Natural History Museum Basel - brown National Museum building
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Natural History Museum Basel

4.6
·2k reviews·Basel, Switzerland

Discover ancient worlds at the Natural History Museum Basel, featuring impressive extinct species and beautifully designed exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday afternoons

Less crowded, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Natural History Museum Basel - brown National Museum building

Natural History Museum Basel

Best Time

Friday afternoons

Less crowded, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient worlds at the Natural History Museum Basel, featuring impressive extinct species and beautifully designed exhibits.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Without a doubt, the best natural history museum I've ever been to."

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TIP

🎟️ Free Entry Potential

Check for city handbooks with coupons for free admission. Great for budget-conscious visitors!

🗺️ Grab a Guide Map

Staff provide maps upon entry to help you navigate the museum's extensive collections.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Extinct Species Hall

Extinct Species Hall

Marvel at impressive displays of mammoths, dodos, saber-toothed cats, and other extinct creatures. A truly awe-inspiring journey into the past.

Peter Merian Exhibit

Peter Merian Exhibit

Learn about one of the museum's founders, Peter Merian, and his contributions. A nod to the history behind the institution.

Beautifully Laid Out Exhibits

Beautifully Laid Out Exhibits

Appreciate the meticulous design and pristine presentation of each display. The museum's aesthetics are as captivating as its content.

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Planning Your Visit

Budget-Friendly Exploration

Discover the Natural History Museum Basel without breaking the bank. Look for city handbooks with coupons for free entry, especially if you're a new resident. This can significantly reduce the museum ticket price, making it an accessible option for budget travelers. Reddit

Timing Your Visit for Quiet

To avoid crowds at the Natural History Museum Basel, consider visiting on a Friday afternoon. Many visitors find this time to be quiet, allowing for a more relaxed and immersive experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Friday afternoons
Why
Less crowded, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Ideal for focused learning
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Must see and do in Basel, first time visit

🎟️ Free Entry Potential

Check for city handbooks with coupons for free admission. Great for budget-conscious visitors! Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Guide Map

Staff provide maps upon entry to help you navigate the museum's extensive collections. Reddit

reddit.com

ideas for a museum day?

reddit.com

Budget things to do around Basel?

📸 Photo Opportunities

The exhibits are beautifully designed, making it a great spot for photos. Reddit

⏳ Two-Hour Visit

A two-hour visit is generally sufficient to explore the permanent exhibition. Reddit

reddit.com

Tourist recommendations for someone who likes old buildings, museums, etc and has only 1.5 days in Basel? Staying near SBB

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Free Entry Potential

Check for city handbooks with coupons for free admission. Great for budget-conscious visitors! Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Guide Map

Staff provide maps upon entry to help you navigate the museum's extensive collections. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

The exhibits are beautifully designed, making it a great spot for photos. Reddit

⏳ Two-Hour Visit

A two-hour visit is generally sufficient to explore the permanent exhibition. Reddit

💧 Vending Machine Refreshments

No coffee shop, but clean washrooms and a vending machine are available. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Natural History Museum Basel for its impressive displays of extinct species and beautifully designed exhibits. The museum offers great value, especially with potential free entry options, and is a worthwhile visit for its informative and visually appealing collections. Some visitors note the lack of a café, but the overall experience is highly recommended.

"The Basel Natural History Museum has extinct species such as mammoths, dodos, quaggas, saber-toothed cats, etc. When you enter, the museum staff will give you a guide map and ask if you need an audio guide. Just follow the audio guide and listen to the guide while walking. P15 is Peter Merian, one of the founders of the History Museum. There is a tram station named after him near the Law School of the University of Basel. The museum ticket is 7 Swiss francs, but the city government has a handbook with dozens of coupons for new residents. If you have a coupon, you don't have to pay. A two-hour tour will be enough."

Joseph A. Buendia

"I definitely recommend visiting. It offers a unique experience. I loved it. The interior is as important as the exterior of the building :). Give it a try, you won't regret it."

Emre Mehmeti

"Very nice museum, and at a great price. We were there Friday afternoon and it was not crowded at all. The permanent exhibition took us around 2 hours."

Cybrans Loyalist

What People Like

Extinct species exhibits
Beautifully designed displays
Great value for money

What People Dislike

No on-site cafe

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Natural History Museum Basel is easily accessible. You can reach it via tram, with a tram station named after Peter Merian (one of the museum's founders) located near the University of Basel's Law School. Reddit

Information on specific parking availability near the Natural History Museum Basel is not widely detailed, but public transport is a convenient option. Consider using trams or buses to reach the museum. Reddit

The closest public transport stop is likely near the Peter Merian tram station, named after a key figure in the museum's history. Reddit

Depending on your starting point in Basel, walking to the Natural History Museum Basel might be feasible. It's a good idea to check a map for walking routes from your accommodation. Reddit

While specific details on accessibility for reaching the museum aren't extensively covered, Basel generally has good public transport infrastructure. It's advisable to check with local transport providers for detailed accessibility information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The standard ticket price for the Natural History Museum Basel is 7 Swiss francs. However, keep an eye out for city government handbooks that may contain coupons for free entry, especially for new residents. Reddit

Yes, discounts may be available. City handbooks often include coupons for free admission, which can significantly reduce the cost of visiting the museum. Reddit

Booking tickets in advance is generally not required for the Natural History Museum Basel, especially if you are visiting during off-peak hours. However, for special events, it's always best to check the museum's official website. Reddit

Opening hours for the Natural History Museum of Basel can vary. It's recommended to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures. Reddit

Information regarding specific family ticket options for the National History Museum Basel is not readily available. It's best to inquire directly with the museum or check their website for current pricing structures. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors highly recommend the extinct species hall, featuring mammoths, dodos, and saber-toothed cats. The exhibits are praised for their design and informative content. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum's exhibits are beautifully laid out and meticulously clean, making it a fantastic place for photography. Reddit

A typical visit to explore the permanent exhibition at the Museum of Natural History Basel takes around two hours. Reddit

Yes, audio guides are available at the Natural History Museum of Basel. Staff will inquire if you need one upon entry. Reddit

While the museum is informative, the content focuses on natural history and paleontology. Younger children might find the extinct species displays engaging, but the overall experience is geared towards a general audience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Natural History Museum Basel does not have a coffee shop. However, there is a vending machine available for refreshments. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks before entering the exhibition halls to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the displays. Reddit

Given its location, there are likely various dining options in the vicinity of the Natural History Museum Basel. Exploring the surrounding streets will reveal local cafes and restaurants. Reddit

The type of snacks available at the vending machine is not specified, but it typically offers standard convenience items. Reddit

There might be public spaces or parks near the Natural History Museum Basel where a picnic lunch could be enjoyed before or after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the Natural History Museum Basel, and visitors often praise the exhibits for being great for taking photos. Reddit

While general photography is permitted, it's always a good practice to check for any specific signage or ask museum staff about restrictions, especially regarding flash photography or tripods. Reddit

The extinct species hall, with its impressive displays of large creatures, is a popular spot for photos. The overall design and cleanliness of the exhibits also make for excellent photographic opportunities. Reddit

Yes, using your phone camera for pictures is perfectly fine within the Natural History Museum Basel. Reddit

The displays of extinct animals like mammoths and saber-toothed cats are often highlighted as particularly photogenic due to their scale and detail. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Natural History Museum Basel can be an engaging outing for families, particularly for children fascinated by extinct animals. The impressive displays of mammoths, dodos, and saber-toothed cats are often a highlight, sparking curiosity about prehistoric life. While the museum is highly informative, it's geared towards a general audience, so younger children might benefit from an adult guiding them through the exhibits and explaining the concepts. Reddit

Practical tips for families include checking for free entry coupons in city handbooks to make the visit more budget-friendly. Visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings or Friday afternoons, can help avoid crowds and make the experience more comfortable for children. Remember that there are no extensive dining facilities, so consider bringing snacks or planning a meal before or after your visit. The museum's well-designed exhibits also offer great photo opportunities to capture your family's discoveries. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Natural History Museum Basel offers excellent value. The standard ticket price is 7 Swiss francs, but a significant saving can be made by looking for coupons in city handbooks, which often provide free admission. This makes it an accessible cultural experience without a high cost. Reddit

Visiting on a Friday afternoon is a popular tip for avoiding crowds and enjoying a more peaceful experience, often at no extra cost. The museum's comprehensive permanent exhibition can be explored in about two hours, making it an efficient use of time and money. While there's no café, a vending machine is available for quick refreshments, keeping overall expenses low during your visit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Extinct Wonders

The Natural History Museum Basel is renowned for its captivating collection of extinct species. Visitors are consistently amazed by the lifelike displays of creatures that once roamed the Earth, including imposing mammoths, the famously vanished dodos, and formidable saber-toothed cats. These exhibits offer a tangible connection to prehistoric life, making the museum a must-visit for anyone interested in paleontology and evolutionary history. The meticulous presentation ensures that each specimen is viewed in its best light, providing an educational and awe-inspiring experience. Reddit

Beyond the iconic extinct animals, the museum delves into various aspects of natural history. The Peter Merian exhibit offers a glimpse into the museum's origins and the individuals who shaped it. The overall design of the museum is frequently lauded, with visitors praising the beautifully laid out exhibits and the pristine condition of the displays. This attention to detail enhances the visitor's journey through the natural world, making it both informative and visually appealing. Reddit

For those looking to capture the essence of their visit, the museum provides ample opportunities for photography. The clean glass surfaces and well-lit displays make for stunning shots. While there isn't a café, a vending machine is available, and the washrooms are noted for their cleanliness. A visit typically takes about two hours, allowing ample time to absorb the wealth of information and marvel at the natural wonders on display. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips

Planning your visit to the Natural History Museum Basel is straightforward, with several practical tips to enhance your experience. A key piece of advice for budget-conscious travelers is to look for coupons in city handbooks, which can often grant free entry, significantly reducing the museum ticket price of 7 Swiss francs. Reddit

When it comes to timing, visiting on a Friday afternoon is frequently recommended by travelers who found the museum to be uncrowded during this period. This allows for a more relaxed exploration of the exhibits. Upon arrival, museum staff provide a guide map to help navigate the collections, and audio guides are also available if you wish for a more guided experience. Reddit

While the museum excels in its exhibits, it's worth noting that there is no coffee shop on-site, though a vending machine is available. The washrooms are consistently described as clean. Most visitors find that a two-hour visit is sufficient to thoroughly explore the permanent exhibition, making it a manageable and rewarding outing. Reddit

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