Photoshoots in Basel

The cathedral’s red sandstone and coloured roof tiles are Basel’s signature. Behind it, the Pfalz is a shaded terrace high above the Rhine, looking across to Kleinbasel and, on clear days, to the Black Forest hills. The Münsterplatz in front is wide and calm outside markets and events.

Best time

Late afternoon and evening, when the western sun lights the Kleinbasel bank below; overcast light for the facade

Access

About 10 minutes on foot from Marktplatz or Barfüsserplatz, uphill on cobbles

The small wooden ferry below the Münster hangs from a cable and is pushed across by the current, with no engine. A crossing takes a few minutes and makes one of the most Basel of pictures, with the cathedral rising behind you. There are four ferries in total; each crossing costs around 2 francs in 2026, paid to the ferryman.

Best time

Morning, when the sun lights the Grossbasel side; late afternoon for warm light on the water

Access

Steps down from the Pfalz on the Grossbasel side, or from the Kleinbasel promenade; hours vary by ferry and season

The promenade on the north-east bank looks south-west across the river to the Münster and the old town skyline. Steps lead down to the water, and in summer swimmers float past with their waterproof “Wickelfisch” bags. It is Basel at its most relaxed, and busy on warm evenings.

Best time

Morning for front-lit views of the old town; summer evenings for atmosphere and silhouettes against the sunset

Access

Cross the Mittlere Brücke from Schifflände, or take a ferry; flat and pushchair-friendly

The city’s historic central bridge links the two halves of Basel, with the small Käppelijoch chapel in the middle. From the bridge you see the Münster upstream and the river flowing towards the harbour. Trams run across it, so timing matters for clean frames.

Best time

Blue hour, when the bridge and riverbank lights come on

Access

Tram to Schifflände; the bridge is a two-minute walk from Marktplatz

The red town hall with its painted facade and arcaded courtyard is one of Basel’s most photographed buildings. The courtyard murals and stairs give colour and shelter on rainy days. Most mornings the square hosts market stalls, so late afternoon is clearer.

Best time

Late afternoon and on overcast days; courtyard at any time during opening hours

Access

In the centre, with trams stopping on the square

A quiet corner upstream of the old town, with medieval mill houses along a stream-fed canal, a stretch of the old city wall and green spaces down to the Rhine. It feels like a village and is much less visited than the centre, which suits intimate sessions and families.

Best time

Morning and late afternoon; soft light under the trees at midday

Access

About 15 minutes on foot from the Münster along the river, or tram to Kunstmuseum and a short walk down

One of Basel’s surviving medieval city gates, with a colourful tiled roof and carved stone. It sits on a street of old houses in the west of the old town and works as a single strong backdrop within a longer walk.

Best time

Morning, when the sun is on the outer side; early weekends for fewer trams and cars

Access

Tram to Spalentor, or 10 minutes on foot from Marktplatz