The Cultural Capital of Switzerland, Basel, is home to numerous exciting neighbourhoods, a combination of historical and futuristic architecture and many fantastic museums. The area I recently discovered and explored is Dreispitz. Named after its triangular shape, today is an upcoming neighbourhood in Basel worth visiting.

Exploring the Dreispitz Area in Basel

Dreispitz area is easily reachable from the Basel city centre. By taking tram no. 10, 11, or 14 and exiting at the Ruchfeld tram stop, you’ll get right at its centre.

The neighbourhood is home to fantastic architecture and urban design, which you’ll see wherever you look. Futuristic buildings and innovative public furniture make up for the lack of green areas. The 15 kilometres of tracks that are no longer in use and some old warehouses are reminders of its commercial past. However, today, it’s an exciting urban area.

⤷ Read more: Weekend in Basel filled with art and culture

History of Dreispitz Area in Basel

Formerly known for its light industry and warehouses, the Dreispitz area underwent a significant transformation during the last two decades. It was bought in 1840 by Christoph Merian-Burckhardt, who purchased that agricultural land to expand his estate.

Since he and his wife had no heirs, they left the area to the specially founded Christoph Merian Foundation in 1886. In the 20th century, the area wasn’t agricultural anymore. It was now used as a duty-free storage area. Although it was located close to the city, because of that use, it didn’t have any close connections to the city of Basel.

Since 2000, most cargo has been transported to Basel through its airport instead of by train; the Dreispitz area has lost its significance as a material goods storage area.

The land still belongs to the Foundation, but the initiative to turn it into an exciting new urban district was proposed in the early 2000s. Well-known names from the contemporary architectural scene have created fantastic projects for residential buildings and educational and cultural institutions.

The ambitious project isn’t finished yet. While in the Dreispitz area in Basel, you’ll see many new edifices being erected and numerous projects being undertaken. It’s a work in progress. But you can already feel the new urban spirit of the area and enjoy visiting some of its great cultural institutions.

⤷ Read more: Basel Travel Guide – Cultural Capital of Switzerland

What to see at the Dreispitz Area in Basel

Contemporary architecture at Dreispitz Area in Basel

The moment you step into the Dreispitz area, you’ll be mesmerised by its cutting-edge architecture. Some of the leading architectural firms left their mark with the exciting projects they created in the neighbourhood.

One of the architectural highlights in the Dreispitz area is the Academy of Art and Design. Located right at the Ruchfeld tram stop, it’s hard to miss when visiting the neighbourhood. The architects Morger + Dettli built it in 2014.

The architectural firm Herzog & De Meuron created another exciting site close by on Helsinki Strasse. In 2014, they designed the residential building that also houses their archive.

The Bjarke Ingels Group designed the extension of the 1922 warehouse, creating a zigzag-shaped residential area on its top. This symbolises the best industrial architecture of the past and new innovative solutions for the future merging in the area.

Museums at Dreispitz Area in Basel

Dreispitz area in Basel is home to some tremendous young cultural venues. With their ambitious programs they fit perfectly at this hip neighbourhood.

Kunsthaus Baselland

Located in the heart of the Driespitz area, the Kunsthaus Baselland is a place to explore regional and international contemporary artists. They are organising group and solo shows exploring various topics and art forms. Its progressive new building creates a fantastic backdrop for the temporary exhibitions it organises.

Kunsthaus Baselland moved into its new building in Münchenstein in 2024. Designed by Buchner Bründler Architekten, it was transformed from a former champagne warehouse into an inspiring contemporary art gallery.

House of Electronic Arts – HEK

Ever since its Humanistic origins, Basel has been a progressive city. It still demonstrates that by exploring and displaying new art forms. Opened in 2011, the HEK Museum in Basel is dedicated to digital and new art forms. One of the museum’s goals is to explore art in the fast-changing virtual world. It also plays a crucial role in preserving digital art forms.

The museum organises various educational programs and guided tours, so check its website to join some of them during your visit to Basel.

⤷ Read more: Best museums to visit in Basel

Street art at Dreispitz Area in Basel

Since 2021, an extensive project of designating the walls in the Dreispitz area to be taken over by street artists has taken place. Various international artists were commissioned to leave their mark on some of the previously industrial buildings in the neighbourhood. The result is an area with highly curated street art and graffiti masterpieces.

One of my favourites was the work by the Spanish artist SpY called ‘No Entry’. The area is filled with fantastic public art, so be sure to check it out while exploring the Dreispitz area in Basel.

Where to eat & drink at Dreispitz Area in Basel

Birtel – This Swiss craft microbrewery is a great place to visit if you’d like to enjoy a relaxed evening. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. and is a great place to experience the urban vibes of the Dreispitz area with your friends (address: Frankfurter Strasse 21, 4142 Munchenstein).

Restaurant Schmatz – This is where musicians and sound engineers from Basel City Studios used to eat; today, it’s a cosy restaurant serving delicious food. It’s a perfect lunch break spot while exploring the Driespitz area (address: Frankfurter Strasse 36, 4142 Munchenstein).

Filled with an exciting mix of industrial and contemporary architecture, fantastic museums and cultural venues, Dreispitz area is a place you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Basel. There is much more to explore there, you can spend the whole day in that wonderful Basel neighbourhood.

I visited Basel during the press trip organised by Basel Tourismus. Many thanks to them and all of their partners for the wonderful visit they organised for me. However, as always, all opinions are my own.