Basel

Lying mere footfalls from the French and German borders, it’s no surprise that Basel has made a name for itself as a bustling, cosmopolitan city, nestled in an idyllic location on the banks of the Rhine River.

Home to about 40 museums and a big international art scene thanks to its annual Art Basel festival, the city is awash with innovative street art and rich architecture. Dubbed Switzerland’s cultural capital, Basel has plenty to keep visitors entertained: munch on some gingerbread-like Basler Läckerli, cool off with a summer dip in the Rhine or join in the rambunctious festivities at the vibrant Fasnacht, the city’s annual street carnival.

Practical Info

Basel sits where the Swiss, German and French borders meet, and is Switzerland's third-most populated city with 195,000 people.