Basel
Basel is a city in north-western Switzerland, located on the Rhine at the point where the borders of Switzerland, Germany and France meet. It is an urban, cosmopolitan destination rather than a rural or mountainous one, set in the lowlands where the Rhine bends and flows through the city. The Rhine is the defining feature, offering swimming, boat trips and the famous current-driven ferries, while the city itself is compact and walkable. Basel is renowned for its cultural vibrancy, with nearly 40 museums, a strong art scene anchored by Art Basel, and a lively calendar of festivals including the UNESCO-listed Carnival (Fasnacht). The historic Old Town with its cathedral and town hall sits alongside striking modern architecture by internationally renowned firms. The University of Basel, the oldest in Switzerland, adds an academic character, and the city serves as a hub for day trips into the surrounding region and neighbouring countries.
Summer activities
Summer in Basel is defined by the Rhine. Swimming in the Rhine is the city's most popular summer activity, with locals floating downstream using the colourful Wickelfisch swim bag, and the two Jugendstil bathing houses on the banks offering access to the water. Boat trips along the Rhine, from city and port cruises to brunch, tea-time and evening cruises, reveal the landmarks from the water, while the four current-driven ferries cross the river all year round. The city also offers cycling and e-bike routes, hiking trails into the neighbouring Baselland countryside, jogging routes along the river, and water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding and canoeing.
Culture and entertainment
Basel is one of Switzerland's most culturally dense cities, with nearly 40 museums within a small area, including the Kunstmuseum Basel with the world's oldest public art collection, the Fondation Beyeler and Museum Tinguely. The city is the venue of Art Basel, the world's leading contemporary art fair, and hosts a lively calendar of events from the Basel Tattoo and Basler Herbstmesse to the UNESCO-listed Carnival (Fasnacht) and a celebrated Christmas market. Theatre, music and literature thrive, with Switzerland's largest theatre and two orchestras of international renown, while a vibrant urban art and street-art scene and numerous galleries complete the picture.
