Basel
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Culture
Rathaus
The Rathaus is Basel’s spectacular, beet-red city hall. Built in 1504, it’s still the seat of cantonal government. It’s open to the public every day, with special tours through the closed chambers on Thursdays and Saturdays through Basel Tourism.
Museum Tinguely
The Museum Tinguely houses the world’s largest collection of works by the iconoclastic sculptor, who grew up in Basel. The current exhibit, Tinguely@ Tinguely, commemorates the 20th anniversary of the artist’s death.
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Eat
Hasenburg Chateau Lapin
Hasenburg Chateau Lapin serves what many say is the best potato rösti in town; pay it a visit and see for yourself.
Saint Albans Stübli
Saint Albans Stübli unites the best of French and German cuisine, whether you’d prefer a fillet of Swiss beef or dainty crab tartare.
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Tip
Confiserie Schiesser
Confiserie Schiesser has been serving truffles to chocolate addicts since 1870, while the first-floor tearoom serves comforting cups of cocoa.
Sauna am Rhy
The über-fashionable Sauna am Rhy hovers over the Rhine in several yurts on the old bathing platform. A short spell in the 90°C Finnish sauna will soon send you plunging into the chilly waters below. Check opening hours before you visit.
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Sleep
Hotel Merian
Hotel Merian (rooms from €180/CHF210) has some of the city’s best views. The Rhine-side rooms gaze up at Greater Basel’s skyline and down to the historic Middle Bridge.
Basel Youth Hostel
Don’t let the word ‘hostel’ deter you. Set in a former silk-dyeing factory, the Basel Youth Hostel (rooms from €100/CHF120) has stripped-down but chic decor and an excellent breakfast buffet; a city public transport pass is included in the room rate.
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Later
Unternehmen Mitte
Cultural centre Unternehmen Mitte offers everything from yoga courses to art galleries, and has two terrific café-bars.
Kaserne
Occupying Basel’s old barracks, Kaserne is the best place to catch some indie bands (as well as theatre, film screenings and other events). There are several bars and restaurants too.
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