Basel
Basel lies at the intersection of three distinct countries and serves as the center of arts & culture in Switzerland.
Arriving in Switzerland for the prestigious art fair Art Basel was a dream come true. I couldn’t have been happier that the lovely Swiss city of Basel was my first visit to the country of Switzerland.
It lies at the crossroads of three major European countries: Germany, France, and Switzerland, each of whom lends a little bit of its culture to the city, from the French hotels to the German language to the Swiss cuisine. Many retailers even accept the Euro even though the Swiss franc is the official currency!
Getting Around Basel
As for getting around, touring Basel on foot really couldn’t get any easier. If you’re not a walker, the above-ground Basel tram can take you all around the city, with less than 5 minutes wait. There’s no excuse not to explore every corner, as Basel has one of the most efficient systems of public transport I’ve ever experienced.
Hotels
Les Trois Rois
The best place to stay in Basel is the luxury hotel Les Trois Rois which dates back to 1681. The year I visited, the hotel bar was sponsored by Hauser & Wirth and became an art installation similar to the 18th Street Gallery’s Dieter Roth espresso bar in NYC.
Blumenrain 8
4001 Basel, Switzerland
Romantik Hotel Spielweg
If you have time, I recommend visiting the neighboring countries’ towns as well. I had a lovely dinner at the adorable Romantik Hotel Spielweg, located in the Black Forest of Germany, about an hour’s drive from Basel. Unfortunately, it was raining on this day, so the view was quite misty.
Romantik Hotel Spielweg
Spielweg 61
79244 Münstertal/Schwarzwald, Germany
Restaurants
Below are some recommendations for where to eat on your visit to Basel.
Volkshaus
A lively restaurant serving typical German fare, with a cozy interior and open-air courtyard for cocktails. This place is definitely a hotspot during Art Basel week.
Volkshaus
Rebgasse 12-14
4058 Basel, Switzerland
Gifthüttli
For more traditional Swiss cuisine, visit Restaurant Gifthüttli for the best Cordon Bleu you’ll find in Basel.
Gifthüttli
Schneidergasse 11,
4051 Basel, Switzerland
