Basel is not an easy city for firs-time visitors. It seems as the city would greedely hide it's enormous treasures. As a result, many visitors are disappointed and talk about a "industry city". They probably watched the cathedral and the area on the northern side of the Rhine. But they missed the best part.: The old city center around Spalenberg. So, please, make sure, YOU don't miss it. 

The Spalenberg area has to be explored by foot. There are no cars allowed in the narrow lanes and the small, cosy places. You can either start your stroll at the tram spot (Universität, tram No. 3), and the walk downhill,  or at "Fischmarkt" or from "Marktplatz" (both tram stops of various lines, and the walk up the hill, pass Hotel Basel, and the explore the lanes, places and courts. Have a look on the map and try to find places like, Imbergässlein, Heuberg, Nadelberg, and Gemsberg. It is of course, a good idea to book a guided walking tour, as almost every of the houses has a story to tell, sometimes dating back to the 13th century. 

On the other side of Marktplatz there is the area around the cathedral, Münsterplatz, Augustinergasse, Martinsgasse, Rheinsprung, lanes that are also nice, but often less crowded, which leaves a strange feeling in many nowaday's tourists. Don't miss the place behind the cathedral, called "Pfalz", where you have a great view on the Vosges( France) and the Black Forrest (Germany). 

If you should visit basel in summer, please also read the article "beside the path", with information about the  gorgeous St. Alban quarter. with the old city wall. The St. Alban tower, and the paper mill museum.