Basel, Switzerland
They named it twice
Visit Basel (or Basle) and you’ll and you’ll discover why it’s so good they named it twice. Sitting just inside Switzerland but on the border with both France and Germany, it’s a town with many faces – and many influences. Despite its modern role as a centre of commerce and transport, a system of quant ferryboats is still used to cross the Rhine, which splices the city in two.
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Destination overview
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| Language: | German | |
| Currency: | Swiss Franc | |
| Time zone: | GMT +1 hour (GMT +2 hours in summer) | |
| Flight Time: | 2 hours | |
| Holiday type: | City break | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 9.5°C (24-hour average) Rainfall: 784mm a year |
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Must See:
Take in a sweeping panorama of the whole city and the River Rhine below from the opulent heights of the Bar Rouge, perched on the 32nd floor of Switzerland’s tallest building, the Basler Messeturm.
Must eat at:
With 24 Michelin starred restaurants within 70km, you’re spoiled for choice in and around Basel. Head to Westquaistrasse and take a Rhine cruise with gastronomy on tap... right down to the legendary local cheese fondue.
Must be there for:
Over three days at the start of Lent, the Basel Carnival, Fasnacht, transforms the city with the traditional sights and sounds of piccolos and drums, lantern parades and a heady atmosphere of celebration.
Well-travelled tips:
Basel’s trams have total right of way – so always keep your eyes peeled when you’re crossing the road.
Give your heart, lungs and legs a workout and walk. The city centre is brilliant exercise; with its own organic exercise plan honed over hundreds of years.
Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to visit Switzerland.
