rhine river on a boat that doesn’t have a motor and doesn’t use a paddle.

It crosses by using a cable that it is attached to. There are four places to cross the Rhine on a reaction ferry in Basel. When you get on the boat, the captain sets his or her rudder, and the river does the rest, taking you across from one side of the city to the other.

6. Take an Urban Art Tour

Basel may have a rich history, but it has embraced contemporary art with vigor. A great way to find hidden art in Basel is to take an Urban Art Tour with Artstübli Basel.

On this tour, you’ll be shown much of the hidden art in the city, like the several Space Invader tiles that are scattered throughout the city, and the unique places to find one of the town’s monuments, the Lällekönig (“the Tongue King”) where the king sculpture sticks out his tongue from Grossbasel (Left Side of the River Bank) toward Klein Basel (Right Side of the River Bank). For more information visit Urban Art Tours in Basel at Artstübli

7. Relax by the Tinguely Fountain

Jean Tinguely is one of the most celebrated artists from Basel. He was part of the Avant Guard movement in Paris , France, and is known for his moving kinetic art. Basel is a city of fountains, but if there is one fountain that is not to be missed, it is the Tinguely Fountain. The Tinguely Fountain was created at the site of the old Basel Theater in front of the new Basel Theater beside Kunsthalle Basel. It is one of the coolest pieces of art we’ve ever seen.

8. Visit the Kunstmuseum Basel

The Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the most important art museums in Switzerland. This museum of fine arts houses permanent collections of paintings from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

The museum itself is beautiful, and if you are like us, enjoy the works of van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cézanne or the 20th-century artists Picasso and Léger, you will love this museum. Admission is free every Tuesday, Wed, Thursday, and Friday after 5 pm.

9. Step Foot in Three Countries at The Dreiländereck (Three Country Corner)

You’d think that visiting three countries in one day would be an unbelievably difficult undertaking. In Basel, it’s a daily occurrence for many residents.

In fact, many people who work in Basel live across the border between Germany and France. If you’re in Basel, you should take a trip to Dreiländereck. There, you’ll find a monument indicating the intersection of Germany’s, France’s, and Switzerland’s borders along the Rhine River.

10. Cycle the The Rehberger-Weg

Speaking of crossing into Germany or France, one of the best ways to do that is to cycle the Rehberger-Weg. We rode our e-bikes as part of the cycling route between two museums. The Rehberger Weg connects Foundation Beyeler with Vitra Campus with the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. Both of these museums are worth seeing. Rent your e-bike from Rent a Bike in Central Station.

11. Foundation Beyeler

Even if you don’t cycle the Rehberger-Weg, you should still visit Foundation Beyeler. One of our favorite museums in Basel was the Contemporary Art Museum of Foundation Beyeler. Foundation Beyeler is situated on a beautiful property that contains the private collection of Hildy and Ernst Beyeler.

There are 200 pieces of art from the likes of Monet, Cézanne, van Gogh and Picasso alongside tribal art from Africa, Oceania, and Alaska . Visit the Website for current hours and prices.

12. Vitra Design Museum

Vitra Design Museum in Germany from Basel

Cycling to the Vitra Design Museum was one of the coolest things we did in Basel. Even though it is easy to cross the border, it felt cool to suddenly be in Germany on our bikes. The path to the museum has 24 trail markers containing works of art along the way leading us to the funky museum campus that showcases architectural designs by the likes of Frank Gehry.

A cool fact is that the Vitra Design Museum is one of the world’s leading museums of industrial furniture design and architecture.

13. Explore the Cloisters of Basel Minster

Basel Minster is the largest cathedral in Basel and it is not to be missed. The cathedral was built between 1019 and 1500 and since it took so many years to complete, it combines two styles of Romanesque and Gothic.

Its two towers stand proudly over the city and are seen from both sides of the River Rhine. When exploring the cathedral, make sure to go next door to see the Cloisters. The beautiful hallways of vaulted arches are a peaceful escape from the busy square.

14. Visit the Neighborhood of St. Alban

Known as the Venice of Basel, this lovely neighborhood was once home to the aristocrats of Basel. The now residential neighborhood is a peaceful portion of the city with chestnut trees lining the Rhine and a portion of the old city wall still intact. The main attraction here is the Basel Paper Mill Museum. The medieval paper mill showcases the traditional ways that paper was created.

15. Explore the Old City Gates of Basel

Basel’s Old Town is an incredible place to explore and while you are perusing the old houses (you can often spot the year they were built above their doors) keep an eye out for the old city walls and gates. Three of Basel’s original gates are still standing, with the most beautiful gate being The Spalentor gate, dating back to the 1400s.

Another gate can be found in St. Alban near the Basel Paper Museum. This has one of the best-preserved parts of the city wall as well. And unfortunately, we didn’t make it to St. Johanns Tor, the Third City Gate of Basel but I am sure it is beautiful too!

16. Have a Cocktail at Les Trois Rois

Cocktail at Les Trois Rois in Basel Switzerland

Well, you may not have the budget to stay at the swanky Grand Hotel, Les Trois Rois, but when in Basel, it is worth cleaning yourself up and heading to the River Rhine for a sunset cocktail at Les Trois Rois. This historic hotel is one of the oldest city hotels in Europe, dating back to 1681.

The grand chandelier greets you as you enter the front lobby and you’ll be whisked away outside to the terrace to watch the boats and ferries navigate the river. It is recommended to make a reservation, especially in the busy season.

17. Botmingen Castle

There is a castle just on the outskirts of Basel. Riding our e-bikes took us on an 18-minute journey from downtown to this picturesque castle complete with a moat. Dating back to the 13th century, it has been completely restored and its picturesque setting is the perfect romantic escape from the city.

On the way out to the Castle, we passed the Basel Zoo. Did you know that Basel boasts Switzerland’s oldest and largest zoo? It was founded in 1874. We didn’t go in, but it is located very close to downtown Basel.

18. Stop at Käppelijoch chapel on Middle Bridge

Things to do in Basel Kappelijoch chapel on Middle Bridge

It’s an unassuming chapel in the middle of a busy road and pedestrian bridge. People cross this bridge every day as it connects Grossbasel with Kleinbasel. While walking across, make sure to stop at the little chapel in its center. It was here that some very bad monks threw women into the Rhine with legs and hands bound.

They put them to their death for being suspected witches, unfaithful, or were considered criminals. Lucky for the many women who were sentenced to death, there were some rebel nuns who rescued the women as they floated downstream. Nice!

19. Drink the spring water – Fountains all through Basel (and Switzerland)

Basel has around 231 fountains with many illustrating figures such as the basilisk. The Basel Journal calls it the city of fountains, and for good reason. You shouldn’t worry about drinking the water in Basel (or anywhere in Switzerland), it’s clean and fresh. Fun Fact, people also use the fountains as swimming pools and a popular thing to do in Basel in the summer is to go Fountain Bathing.

You’ll notice two metal bars fitted across the diameter of the fountains, which will help support the buckets used by locals to collect water. That’s when no plumbing was available. Today, you can use the fountains whenever your water bottle is low, or you need a sip while jogging.

I was fascinated to see all the Basilisk fountains on the right side of the Rhine, which, interestingly enough, are all pointing toward the river. Why? It’s so that when you take pictures of the fountains, the mythological bird is looking straight at you, and you can capture the city in the background.

20. Shop on Spalenberg

Things to do in Basel Shopping in Spalenberg

If you can afford to do any shopping in Switzerland, Spalenberg is the best shopping street in Basel. Even if you aren’t up for shopping, this street is a beautiful street to explore. Located in Basel’s Old Town, boutiques and galleries are scattered within historic buildings lining cobblestone streets.

With buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, you are truly in the heart of the old town. Keep an eye out for the signs above the shop’s windows with the dates of when the house was built.

Where to Stay in Basel

We stayed at Art House 4051 Basel (Design Hotels ). This cosmopolitan hotel was a fantastic base for exploring Basel in the middle of the Steinenvorstadt. Its contemporary urban design made for an elegant stay with plenty of space and amenities. The breakfast was fantastic, the rooms were filled with modern amenities offering plenty of USB chargers, and yet it combined a funky mid-century style with old fashioned telephone and other artistic touches. There’s a rooftop bar and they offer a free welcome drink of beer or wine.

Additional Things to Do in Basel Ideas

21. cross into germany or france.

Visit Germany or France From Basel Switzerland

Although the Schengen agreement doesn’t require that you carry your passport to cross the borders, if you’re not from the EU, it’s a good idea to have it on you when walking across borders. Sometimes, police make random stops, but this is rare.

You can take a tram to Saint-Louise in Alsace for a wine tour and enjoy a relaxing afternoon walking through the Petite Camargue Alsacienne park. Or, you can hop on a tram to Weil am Rhein, where you can visit the Tri-Countries Bridge and the Vitra Design Museum.

22. Carnival Time

what to do in basel switzerland for Carnival

The Basler Fasnacht. It’s the place to be if you’re visiting during February or March. It kicks off in the historic center of Basel at exactly 4 AM on Monday morning. All city lights are turned off, and the festivities begin. You’ll see thousands of costumes and masks parading across the city for 3 days.

Musical groups play small flutes (piccolos) and drums while carrying themed lanterns to entertain the crowd. This Unesco heritage event is more of a Protestant manifestation than a Catholic tradition. You’ll have fun watching how the Fasnachtiers which follow two ring routes, one clockwise and the other counterclockwise. They throw confetti over the crowds while handing out candy and other delicious treats. It is the one time of the year you’ll see the traditionally organized Swiss go absolutely crazy!

23. Take A Trip To the Roman Ruins

Visit the Roman Ruins near Basel Switzerland

If you don’t mind venturing out of Basel a bit, you should visit the Augusta Raurica open-air museum which is situated on the southern bank of the Rhine and only 20 km away from Basel. These magical Roman ruins include the Temple, the Gravestone from Cirencester, the amphitheater, and the Basilica. Excavations have shed light upon the Roman roots of Basel.

When I visited the Roman Museum I was overwhelmed by the reconstruction of a Roman house and the silver treasure of Kaiseraugst which is thought to have been owned by a Roman commander. Seeing ancient Roman aqueducts that are caked in calcium from years of use is a truly humbling experience.

24. The Christmas Markets

If you’re visiting Basel during November/ December you should take a walk around the magnificent Christmas Markets at Barfüsserplatz, Münsterplatz, and Claraplatz. Barfüsserplatz is the largest of the three and it’s where about 140 merchants in decorated small chalets sell Christmas goods and seasonal delights. Although it’s tightly packed, the market is sublime.

The Münsterplatz holds around 40 stalls set out in a larger area so it’s easier to navigate through. You can also enjoy the amazing sights of the Rhine River and the Gothic Basel Minster. The smallest Basel Christmas Market Is the Claraplatz in Kleinbasel. However, it’s worthwhile visiting.

Final Words on Basel Switzerland

So, why visit Basel? Well, for starters, you’ll enjoy the wonderful experiences offered by the Rhine River. You’ll get to visit marvelous sites throughout the city, including the Basel Cathedral, The City Hall, the fountains, the Christmas markets, and beautiful small boutiques in the Old City. Let’s not forget about the magical three-day Carnival.

The Best Things to do in Basel Switzerland

Basel will always hold a special place in my heart. Every year, I return to swim in the Rhein, join in on Fasnacht, and drink some mulled wine at the Christmas markets. If you have any questions about Basel or need any advice on planning your journey, leave me a message in the comments below.

Basel’s history dates back thousands of years to Celtic and Roman times and during the middle ages when a university was built in 1460 it became the cultural hub of Switzerland. Basel remains the cultural hub today and should be put at the top of any Switzerland Itinerary.

For more information on how to travel to Basel, visit the Basel Tourism website.
Visit the My Switzerland website to start planning your trip today.

Bonus Tip – Accommodation for Basel

Tips for Things to do in Basel Switzerland

If you’re like me (Ben) and you’re on a budget. Due to its proximity to other countries, the best way to visit Basel is to book a hotel across the border in Germany. The accommodation rates are around half of what you’ll find in Switzerland. From here, you can simply hop onto the Number 8 tram, which will take you straight to the center of Basel. Read:

This article was originally written by Ben of Cultured Kiwi, and we left some of his recommendations and kept the same fun feel to the writing that he originally submitted. Thanks, Ben! Ben is a travel photographer and filmmaker, from New Zealand, now living the nomad lifestyle in Europe. He has partnered with outlets like Lonely Planet and Stuff.co.nz just to name a few. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand and have any questions, feel free to contact me at Cultured Kiwi / Facebook / Instagram /

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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11 thoughts on “24 Fantastic Things to do in Basel, Switzerland”

We are disembarking a river cruise in Basel and spending the night there before our flight back to the US the next day. What are the MUST DOs for a 1 day visit. Staying at Hotel Basel. Thanks

Thanks for the post. I’m in Basel this weekend and looking forward to exploring the city! Although it may be a little cold for swimming in the Rhine at the moment!

What a great article about Basel, thanks! I live in Basel and think you mention everything thats important when you want to experience Basel. But there is a little mistake: the photo which should show our beautiful carnival (best carnival ever?) is not carnival in Basel but from another carnival tradition in the small city of Liestal. Liestal is close to Basel and if you are in Basel at carnival time don’t miss it: it’s a parade called “Chienbäse” and it takes place on Sunday before carnival in Basel starts.

Basel is the best city in Switzerland se everyone from travelling geek to normal person. It really refreshing experience and motivate your from the bottom of heart to go travel. Thanks a lot for sharing impressive article. Keep it up

Thanks for sharing

It was a great time living there but very difficult to stay working and living there unless you are Swiss or from the EU. As a New Zealand citizen, it was pretty hard to stay. Anyway, I think that you should head to Basel to get a Wickelfisch haha! Like any waterproof bag, they do let a little bit of water in over time, so it’s best to replace them often.

Basel is a city on the Rhine River in northwest Switzerland, close to the country’s borders with France and Germany. Its medieval old town centers around Marktplatz, dominated by the 16th-century, red-sandstone Town Hall.

Basel has much to offer. I’ve lived there a number of years and still haven’t explored all its nooks and crannies. The museums alone would take quite awhile.

I do feel constrained to point out that some of the photos in the article don’t match the subject. The one labeled the Basel Munster Cathedral is not the Munster Cathedral. The next picture down, the red building with the twin spires, is. Under that photo, the city hall (Rathaus) at Marktplatz is mentioned, but not shown, which is surprising because it’s a spectacular building.

The photo of Basel Fasnacht looks to have actually been taken at Liestal, a town some kilometers away. Those fire brooms are part of that town’s unique and rather harrowing celebration, but they have nothing to do with Basel’s own Fasnacht, which is renowned in its own right.

We toured the Roman ruins at Augusta Raurica not that long ago, and while it’s definitely worth a visit, I don’t recall a wall with arrow slits and a panoramic view. (Could be wrong about that one, though.)

Is the Augusta Aurica open-air museum free?

I love your photos! They make me want to just YOLO and go to Switzerland. Haha

You’re so lucky you got to spend almost 2 years living and working in Basel! Where can I buy those Wickelfisch online, though? I’ve had so many waterproof bags with me and some don’t last long.

Switzerland is one of those places that’s just never come to mind for us, but I think we need to add to our Europe adventure 🙂

The "Boneyard" Of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Is Open For Tours

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The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is one of a kind and certainly a wonder to behold. It is a US Air Force base 5 miles southeast of downtown Tucson, Arizona, and is famous for its massive aircraft boneyard for storing American military aircraft. The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is the destination for all American excess military and aerospace craft.

Tuscon is an interesting city, and there is plenty to keep one busy if coming to visit for the weekend. Incorporate the Air Force Base and museum into one's trip to Tuscon and one will have a very memorable time here . Another American (but top secret) base that we all wish we knew more of is the famed Area 51 - home to those crashed little green men .

About The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

As the sole aircraft boneyard for excess military aircraft is full of thousands of military airplanes of every sort imaginable. It also stores other aerospace vehicles like ballistic missiles.

4,000: Number of Military Aircraft Parked on the Base

Tuscon's dry climate and alkali soil make it an ideal location to store and preserve unused aircraft.

The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) is responsible for reserving these excess aircraft was established in 1946. It occupies some 2,600 acres and houses every kind of American military aircraft one can think of. To name a few that one can see:

B-52 Stratofortress Bombers
F-16 Fighting Falcons
A-10 Warthogs
C-130 Hercules
B-1B Lancers

Storage Categories

The boneyard has the following official categories for how it stores the aircraft:

Type 1000: Long Term Storage, Maintained Until Recalled into Active Service, They Have a High Potential to Return To Flying Status And No Parts Are Removed
Type 2000: Aircraft Available for Part As "Aircraft Storage Bins" To Keep Other Aircraft Flying
Type 3000: "Flying Hold" Kept to Near Flyable Condition - In Temporary Storage Awaiting sale To Another Country or Transfer to Another Unit
Type 4000: Excess Of Needs And Have Been Gutted And Every Usable Part Has Been Reclaimed. To Be Scrapped

It is the foremost facility for the maintenance, salvage, and storage of military aircraft in the world.

This is a very active site and not an abandoned site that one may be tempered to sneak into. It is very much guarded by armed security and airforce personal.

Related: Go UFO Hunting In Roswell, New Mexico, And Then Check Out Their UFO Museum

Davis-Month Air Force Base Tour

The Davis-Month Air Force Base offers a tour of their air force base (but not the neighboring boneyard.

The 355th Wing offers group tours with the aim of educating people about the US Air Force and its missions. They do not accommodate individuals or non-organized groups. But they do try to accommodate specific requests to visit a particular unit or learn about certain missions.

These tours are only provided to organized groups like civic organizations, schools, businesses, and reunion groups.

If one would like a tour, one must complete the " Community Relations Request Form " and e-mail it to [email protected] at least 4 weeks or more before the intended date.

Organized Groups Only: No Private Tours
Limit: Tours Are Limited to a Minimum of 20 People and a Max of 45 (or the Capability of One Commercial Bus)
When: Tours Are Only Offered On Weekdays
Duration: Tours Are Max 4 Hours
Age Limit: Only 18 And Over (ID Is Required)
Dining: There are Dining Options On The Bace Like Mirage Club andEagle's Nest Snack Bar & Grill

Related: This Is What Air Force One Serves As Its Halloween In-Flight Meal

Pima Air & Space Museum & Former Boneyard Tours

On-site is the impressive Pima Air & Space Museum . It offers some very impressive Air Force exhibits and until recently offered exclusive bus tours of the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARG) - aka the 'boneyard'. It is located adjacent to the Museum at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Admission to the museum itself includes access to the Main Hangar (3 hangars combined into 1: Hangar 1, Spirit of Freedom, & Flight Central), three World War II Hangars, the 390th Memorial Museum (a separate museum on our grounds), a collection of 400+ aircraft and 125,000+ artifacts, and more.

They offer a 45 minute Tram tour through the museum's 80 acres on a 1.5-mile circuit that views over 150 airplanes in their collection. The Tram Tours are narrated by experienced and friendly guides that explain the various highlights of the collections.

Narration may include the plane’s significance, and often times share their personal stories of service with many of the aircraft on display.

Museum Admission: Adult (Age 13+) $18.50 - 1 Day or $24.00 2 Days

The Air Force 309th section of the base includes the massive boneyard. Unfortunately, they no longer provide tours of the 'Boneyard'. They did offer visitors for nearly 23 years but now tours are canceled. Perhaps they will offer them once again in the future. They recommend those interested in learning more about the Boneyard to visit their Facebook page .

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Guide to U.S. Military Base Tours

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U.S. military bases are a flurry of daily activity due to varying missions, trainings, events and visitors. While some events are open to the public, a visit requires advanced planning. Follow these steps to start planning your visit.

An airman checks an ID at a military base gate.

The Visitors Center

Many bases have a “visitor information” section on their website. If not, call the general phone number and ask for the visitors center. It is a great place to start. There are often several base entrances, and visitors are only allowed through a few of them, if not just one. So don’t just pop the base into your GPS, that can sometimes take you to an entrance that you can’t access.

Be Prepared

Think of this visit like you would a trip to the airport. All vehicles are inspected once a driver is issued a visitors pass. If you are uncertain about anything you may bring on base, just make sure you let authorities know ahead of time to ensure an easy and convenient entry.

Our service members enjoy connecting with the American people they serve. Come take a tour, visit a museum, or bring the entire family to one of our public events.

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19 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Basel

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

With more than 40 museums to choose from and an atmospheric old town to explore, you won't have any trouble finding things to do in Basel. Few cities in Europe can match Switzerland's second-largest city for its concentration of cultural attractions and things to do.

Moreover, many of these are housed in buildings that are themselves works of art, designed by great architects that include Renzo Piano, Frank O. Gehry, and Mario Botta. Basel's university became a center for humanism in the 16th century and continued to be a magnet for distinguished scholars and teachers, which may account for its remarkable cultural heritage today.

The two sides of Basel are joined by six bridges over the Rhine, as it makes a sharp turn before flowing north to become the German-French border.

It's the higher left bank where you'll find the old town and cultural attractions. The river itself is a good vantage point for sightseeing, and you can take short cruises or cross the river on the quirky little cable-operated ferry.

Whether you enjoy sightseeing or immersing yourself in art, you can be sure of finding the best places to visit using this list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Basel.

1. Admire Art in the Kunstmuseum Basel (Museum of Art)

2. stroll through the old town, 3. take the kids to the zoologischer garten (zoo), 4. visit basler münster (basel minster), 5. museum tinguely, 6. learn about printing at papiermühle (paper mill museum), 7. rathaus (town hall) and marktplatz, 8. smile at the tinguely fountain, 9. take a break at tierpark lange erlen, 10. historisches museum (historical museum), 11. be a kid again at the spielzeug welten museum (toy museum), 12. tour the museum für gegenwartskunst (museum of contemporary art), 13. antikenmuseum and the sammlung ludwig (museum of antiquities and the ludwig collection), 14. jüdische museum (jewish museum), 15. visit the haus zum kirschgarten, 16. spalentor, 17. fondation beyeler, 18. cross the border to vitra design museum, 19. take a day trip to solothurn, where to stay in basel for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in basel, basel - climate chart.

The Kunstmuseum , enhanced by the added exhibition space of a 2015 wing, is considered the finest collection of paintings in Switzerland, representing both old masters and modern art. On the first floor are the old masters and a collection of French and Dutch paintings.

Outstanding among these are the 15th-century Heilsspiegelaltar (Mirror of Salvation Altar) by Konrad Witz, 16th-century portraits by Holbein the Younger, Crucifixion by Mathias Grünewald, and Rembrandt's David with Goliath's Head from 1627. The second floor houses an outstanding collection of 19th- and 20th-century Impressionists, Expressionists, and Surrealists.

You'll find major works by Gauguin, Van Gogh, Corot, Cézanne, Braque, Picasso, Kandinsky, Léger, Chagall, Klee, Dali, Max Ernst, and others, along with later works and special exhibitions.

Address: St. Alban-Graben 16, Basel

The part of Basel that lies roughly between the river and the old city gate at Spalentor is not large but quite atmospheric with its stone streets, medieval churches, beautifully maintained old homes, and brightly painted fountains. But leave it to Basel to introduce a thoroughly modern and whimsical fountain by Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely in the midst of the stately historic houses.

From Marktplatz , wander west along Spalenberg with detours into some of the narrow side streets, such as Leonhardsberg and Spalenberg, Heuberg. This was the old artisans' neighborhood. Or wander along Freiestrasse, which begins with the Renaissance Geltenzunfthaus , from 1578. At number 25 is the guild-house of the locksmiths dating from 1488 and decorated in Baroque style in 1733.

Look for more wall paintings at the guild-house of the Hausgenossen at 34. In the little Fischmarkt , you'll find a reproduction of a Gothic fountain whose original you can see in the historical museum.

The two-hour Stories of Basel's Old Town walking tour explores the oldest parts of the city with a knowledgeable guide who will explain local history and highlight points of interest, stopping at major sightseeing destinations like Basler Münster , Rathaus , and Tinguely Fountain . The tour focuses on the area's rich history and varied architecture.

Switzerland's oldest and largest zoo, Basel Zoo is affectionately known as the Zolli by locals, and it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Switzerland. It has been named one of the fifteen best zoos in the world.

Founded in 1874 with 510 European animals, today the zoo is known more for exotic species. With predators, primates, mammals, reptiles, birds, and aquatic life, the population ranges from seahorses to elephants, the latter now enjoying an elephant enclosure added in 2015 with wallowing pools, showers, and a savannah-like environment.

The lion enclosure and monkey house are highlights, along with the penguins in the vivarium, which also houses fish and reptiles. The aviary houses both indigenous and exotic birds, as well as birds of prey. The zoo has been particularly successful in breeding rhinoceros and cheetahs. The realistic habitats and variety of exotic animals make this one of the favorite places to visit with children in Basel.

Address: Binningerstrasse 40, Basel

Set atop the highest point on Münsterhügel (Minster Hill), Basel's Minster is easily spotted by its prominent spires and brightly patterned roof tiles. The spacious Münsterplatz , formerly the site of a Roman fort, is an elegant 18th-century square. Built of red sandstone from the Vosges mountains of France between the ninth and 13th centuries, the minster was rebuilt in Gothic style after an earthquake in 1356.

But some of the original church remains. The high altar and much of the furnishings were destroyed by Protestants in 1529, but the greatest treasures were hidden in the sacristy vaulting and survived; you can see some in the historical museum.

Be sure to see the St. Gallus doorway in the north transept, with its many 12th-century Romanesque stone carvings - one of the oldest figured doorways in German-speaking Europe. The tympanum above the doorway shows the Wise and Foolish Virgins, with Christ enthroned above flanked by Peter and Paul.

A large rose window lies above the doorway. Inside, the lower part of the choir is Romanesque; be sure to notice the capitals carved with rich foliage and animals and the Romanesque capitals in the nave and ambulatory. In front of the pulpit, under glass, is a piece of the Late Romanesque pavement from the 12th century.

From inside the church, you can access the stairs to the top of the south tower. The crypt, which can be entered from beside the choir, contains the tombs of 10th- to 13th-century bishops and an excellent Romanesque frieze on the piers; ceiling frescoes depict scenes from the life of the Virgin and other New Testament themes. The beautiful 15th-century double cloister, entered from Rittergasse, contains monuments ranging over five centuries.

Address: Münsterplatz, Basel

The Museum Tinguely contains the largest collection of this influential Swiss artist's work thanks to a generous donation by his widow Niki de Saint Phalle, as well as contributions by other collectors. The collection includes Tinguely's sculptures and drawings, as well as an extensive library of documents and photographs.

The museum also hosts visiting installations that change every three months, focusing on artists who inspired Tinguely, as well as the work of contemporary artists. The building housing the collection was designed by famed architect Mario Botta.

Address: Paul Sacher-Anlage 2, 4002 Basel

Set on a medieval canal with an operating waterwheel, an old paper mill has been turned into a museum of writing, printing, and paper, showing the printing and papermaking processes with actual working machinery.

As you tour the museum, you can watch the laborious production of handmade paper, explore the evolution of printing from before Gutenberg's press through the demise of lead type in the 1980s, and see how books are bound. Displays follow the development of writing from primitive pictographs through modern typography.

Address: St. Alban-Tal 37, Basel

The focal point of the Old Town is Marktplatz, where you'll still find the colorful daily market selling local produce, flowers, and food specialties. Dominating the square is the bright red Basel Rathaus , with its colorful painted facade. The arcaded main building is in Late Burgundian Gothic style dating from 1504 to 1521; the new wing to the left and the tall tower on the right are 19th-century additions.

The clock dates from the building's origins, the work of Master Wilhelms from the early 1500s. Be sure to step into the beautiful courtyard to see the wall paintings, restored from 1608-11 originals. The statue, from 1574, on the outer staircase represents the legendary founder of the town, Munatius Plancus. You can also see the two council chambers, the Regierungsratssaal , with its impressive wood paneling, and the Grossratssaal , decorated by 15 coats-of-arms of the Swiss cantons.

Address: Marktpl. 9, 4001 Basel, Switzerland

Completed in 1977, the playful fountain designed by the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely quickly became a Basel landmark. Placed inside a large shallow pool, 10 large figures made of scrap metal seem to be playing with each other in the water as they move and spray jets of water into the air.

Powered by low-voltage current, these playful and ingenious water-spouting mechanical figures are built from pieces of metal equipment from the old theater that once stood on this spot. In the winter, the fountain becomes a series of fantastic ice sculptures as the water freezes around the figures. You can see more of his unusual and imaginative sculpture in Basel at the Jean Tinguely Museum.

Address: Theaterstrasse, Basel

When you need a break from Basel's abundance of museums and historic attractions, or if you are looking for things to do with children, take a tram or bike to the Tierpark, an expanse of green parkland alongside the river. Here, you'll meet a variety of local wildlife — deer, lynx, wild boar and others — roaming free in their natural habitat, discreetly fenced from the public.

Swans and ducks swim as herons fish in the ponds, and colorful peacocks roam about the grounds. More birds inhabit the spacious aviary, and an assortment of farm animals are in stables and paddocks. It is a peaceful green space for walking and relaxing, and a good place for children to meet animals in a non-zoo environment. They can also let off energy in the large playground.

Address: Erlenparkweg 110, Basel

The 14th-century Barfüsserkirche (Church of the Barefoot Friars) was renovated in the 1970s to house the Historical Museum with important collections on local history and culture. It spotlights particularly the city's unique position at the crossroads between Swiss, German, and French cultures.

In the nave of the church are the Late Gothic tapestries and the curious Lällenkönig (Babbling King), a crowned head with a movable tongue and eyes that was the emblem of Gross-Basel in the 17th century. In the aisles are weapons and furnished period rooms, in the choir religious art, and in the crypt is the minster treasury, recovered after being saved from destruction during the Reformation.

Interesting exhibits deal with the importance of silk ribbon manufacture in Basel from the late 18th through the 19th century.

Address: Barfüsserplatz 7, Basel

The Spielzeug Welten Museum collection of more than 6,000 toys, including dolls, stuffed animals, dollhouses, shop models, and carousels is not just for children. The dollhouses are exceptional, not only the historical examples but the newly commissioned works of artists who create rooms and shops in miniature.

One section is devoted to the Neapolitan folk art of nativity scenes set in the context of everyday life in early Naples , with figures dressed in infinitely detailed costumes. The museum's collection of 2,500 teddy bears is thought to be the world's largest.

Even if you don't tour the museum, don't miss walking around to look in the windows. Six display-sized windows facing the street are dedicated to changing displays from the collections, based on seasonal and other themes and representing current special exhibitions.

Address: Steinenvorstadt 1, Basel

Housed in an old paper mill with modern extensions, Basel's Museum of Contemporary Art highlights art from 1960 to the present. You'll find paintings and sculptures by artists that include Chagall, de Chirico, Dali, Braque, Mondrian, Klee, Giacometti, Moore, and the Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely.

It was the first public museum in Europe dedicated exclusively to artworks created in the late 20th century. Guided tours in English are available with advance notice and are included in the admission price.

Address: St. Alban-Rheinweg 60, Basel

Basel's Museum of Antiquities and the Ludwig collection feature Egyptian, Greek, Italian, Etruscan, and Roman works of art, covering antiquity from about 4000 BC to the 6th century AD. The strongest areas are sculptures and Greek vases, although there are outstanding exhibits of gold jewelry, bronze sculptures, and clay figures.

The museum also operates Skulpturhalle Basel , located near Basel University, which features more than 2,200 plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculptures including a complete set of casts of the Parthenon, part of the Acropolis in Athens , as well as scale-size architectural sculptures.

Address: St. Alban Graben 5, Basel

One of central Europe's best collections of Judaica, the Jüdische Museum depicts religious and everyday life as it explores the Jewish history of Basel and its surrounds. In addition to documenting the local history, it introduces visitors to Jewish ceremonies and customs from the broader diaspora through exhibits focused on Jewish Law, the Jewish Year, everyday life, and history.

In the courtyard, medieval gravestones and documents go back as far as the medieval Jewish communities with documents printed in Hebrew by the city's book printers from the 16th through 19th centuries. Significant documents focus on the two World Wars.

Address: Kornhausgasse 8, Basel

One of the finest of Basel's patrician houses, the Haus zum Kirschgarten was built between 1775 and 1780 in the early Classical style. It was the home and office of a prosperous Basel manufacturer of silk ribbons and is among Switzerland's best museums of domestic life.

Throughout the 25 furnished rooms are displays of the furniture of a wealthy 18th-century commercial family, as well as internationally important collections of decorative arts. The Pauls-Eisenbeiss Foundation's collection of porcelain, a significant watch and clock collection, and major groups of Basel silver and scientific instruments are displayed.

Address: Elisabethenstrasse 27/29, Basel

Dating from 1370, the Spalentor is a fortified gate marking the end of the old town. The town gate, once part of the old town walls, has stood alone since their destruction in 1866. Look to the left of the gate to find an early 19th-century letterbox with the emblem of the Basel pigeon.

The adjacent Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church) was rebuilt in the 15th century, but the vaulting in the choir is from an earlier 14th-century building. There are frescoes in the Eberler chapel and the nave. Adjacent is the university, with a botanical garden that was founded in the 16th century, one of the oldest in the world.

Collectors Ernst and Hildy Beyeler opened the Fondation Beyeler in 1997 to allow the public to enjoy their extensive personal collection of Classic Modernist art. A staggering number of works by both Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse are on display, including drawings, paintings, and sculpture.

Also displayed are multiple sculptures by Alberto Giacometti and Max Ernst, and a variety of works by celebrated artists, including Georges Seurat, Marc Chagall, Marlene Dumas, Paul Klee, and Vincent Van Gogh. The collection also includes pieces from the Beyelers' world travels to Africa, Oceania, and Alaska.

The museum is set in a lovely park, housed in a building designed by architect Renzo Piano.

Address: Baselstrasse 101, Basel

Because Basel lies right on the international border, some of its suburbs spread over into Germany and France. So it is with the Vitra Design Museum , which although considered a Basel institution, is a five-minute train ride just across the German border from central Basel.

By any measure, it is one of the world's most important museums of design. The building itself is a landmark, designed by Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry. Inside are changing exhibitions - two or three each year - examining current and historical design trends and themes. The displays are stunning and provocative, often inviting interaction.

Add some outdoor exercise to your gallery hopping by hiring an electric bicycle at the central train station to follow the Rehberger-Weg bike path across the border to the Vita campus.

Address: Charles-Eames-Str. 2, Weil am Rhein, Germany

Lying astride the river Aare, about 67 kilometers from Basel, Solothurn is an elegant town of Renaissance and Baroque buildings that indicate its splendor in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries as the residence of the French ambassadors to the Swiss Confederation. Earlier, the town of Salodurum ranked with Trier in Germany as one of the oldest Roman settlements north of the Alps.

Marktplatz is a beautiful square with a 12th-century clock tower, the Zeitglockenturm , that has mechanical figures from 1545. The Mauritius fountain is decorated with a figure by the master Hans Gieng of Fribourg. You'll see several more fountains with colorfully painted figures as you stroll down picturesque old Hauptgasse .

Stop there at the Jesuit church to see its interior, decorated with stucco work by 17th-century artists from the Swiss Ticino region. In the cloister is a collection of stones with Roman inscriptions. Just inside the 1508 Baseltor gate stands the Italian Baroque Cathedral of St. Ursen , built from 1763 to 1773.

Its treasury is especially rich in goldsmiths' work and textiles from the 15th to 19th centuries. In the hills outside of Solothurn, be sure to visit Schloss Waldegg - Waldegg Castle. The palace is set among lovely Baroque gardens and its beautiful interior gives you an idea of the splendor in which the French ambassadors lived.

The Old Town, which lies between the river and the Spalentor gate, is relatively small, but many of Basel's several dozen museums are here, along with medieval churches, the old artisans' neighborhood, and Marktplatz, with the magnificent Rathaus (city hall). These highly-rated hotels in Basel are in or close to the Old Town. Most Basel hotels include a free city bus pass.

Luxury Hotels :

With old-world elegance enhanced by modern luxuries, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois , which often hosts royalty, overlooks the Rhine River in the center of the Old Town.
Close to the Munster and several museums, Der Teufelhof Basel rooms are designed by artists, so guests live in a work of art instead of just looking at it.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Basel has a pool and is in the center of a cluster of museums; the tram from the central station stops right in front of the hotel.

Mid-Range Hotels:

Near the Spalentor and botanic gardens and a short walk from the heart of the Old Town, Hotel Spalentor Basel has spacious modern rooms.
On the hill above the Old Town, on a bus line, and a 15-minute walk from the train station, Steinenschanze Stadthotel is literally steps away from the shopping and restaurant area.
Near the Spalentor and a tram stop with regular trams into the town center, the family-friendly Hotel Odelya is in a heritage building set in a park.

Budget Hotels:

Beside the university, a few blocks from the Rathaus, and an easy walk to the Munster and art museums, Hotel Rochat has plain rooms but includes breakfast.
Adjacent to the train station and airport bus stop, Ibis Basel Bahnhof is on a bus line to the historic center.
A five-minute walk away, Ibis Budget Basel City is only two minutes from two tram lines into the Old Town.

More on Switzerland

Navytown, USA: 12 must-visit naval sites in San Diego

As one of the largest fleet concentration areas in the world and home to the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet, San Diego’s temperate climate isn’t the only draw for tourists and transplants. The Navy snagged some of the best oceanfront real estate in America’s Finest City, but due to security measures, opportunities for the general public to access military bases nationwide are limited. For those who want to experience naval activities in San Diego that aren’t camouflaged, there are still many opportunities to say “hooyah!”

1. Perhaps the most popular Navy attraction is the USS Midway Museum , a decommissioned aircraft carrier-turned-museum that sees more than one million visitors annually. As the Navy’s longest-serving carrier of the 20th century, the USS Midway (CV 41) was in active service until 1992. Today visitors can explore 60 exhibits, see 29 restored aircraft and complete a self-guided audio tour. The museum hosts about 400 active-duty military events onboard annually, which the public is welcome to observe.

San Diego, so close yet so far from L.A.

2. Adjacent to the Midway, get in line to take a picture of the iconic 25-foot Unconditional Surrender sculpture replicating the famously photographed embrace of a sailor and nurse celebrating the end of World War II in Times Square. Nearby, the USS San Diego (CL 53) Memorial is a sculpture honoring the service and sacrifice of the World War II-era light cruiser and her crew.

3. Fleet Week San Diego (Sept. 3 to Oct. 1, 2016) takes place annually during the fall, featuring public events like Navy ship tours, the Sea & Air Parade with Navy assets on San Diego Bay, the Coronado Speed Festival auto show and exhibition held on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), and the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar) Air Show flight demonstration, among others. Fleet Week events are typically the best opportunities for the general public to visit a military installation.

4. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is a military cemetery and California Historical Landmark in Point Loma, located on the grounds of a former Army artillery station. Spanning 77 acres, the cemetery holds more than 100,000 graves, including those of many notable Medal of Honor recipients. Memorial Day is one of the most popular times to visit.

5. Just past the cemetery, Cabrillo National Monument is home to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and a statue of Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. At 422 feet above sea level, the monument is a great vantage point to see the entire military footprint in San Diego, spanning the submarine, surface ship and aviation hubs.

6. Once a Naval Training Center, Liberty Station in Point Loma opened in 1923 as a training facility for Navy recruits. After the Cold War, the Navy eventually closed the base, which was later acquired by the City of San Diego. Today, Liberty Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a popular shopping, arts and culinary district with much of the original Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture still intact. The district’s layout still closely resembles a Navy base, with nods to its earlier life in many of the design elements.

7. Located within Balboa Park, the San Diego Air & Space Museum has a large collection of fully restored military aircraft from both World Wars, the Korean War and Vietnam War. While there, test-drive one of the flight simulators or take a guided tour of the museum to hear about the history of aviation.

8. Over the landmark bridge in Coronado, much of the island belongs to the Navy, including NASNI and Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, making it a major site of naval activity. Navy SEAL candidates endure a rigorous course called Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado. Guests at Hotel del Coronado usually know when candidates make it to week four of training, also known as Hell Week, because the exercises are done on the beach near the hotel. The teamwork exercise “rock portage” is one of the most visible, where candidates simulate landing a boat on rocks, then carry the boat out of the water above their heads. A prime viewing spot, the same beach also falls along the flight line for aircraft landing at NASNI, recognized as the birthplace of naval aviation and home to the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Naval Air Forces.

9. The 1986 blockbuster movie Top Gun is perhaps the naval aviation community’s best recruiting tool. Audiences watch Tom Cruise train at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School at MCAS Miramar, one of many local filming locations. Known as the “Top Gun bar” downtown where several scenes were filmed, Kansas City Barbeque is where the memorable jukebox serenade takes place with Kelly McGillis. To visit the “Top Gun house” where McGillis lived in the movie, drive north to the Oceanside cottage that still stands today on an empty lot in front of Hello Betty Fish House.

10. Owned by a former Navy SEAL, McP’s Irish Pub in Coronado is a favorite off-duty hangout among the Navy community. Previous patrons include Prince Harry and his British military brethren in 2011.

11. For the best views of San Diego Bay, head to Harbor Island, Shelter Island or Coronado Ferry Landing to see ships as they transit the harbor. Typically Mondays and Fridays are the best opportunities to spot a ship in action. In years past at Naval Base San Diego, homeport to the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Naval Surface Force, the base has opened to the public for a holiday lights open house when ships along the waterfront are aglow from bow to stern.

12. The Navy’s Marine Mammal Program is only visible by water from a few vantage points. The enclosure of dolphins and sea lions is located on Naval Base Point Loma, home to the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Naval Submarine Force, where the mammals are trained to detect sea mines and other harmful underwater objects. Take a harbor cruise or ride a stand-up paddleboard through the channel between Liberty Station and Marine Corps Recruit Depot to get a peek of the enclosures and — just maybe — the top of a submarine.

Maiden Flight | Ariane 6

Arianespace
Prelaunch Preview

GOES-U | Falcon Heavy

Starship/Super Heavy | Flight #4

Starlink Group 6-59 | Falcon 9 Block 5

Post Launch Review
Zhuque-2 | Maiden Flight
Zhuque-2 | Flight 3
Zhuque-2 | Flight 2
Zhongke-1A | Maiden Flight
Yaogan-30-08
Why don't they just?
Where to watch rocket launches in Florida
Vulcan VC2S | Peregrine lunar lander (Maiden flight)

How To Visit Starbase

Perhaps the most watched place in the space industry, Starbase, is the home of SpaceX’s Starship development and testing. Ten of thousands have made the trek to the southern tip of Texas with one goal: seeing SpaceX’s massive Starship rocket in person from just a few feet away. However, even more have spent hours and days watching live-streams and looking at photos of Starbase dreaming of what it may be like there.

The purpose of this article, in companion to Everyday Astronaut’s video on YouTube, is to provide the most comprehensive rundown of Starbase; the “dos and don’ts”, the things that must be done, and tips and tricks on how to navigate Starbase safely and effectively. Here you will find all the information, but for those who prefer to read. It can also act as a quick reference when you arrive at Starbase one day.

Where And What Is Starbase?

Starbase, located very near to Boca Chica, can be found in the southern most part of the state of Texas, United States. Texas, which borders Mexico, is also home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, but that is much further north.

Starbase is where SpaceX has done the development, testing, tweaking, and blowing up of their next rocket, Starship, the worlds largest and most powerful rocket. The town where Starbase is located was originally called Kennedy Shores. After a hurricane it was renamed Kopernik Shores, and most recently known as Boca Chica. Brownsville is the nearest city to Starbase at about 32 km (20 miles). Compared to the 187,000 people in Brownsville, only a few homes remain in Boca Chica on the barren wildlife refuge.

South Padre Island and Port Isabel are the closest inhabitable areas, but it would take nearly twice as long to get there than to Brownsville. This is because they are on barrier islands with limited access.

In 2014, SpaceX began purchasing land in the area for what was originally Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy testing. Despite some ground work, the next four years remained fairly uneventful. In 2018, a stainless steel water tower, or so people thought, emerged on the flat landscape. This water tower came to be Starhopper, a Raptor engine testing vehicle.

Since the first high altitude flights in late-2020 to mid-2021 which began with SN8, SpaceX has put an increased focus on booster and orbital ship development. Because of the increased cadence, more infrastructure such as bays and tents have seen the site grow exponentially.

The location and ease of access to the Starbase surrounding area has enabled close watch of nearly every move SpaceX makes as they develop Starship. While SpaceX does not want to block access to Boca Chica Beach, there’s no guarantee how long the largely open and public access will last in light of safety concerns related to launches and landings. It’s safe to say that waiting might not be the best option.

boca chica beach, starbase, spacex, launch pad

Tour Of Starbase

There are three main locations around Starbase where the activity happens; the production site, the launch site, and the structural test site (formerly Massey’s Gun Range). The production site is where both the ship and booster are manufactured and produced. The launch site, as the name implies, is where rockets are launched in addition to where engine tests and some other tests are performed. The structural test site is where other testing occurs, however there is not much to see at the structural test site from the available viewing areas.

Production Site

As of publication, the production site has three distinguishable buildings that rise high above the rest. The Midbay, High Bay, and Mega Bay (Wide Bay), act as rocket houses. The High and Mega Bays both have cranes on the top that allow large pieces of the rockets to be lifted into place and stacked on top of one another. A new building is currently being built called “Starfactory”, which will replace the three temporary production tents.

Near to the Mega Bay is a group of rockets, either used and retired, or never flown. This area is commonly referred to as the “Rocket Garden”. The vehicles in the Rocket Garden change very frequently as they are retired, scrapped, or held until testing.

Also located in that area is an Air Separator Unit (ASU) that can generate oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. This is also where some large shipments are received and where some heavy lifting equipment lies. In front of all of this is the gigantic and iconic “S T A R B A S E” sign.

These approximately 2.5 m (8 ft) tall illuminated letters are the first thing visible from the side of the road. It is a very popular space to stop and take photos, especially at night when the sign is illuminated. You can easily park on the rocks in front of the sign to hop out and take a photo.

In addition to these are the buildings that have been there since the beginning. Originally built by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Stargate, is now owned by SpaceX and acts as their launch control. The building is an office building with space for desks and computers, meeting rooms, and other spaces where an old Merlin and Raptor engine can be found.

Further down the road toward the ocean is the solar farm. Next to the solar farm are two tracking dishes that were purchased from NASA. Behind that is Boca Chica Village, which mostly includes houses owned by SpaceX to house employees.

On the corner, before the long road to the launch pad, is a private restaurant. The outside seating area is covered in flaps from the Mk 1 Starship prototype. Only employees are able to eat here and at the adjacent food trucks. Across the street is a large building known as the payload processing facility, which is currently used for Starlink, but could be used for other payloads in the future.

Launch Site

After traveling down the nearly three kilometer (two miles) barren stretch of road, the launch site quickly fills the landscape. The launch site consists of three launch pads, two suborbital pads and one orbital pad.

Before arriving at the launch site, pulling off the road before it curves gives the unique view of Suborbital Pad A, on the right, and Suborbital Pad B, on the left. The black and white tanks are the Suborbital Tank Farm and house the propellants for both pads.

Traveling further down the road leads to an up close view of Starhopper, the first vehicle to take flight in south Texas. It has now been repurposed to host radar equipment, cameras, and speakers to provide announcements at the pad. The main gate is shortly after that and provides a sometimes unobstructed view of the Orbital Launch Table. This is where nearly everything goes in and out of the launch site.

orbital launch pad, tank farm, mechazilla, orbital launch mount, starbase, spacex

The Orbital Launch Pad is the table and the very large 120 m (400 ft) tall tower with chopstick arms on it. This is where fully assembled and stacked Starship/SuperHeavy rockets will launch from. Next to the Orbital Launch Pad are eight cylinders which together make the Orbital Tank Farm. Some of these house water, while others house the propellants, oxygen and methane.

Where And Where NOT To Go At Starbase

The number one rule comes as an obvious one: wherever there is a sign indicating SpaceX property, don’t go past it. Roads are public and the land just off the road is generally public too. SpaceX property is almost always clearly indicated.

To play it safe, anytime you’re stopping to look, always park on the opposite side of the road from SpaceX property. For example, at the production site, park on the south side of the road and do not cross the road by foot. It’s important to remember that Highway 4 is a highway and has fast moving cars, so be careful pulling off, merging, and navigating the side of the roadway.

Remedios Ave gives the closest access to any rockets. By parking on Highway 4 and walking down to the Rocket Garden, you can get very close to whatever rockets may be there. As of publication, Remedios is still a public road. However, this may not last long, so be sure to check any signs before proceeding.

Any parking on SpaceX property and around the restaurant are not for public parking and reserved for employees. At the launch site, there is also a parking lot, but again for employees only. Pulling off on the side of the road opposite SpaceX property (the north side) is allowed.

However, areas near the beach can become hazardous very quickly. The sand level and depth can change daily leaving dozens of cars stuck. Only drive down the beach if your vehicle has all-wheel drive and tires that can handle deep sand. Another option is to park on the side of the road before the beach and walk up and down the beach to get new angles of the launch site.

On launch day, there is a large area around the entirety of Boca Chica Beach, Starbase, and Highway 4 called the exclusion zone or “keep out zone”. Nobody from the general public is allowed in this area during alunch preparations and activities. There are also designated spots on the water in the channel for mariners to watch the launch from.

spacex, starship, orbital test flight, exclusion zone

Rules, Tips, And What To Bring

In this case, it could be helpful to think of Starbase as a desert with very little to no amenities around. There are no public restrooms or gas stations to fill up on snacks and water. Before leaving for Starbase, take the time to stop at a gas station and get everything listed below.

Lots of water and food
Hat, Sunglasses

Hydration is key, but that does not mean just drinking water while at Starbase. Before heading out the day before, ensure you drink plenty of water to maintain hydration.

General Rules

While some rules may sound like common sense, others may come as a surprise. It’s important to follow these rules closely to stay out of trouble and make it so others can get this close to the worlds biggest and most powerful rocket too.

Don’t litter
No crossing the river into Mexico. Matamoros is dangerous.

Overall a simple list to follow, but serious consequences can result otherwise. Starbase can be a fun place when safety and health are put first. The rockets do not need sunscreen.

Watching A Launch

Unlike Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Starbase has only been around in recent history and has never seen an orbital launch. This means that the infrastructure for the public to watch launches from Starbase is largely non-existent. An important note is that Highway 4 is completely closed on the day of a launch, so no members of the public will be able to travel down on launch day.

The only exception to this is Rocket Ranch . Rocket Ranch has a ranch where guests can stay in little Airstreams or their own RVs. They have an outpost further down Highway 4 that provides the closest viewing possible, however they are currently sold out of these tickets for the first Orbital Flight Test.

The next closest place is Isla Blanca Park on the southern tip of South Padre Island. To enter, they charge $12 cash, exact change not necessary. This can and will get very crowded on launch day, so it’s best to arrive a little early. Only a certain number of cars are allowed per day, but there is public parking at the Visitors Center and other spots further north.

Port Isabel is another spot to watch from. It is located before crossing the bridge on South Padre Island. The bridge itself is NOT a viewing location. There are very few direct views of the pad from Port Isabel due to the private residences in gated communities.

However, on Highway 48, which is the road to Port Isabel/South Padre Island, there are a few pull off spots like the Jamie J Zapata boat ramp. A reminder, Mexico is not an option due to the dangerous nature of Matamoros.

What To Bring

In general, it’s smart to envision any of these viewing locations just like Starbase. It will be just as hot and humid and the same precautions still exist. Sunscreen is a must and an umbrella may be beneficial to provide shade will be beneficial. Bathrooms will generally be closer, but due to the number of people trying to see a launch, the lines can be long and you may be at risk of losing your viewing spot.

A camera with a telephoto lens or binoculars are also good items to help with viewing. Starship/SuperHeavy will not leave a contrail, so it will mainly be visible as a large silver tube flying through the sky. While binoculars are not necessary, they could help enhance your viewing experiance.

How To Get To Starbase

This section will discuss how to get to Starbase by ground. Flying is covered in the next section and can be more complicated than driving. The best, and nearly only, way to get to Starbase is in a personal vehicle, either a rental car or your own car. Utilization of a GPS would be helpful here; just typing in “Starbase”, “Boca Chica Beach”, or “Boca Chica” should result in the same path as there is only one way to get there.

A specific address would be 1 LBJ Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, which is the restaurant. Although it’s not open to the public, it is an address to navigate to. It is possible to use a rideshare option like Uber or Lyft, but drivers are scarce and, once out there, getting between the launch site and production site is difficult. Additionally, the cost of the long drive might end up costing more than renting a car.

Border Checkpoint

While trekking out to Starbase, shortly after leaving Brownsville city limits, is a border check point. Although there is no border crossing at the checkpoint, due to the proximity to the border and the shallow depth of the Rio Grande near the beach, the United States Border Patrol keeps a station there.

Going out to Starbase, a stop will not be necessary. However, when returning to Brownsville from Starbase every vehicle will be stopped and questioned. The questions are generally very simple, “Are you a U.S. citizen?” and “Is there anyone else in the vehicle?” Answer these honestly and you will be sent on your way without problem. If there is a shift change at Starbase, the line will get very backed up. So in the morning and afternoon, keep this in mind.

For U.S. citizens, a drivers license will act as a form of ID. International travelers should have travel documents and their passport. The border patrol officers do not always ask for documentation, but will on occasion.

Flying To Starbase

There are three main airports that all provide good options for flying into south Texas and then driving to Brownsville. Some are easier and cheaper to get to than others, but may be further away.

BRO, or Brownsville, is the closest option and is relatively near to Starbase given it’s location on the outskirts of Brownsville. As of publication, you must either first fly to Dallas or Houston and get a connecting flight to Brownsville. In May of 2023, Avelo Airlines will offer direct flights to Brownsville from Orlando and Los Angeles.

HRL, or Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas, is also a good option, but requires a bit more of a drive, about an hour to Starbase. Depending on demand, HRL can be cheaper and have more rental car options.

MFE, or McAllen International Airport in McAllen, Texas, is about to an hour and a half from Starbase. Generally, MFE shares similar options and availability to HRL, but it’s an option nonetheless.

Flying from oversees might mean spending more time in Texas. In this case, it may be possible to save money and drive from a city like Austin, San Antonio, or Houston. Houston, of course, is where Johnson Space Center is located. Visitors can spend a day at Space Center Houston, which has interactive activities and a great museum.

Do not rely on rental cars being available at Brownsville or some of the airports in the Rio Grande Valley, so check carefully, especially around times of peak travel.

Where To Stay

There are numerous options for places to stay depending on the type of traveler you are. Some types include campers, luxury, adventure seekers, budget, and families. During times of peak travel and lots of activity, some options may be more available than others.

South Padre Island/Port Isabel

South Padre Island, or SPI, has a host of good options for those who want to see rockets, but also make a vacation in south Texas. SPI is host to a variety of restaurants, hotel options, and adventure experiences like dolphin tours. The dolphin tours are a good way to see the launch site from a unique perspective.

dolphin tour spi, starbase, spacex, staship

Margaritaville, formerly known as “The Pearl”, is a good option to have a pool, beach access, and a potential view of the rocket. The rooms are spacious and can accommodate a family easily. In order to have a good view of launch, getting a room on the south side about five floors up or higher is best. This is where Tim Dodd, the Everyday Astronaut, livestreamed SN8 and SN9 from!

SN8 livestream, everyday astronaut, margaritaville hotel, starbase

Holiday Inn is a similar option to Margaritaville in terms of rooms and amenities, but does not offer balconies to view the pad from. Its proximity to the bridge enables easy access to the mainland and avoids a lot of the northern island congestion.

Hilton Garden Inn is located much further up north on the island and also does not have a good view of the launch pad. However, it offers great amenities and was recently renovated.

Lighthouse Cafe and Hotel in downtown Port Isabel is also a good option. It avoids the bridge, which means less traffic. The hotel also offers gelato and snacks and is within good walking distance from local and chain restaurants.

Casa Rosa Inn is another option in the Port Isabel area. Alternatives to this are AirBnBs and other spots for rent, so keep looking if these hotel options don’t suit you perfectly.

Those who enjoy camping can try and secure a spot at Isla Blanca Park on the southern tip of SPI.

Brownsville

Brownsville is home to most major hotel brands, but a lot of them are located on the highway and too far to walk to restaurants. They are, however, closer to Starbase by about 20 to 30 minutes. Generally, these hotels are cheaper than what can be found on SPI.

Rocket Ranch

Rocket Ranch is about as close as possible for anyone from the public to stay. There are small campers for individuals and they also offer spots for people with RVs to park and stay. Above all, the community at Rocket Ranch is full of more rocket loving people and will be a great welcome to south Texas. So far, they have hosted thousands of people and even more have booked stays.

In addition to a place to stay, they also offer bus tours to Starbase. These tours have been operating for a while, and will provide rich knowledge and history of Starbase.

When To Book Your Trip

Timing is everything and timing with a rocket test program is nearly impossible. Even SpaceX sometimes does not know when they will launch until just a week before. Generally, trying to book as close to a launch as possible is best.

Sometimes, booking less than five days in advance will yield the best results, but sometimes that is not possible. Oftentimes these launches will see many delays before actually flying, so it might be best to book for a week and be prepared to stay longer if that’s possible.

There is no exact answer for when to book, but it’s best to wait until as late as possible and be prepared to change dates. Read hotel and flight cancellation policies closely before booking.

Indicators of a launch could be FAA and FCC Licensing, road closures, beach closures, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), maritime notices, and of course, an official statement from SpaceX. All of the latest can be found in Everyday Astronaut’s live updates article .

Where To Eat

South Padre Island and Port Isable have a variety of eating options from fresh sea food, to vegetarian, to acai, and even Starbase themed resturants. Each recommendation below is linked to their site which has more information.

Ceviche Ceviche
Russo’s Pizza
Berry Divine on SPI and Beach Bowls on Port Isabel
Hopper Haus

russo's pizzeria, kohnami, south padre island

The proximity to Mexico means that there is an abundance of tacos. There are many local restaurants in Brownsville that sell local taco styles, like street tacos. Additionally, like SPI, there are nmerous types of resturants with different price points. There are also typical fast food chains on every corner, so if you are looking for something familiar, it is there.

Ultima Taco
La Villa Taqueria y Yogufrut
Veggie Del Sol
Terra’s Urban Kitchen
Dodici Pizza

What Else Besides Starbase?

Before Starbase, South Padre Island was a popular vacation spot. The beach that runs along the island is great for typical beach activities, especially surfing. For surfing lessons, South Padre Surf Company has a local staff that are great instructors. Different parts of the island have different severity of waves, which makes it appealing to all skill levels.

Additionally, there are dolphin tours on both SPI and Port Isabel that will venture out into the channel and ocean to see dolphins leap from the water.

Also on the island is Gravity Park , an amusement part that features Go-Karts and other rides. Fishing and bird watch tours and boats are very common and leave from Port Isabel/SPI.

STARSociety hosts many stargazing events and STEM events for kids.

The Art Lounge on SPI has space themed art including a piece from Inspiration 4 Astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor .

Located in Brownsville is Gladys Porter Zoo , which has bike trails and coffee.

Overall, this article gives the most comprehensive overview of Starbase, how to visit, how to get there, and what to do there. Bookmark this tab so you can reference it when you make it down there! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments or email the author.

spacex, starbase, launch site, south padre island

10 comments

Great content, thanks Tim!

Boca Chica Starbase looks rather haphazardly designed, without much forethought of master planning. Thats sad and very inefficient, since poor design always has much higher costs and greater redundancy. Even the Starship design looks overly simplistic and wastes on functionality minimalist design approach. Maybe this is just prioritized stuff to get the buzz lighted.

Great job perfect timing thank you!

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Thanks Tim. You provide a valuable service to both novice and expert alike. Good luck on your upcoming adventure.

Awesome overview Tim! I called Rocket Ranch, and they have 11 acres for camping, so that seems to be always available if you bring your own tent. And they have beer and restrooms 🙂

Hay Tim, you didn’t mention phone or internet coverage about Starbase and SPI, how is that??

A great topic for a deep dive would be safety of SH/ST launch to the public. You mentioned some viewing zones at about 5 miles from the launch pad, the size of the exclusion zone radius. Interview someone not from from SpaceX with expertise on rocket launch exclusion zones on the safety of the SH/ST launch. Five miles is likely not to be adequate if there is an explosion.

Also, the Mexican border is inside this safety zone. If Mexican citizens are injured by a SH/ST explosion SpaceX could create an international incident.

Robert Clark

Please remove if not allowed, but my husband and I rent a condo on SPI -> https://www.vrbo.com/1406811 It’s centrally located close to restaurants, bars and fun activities. It’s a 10 minute drive to Channel View Rd to see the launchpad from the bottom of SPI!

Hey Tim, big fan. What about all those charter boats I saw in the vid. I’m thinking they would provide a great unobstructed view and a chance to get just a wee bit closer. Would love to know where the boats can go on a launch day.

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Base access, visitor process explained

All personnel assigned to, working on, visiting or residing on KMC Air Force installations should obey base entry procedures, including Installation Access Control System registration processes and escort procedures for visitors.

All personnel requiring recurring, unescorted access to Ramstein must register their ID card at their respective IACS office or the visitor control center in order to be allowed to proceed on base. This rule applies to school-aged dependents of personnel permanently assigned to KMC Air Force bases, who must obtain a Department of Defense ID card at age 10. IACS registration must be accomplished by every ID cardholder upon arrival and assignment to the European Command or upon receipt of a new ID card while stationed here.

Individuals who forget their ID on base can be manually looked up through IACS at the VCC in order to obtain access to the installation to retrieve their ID.

If ID cardholders would like to sign in a visitor at the VCC, they must have a valid ID registered in IACS and proper sign-in authority. Visitors must have a valid passport, or German “Personalausweis,” for a one-time entry pass on the installation.

Long-term passes are issued for up to 90 days. These visitors are required to have a valid passport with a stamp from customs documenting the date they entered the country or a resident’s permit. If visitors are traveling from another country and did not receive a German custom’s stamp, they need to present a copy of their travel itinerary showing the country they arrived, along with the custom’s stamp on their passport from that country.

The itinerary will be used to verify their stay in Germany is less than 90 days. If their status in country cannot be verified, Polizei will be contacted to ascertain the visitors’ status in country.

Visitors must be escorted at all times while on the installation, and sponsors will lose their sign-in privileges if they do not follow proper escort procedures.

The IACS has been used at U.S. installations in Europe for years. Ramstein began using IACS in 2003 on a trial basis and was found to greatly enhance security for the U.S. military community by providing another effective layer of security beyond the traditional manual methods.

IACS stores all registered, archived and barred individuals and provides immediate feedback to entry controllers prior to granting access to the installation. This tells the entry controllers whether to allow entry onto the installation, detain, deny access or notify the law enforcement desk for further action.

Registration in IACS is also important because it prevents many of the delays occurring at installation gates. When a member does not take the time to register his ID in IACS, he will be stopped and turned around at the gate. When security forces are required to turn vehicles around at the gates, it backs up traffic, causing delays.

Registering in IACS provides security that is important for the everyday safety and security of Ramstein and all other U.S. installations in Europe, ensuring everyone who accesses their installations have been properly screened and vetted.

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SUBMARINE FORCE LIBRARY & MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

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Our Hours Of Operation

CLOSED on ALL Tuesdays

May 1 st – October 31 st

Open Monday – Wednesday – Thursday- Friday – Saturday and Sunday 9am – 5pm

November 1 st – April 30th

Open Monday – Wednesday – Thursday- Friday – Saturday and Sunday 9am – 4pm

1 Crystal Lake Rd Groton, CT 06340

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Library Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM 1:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Operation Hours: Wednesday – Monday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM Tuesday: Closed

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Start your adventure here.

Discover more than 4,000 artifacts and over 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviation.

Enjoy the thrill of flight in the Flight Simulators, catch all the drama and power of the amazing Giant Digital Screen Theater and refuel for lunch in the authentic Cubi Bar Café. Then gear up and take home the spirit of Naval Aviation with a unique memento from the Flight Deck Store.

Attraction Ticket Location Map of Museum Museum FAQs

The NNAM is a cashless venue, most credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The National Naval Aviation Museum is open Monday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s days.

OTHER OPERATING HOURS:

Hangar Bay One: Monday – Sunday – 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Flight Deck Store: Monday – Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.* *opens at 9:00 a.m. on Blue Angels practice days Cubi Bar Café: Tuesday – Sunday – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays) Naval Aviation Memorial Giant Screen Theater: Open Monday – Sunday with movies beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the last movie showing at 3:30 p.m.

Front entrance of the National Naval Aviation Museum

Base Access Guidelines

General information.

Who can visit?

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Navy require visitors 18 and older to show a single government-issued identification card. State-issued driving licenses and passports are acceptable. Public access to NAS Pensacola will be available from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. through the West Gate only on the south end of Blue Angel Parkway. Additionally, vehicle operators must have a valid driver’s license, and foreign nationals will need to be escorted by a U.S. citizen.

Can I watch the Blue Angels practice?

For those who have access to Naval Air Station Pensacola, the National Naval Aviation Museum is pleased to open the flight line behind the museum to view Blue Angels practice flight demonstrations. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. and the Blues are scheduled to take to the skies at 10:30 a.m. Visit www.NavalAviationMuseum.org/blueangels for practice dates.

Are there ways to get to the museum without using a personal vehicle?

Ride share services such as Lyft and Uber are not allowed on board NAS Pensacola. Standard taxi services are allowed to enter the base via the West Gate provided the taxi driver has a valid base pass.

Can I bring a bag into the museum?

Backpacks and similar items are not allowed in the museum (exceptions are small diaper bags, purses, camera bags, fanny packs and medicine bags); all bags are subject to search by the NAS Pensacola Base Security and/or visible inspection by Museum staff or qualified volunteers.

Parking at the National Naval Aviation Museum is free. The main parking lot is located on the west side of the Museum, with separate parking for buses and motor homes. To ensure the safety of your passengers, buses should load and unload from sidewalk areas. Parking spaces for those with disabilities are available near the Museum’s main entrance.

Pets are not allowed inside the Museum unless they are registered service animals. Pets must not be left unattended in personal vehicles in parking lots during your visit.

Museum FAQ Page

Accessibility

The National Naval Aviation Museum welcomes and accommodates persons with disabilities:

A large parking area for persons with limited mobility is available close to the entrance.

Wheelchairs may be checked out at no charge from our Information Desk for use in the main Museum and Hangar Bay One.

Restrooms are available on the ground level in the Quarterdeck and West Wing for visitors with limited mobility.

The Museum has ramps available at each minor change in level.

The Naval Aviation Memorial Giant Screen Theater has a seating area for those in wheelchairs and/or those with service companions, and an elevator is available to reach this seating. Devices for the visually impaired and personalized closed captioning for the hearing impaired are also available.

Open captioning of exhibition videos incorporated into some exhibitions.

Guided tours are available daily and free of charge. Learn about Naval Aviation firsthand from retired military volunteers who have lived the history! Tour groups meet at the Information Desk at the following times:

Daily — 9:30 a.m. | 11:00 a.m. | 1:00 p.m.

CUBI Bar Café

The Cubi Bar Café offers a lunch menu and a decor that chronicles the many deployments to the Western Pacific by Navy and Marine Corps units. Literally hundreds of plaques, once covering the walls of the Officers Club at NAS Cubi Point in the Philippines, now adorn the restaurant's walls.

Museum Reservations & Field Trips

The National Naval Aviation Museum is the picture-perfect setting for an assortment of events:

Field Trips
Military Ceremonies
Daytime Reunions/Groups
Evening Reunions/Groups
Retired/Become a Volunteer

We are proud of our fine attention to detail, which ensures our patrons an exceptional daytime reunion. If you would like additional information, our NNAM Reservation Coordinator is available to assist you in making your event a grand success. Please contact Waylon Wolf at [email protected]

**All special events must be sponsored by a military (active/retired/reserve) member.

NAVAL SUBMARINE BASE KINGS BAY: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

Introduction

Where is naval submarine base kings bay, nsb kings bay map.

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Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Directions

What amtrak station is closest to naval submarine base kings bay, flights to jacksonville, fl, driving directions from jacksonville international airport.

Follow signs for Interstate 95 North.
Continue for 19 miles.
Take Exit 1 for St. Marys Road.
Follow signs for St. Marys/Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.

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Monday through Friday

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Madison Gate

Jackson Gate

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Tuesday through Friday

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Monday through Thursday

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Navy Lodge Kings Bay

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s NSB Kings Bay Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels nearby.

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1 (912) 573-8986

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See it: 10 injured after wild storm hits McConnell AFB forcing cancellation of popular airshow

Sunday's portion of the mcconnell frontiers in flight airshow had to be cancelled after a slow-moving wet microburst lingered over the base early in the morning. that microburst brought wind gusts of up to 54 mph to the mcconnell flightline..

50 mph winds cancel McConnell Air Force Base airshow in Kansas

A slow-moving wet microburst with wind gusts in excess of 50 mph cancels the Frontiers in Flight Air Show Aug. 25, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas.

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – Ten people are recovering from injuries they suffered when a wild storm hit McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas over the weekend.

The slow-moving wet microburst brought wind gusts of up to 54 mph, as well as lightning and rain, to the Frontiers in Flight Airshow flightline in Wichita .

A wet microburst is a short-lived, small area of damaging winds with heavy rain and hail.

MINNEAPOLIS AMONG MIDWEST CITIES FACING SEVERE WEATHER THREAT MONDAY

Ten people are recovering from injuries they suffered when a wild storm hit McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas over the weekend.

Because of the damage, the base was unable to execute a safe airshow and had to make the decision to cancel Sunday's event.

(Trooper Joe Owen / Kansas Highway Patrol)

Six of the individuals injured were military medical personnel and four were civilian vendors, who each received minor injuries, according to John Van Winkle, the 22nd Air Refueling Wing’s chief of public affairs. One civilian male was transported to a local hospital. Another Airman was also transported to the hospital but has since been discharged.

Ten people are recovering from injuries they suffered when a wild storm hit McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas over the weekend. (Trooper Joe Owen / Kansas Highway Patrol)

Due to the timing of the inclement weather, spectators had not yet entered the event area. Because of the damage, the base was unable to execute a safe airshow and had to cancel the event.

" Safety is always our first priority at McConnell, especially when it comes to hosting the community for an airshow," the base said.

Saturday’s airshow session attracted more than 65,000 visitors.

Severe Weather
Extreme Weather
Thunderstorms

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