Known affectionately to locals as Zolli, Basel Zoo is something of a landmark. It is also home to some species, including meerkats, snow leopards, gorillas, spider monkeys, giraffes, penguins and parrots. The penguin walks that take place outside the Vivarium during the winter are not to be missed. The zoo is currently constructing a huge marine aquarium, Ozeanium, which is scheduled to open in Consum is a favourite on the Basel bar scene.
Anchored on the edge of the River Rhine, Schiff is a cultural centre with a restaurant and bar that extends over three decks. Making good use of the spacious former Warteck brewery building, this cocktail bar, music venue and cultural centre has a wide range of events, from concerts and theatre to DJ nights and LGBT club events.
Opened in , La Fourchette is the go-to address for straight-up French-inspired cuisine. The juice bar strives to make healthy eating tasty and accessible for everyone, and to take one look at its appetising menu is to see this philosophy in action.
Although not to be confused with the area in Basel, label kleinbasel does share creative characteristics with its geographical namesake. The aroma of fresh baking that infuses the shop in Kleinbasel is irresistible — as is the selection of cupcakes, which range from chocolate and vanilla to mango or white chocolate and raspberry. Behind the rails of clothing is a collection of sewing machines, samples and pattern pieces. A tad cheeky, perhaps, to claim the fabulous Vitra Design Museum for Basel as it lies just over the border in the German town of Weil am Rhein.
Established by the eponymous Swiss furniture design company in , the museum shares a sprawling campus with striking buildings by Zaha Hadid — her very first — and the Japanese boxer-turned architect Tadao Ando. On the other side of the Rhine to Basel old town, Kleinbasel is characterised by diversity, creativity and art.
