Book Basel hotels

Can't decide which European country to visit? Stay in one of our Basel hotels and experience Switzerland, Germany and France all rolled into one! Not only is Basel considered the Three Countries Corner (due to its location on the German-Swiss-French border) it's also Switzerland's cultural hub, and a divine holiday destination.

History

Basel was occupied by Celts and Romans in ancient times but became a scholarly and cultural destination in 1460 when Switzerland's first higher education institution, the Basel University, was founded. The city played an important role in keeping Swiss neutrality during the Reformation and major wars in Europe, but now its biggest drawcards are its prime location and its arts scene.

Things to do

Basel is a relatively small city, but it's absolutely brimming with museums and art galleries, including the world-famous Tinguely Museum, Vitra Design Museum, Fondation Beyeler and Kunstmuseum. In fact, Basel is home to Europe's largest concentration of museums in one place and it's best-known for its modern and contemporary art. The buildings themselves are an artistic feat too, so make sure you snap lots of photos of the museums' unique architecture.

Another great place to admire architecture is in the Old Town, where modern buildings stand beside well-preserved 15th century ones. But the icing on the cake – when it comes to architecture - is the Basel Cathedral, which can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and offers fantastic views of the River Rhine.

Annual events

There's always a lot happening in Basel so make sure you plan your trip around these important events. There's the Fasnacht Carnival at the end of February; the Viper International Film, Video and New Media Festival in March; Baselworld in April; ArtBasel in May/June; the Stimmen in June/July and the Autumn Fair in October.

Shopping and dining

If you're ready to flex your credit cards and splash out a bit, there are plenty of boutique stores to browse, as well as a few shopping centres. For fresh produce and fine cheeses, you can't beat Marktplatz but if you're after souvenirs at bargain prices, make sure you visit the Flohmarkt Petersplatz on a Saturday morning.

Humble pub meals, fine dining experiences and everything else in between is offered in Basel. And when the sun goes down, you can party the night away in a nightclub or enjoy a sophisticated bevvy in a suave cocktail bar. There are also heaps of theatres where you can enjoy dinner and a show, if that's your thing.

Getting here and around

To get here, grab one of these cheap flights to Basel. The airport is only 10 minutes from the city centre and since the city is rather small, it's easily navigated on foot. But if your legs grow weary, you can always catch a public bus or tram to get around.

A well-deserved break on the Swiss side of the River Rhine, bordering France and Germany, with plenty of cultural attractions to see – sounds tempting, doesn't it? Book your Basel accommodation with us today and live every lastminute!