Living at the meeting point of three countries, the people of Basel have a great deal of savoir-vivre; good food and drink are as important to them as art and culture. Nearly all the world’s cuisines are richly represented in the city: from starred gourmet eateries to the takeaway around the corner. The street cafés, patisseries, sweet shops and traditional neighbourhood restaurants all provide opportunities to become acquainted with the Basel lifestyle.




The lively inner city and romantic Old Town are a shopping centre offering a range of brands. The traditional daily market held in the square of the historic City Hall serves as a charming and colourful reminder of all things Swiss.

Basel offers limited nightlife for a city of its size. During the week most bars are rarely open after midnight, while more vibrant nightlife takes place during the weekend, when the city’s larger venues are open. Weekends in Basel offer more trendy options for going out, with a wide selection of fancy restaurants, hip nightspots and cosy pubs.



Young people often tour the taverns in multi-cultural, multi-faceted Lesser Basel across the Rhine. Many street cafés along the Steinenvorstadt provide a casual Mediterranean style.

The River Rhine, which cuts the city in two, is Switzerland’s main port and has long been an important trade route into Germany and the North Sea. The Rhine also offers ample space to walk, swim and relax.

Video: Impressions of Basel

Many residents choose Basel due to its location at the convergence of three countries. With France and Germany within walking distance, many people take day trips to the surrounding towns and villages to enjoy either Alsatian delicacies or southern Germany’s beautiful landscape.

Basel offers many cultural and arts opportunities. The city hosts annual festivals and has numerous theatres offering ballet performances, plays, operas and concerts ranging from classic to jazz and pop.




Perhaps the most important event in Basel’s calendar is the annual ‘Fastnacht’ carnival. Along with many other Swiss cities, the inhabitants of Basel celebrate for four days the week after Ash Wednesday. Festivities start on Monday morning at 4h00 with thousands of people joining in the streets to watch street processions accompanied by traditional regional music.

With more than 40 museums covering an area of almost 37 square kilometres, Basel is the art and architecture capital of Switzerland. Most museums are located in the Old Town and are easily reached on foot.

Video: Impressions from Basel Art Fair 2008


The Basel Museum of Fine Arts displays the finest and oldest art collection in Basel. The modern art centre Schaulager opened in 2003. The Fondation Beyeler is internationally recognised for its special exhibitions and the impressive building designed by architect Renzo Piano.

Another point of interest is the University of Basel, Switzerland’s oldest centre of higher education. The 12,000 students in full-time courses enliven the city with a youthful energy.

Basel at a glance

Facts and Figures:
Inhabitants: 189,848
Unemployment rate: 3 percent
Average income per inhabitant: CHF 54,000

Cost of living:
Glass of beer: CHF6
Cup of coffee: CHF 5
Glass of mineral water: CHF 3.70
Restaurant meal: CHF 19
Pack of cigarettes: CHF 5.95
Apartment rental: CHF 1,400 per month

Contribute to this article by commenting below, or email editorCH@expatica.com with your favourite restaurant, café, pub or favourite activity in Basel.

Text credits: Suzanne Ong, Sascha Becker, Chris Morillon / Expatica 2008 - 2009
Photo credits: vitalyzator, chop1n, gomveron, Doublep1, thefuturistic, and keepthebyte / Flickr