Eurovision is coming to Basel – returning to its birthplace in Switzerland for the first time in over three decades – and the city is ready to impress with its charm and style…
By Stephan Petar
Thirty-seven countries are set to descend on Switzerland to compete at Eurovision 2025, with the hope of winning the coveted glass microphone trophy and the honour of hosting the competition next year.
Non-binary artist Nemo broke “The Code” with their winning song in 2024, bringing the competition back to the birthplace of Eurovision. (Interesting tidbit: Canadian chanteuse Céline Dion, representing Switzerland, performed “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi” and won in 1988, by a single point.) Participating 67 times, Switzerland has claimed three victories, with Lys Assia winning the first-ever song contest. Lugano and Lausanne have both hosted, and now Basel, which sits on the country’s borders with France and Germany, is set to welcome the world.
This is the perfect time – and place – to go to the city. Located in Switzerland’s German-speaking region, Basel’s history dates back to the Celtic times. It has the country’s third largest population, a Mediterranean climate and about 300 days of sun a year. And the city and its surrounding regions have activities for all interests and budgets. Whether it’s immersing yourself in Eurovision events, browsing museums, marvelling at its historic and modern architecture or savouring traditional Swiss dishes, the city will no doubt impress.
For the Eurovision superfan
Starting May 10, the song contest will host a week of activations throughout the city for the complete Eurovision experience. Eurovision Village (at Messe Basel, the city’s exhibition centre)
) will host daily programming with performances, food, activities and viewing parties, while Barfüsserplatz will showcase music from local and regional acts including those from France and Germany. Visitors will be able to stroll along Eurovision Boulevard, starting at Basel SBB railway station, and dance to past entries at EuroClub.
For a 2SLGBTQI+ experience
Home to RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars competitor Tessa Testicle, Basel has a small but mighty queer scene, with Gay Basel being the go-to source for local events. One event to keep in mind happens on Tuesday nights, when local establishment KaBar transforms into ZischBar. Described by Gay Basel as “the most important weekly gay meeting place in the city,” the evening welcomes the community to drink or chill out, with portions of sales being donated to local 2SLGBTQI+ associations.
For the budget traveller
Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but it can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. Navigate the narrow alleyways of Old Town to discover picturesque structures and the hundreds of decorative fountains (which, yes, have drinkable water). Take photos of the striking red-coloured Rathaus (city hall) with the frescos adorning its exterior and interior courtyards, or the double-towered Basler Münster (cathedral) with its tiled roof. Plant lovers can explore one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world at the University of Basel, walking through a tropical rainforest or gardens that were used to make and study medicine.
Lastly, don’t overlook Switzerland as a swimming destination. The Rhine River is a spot for locals to swim and commute as the currents carry them through Old Town. Just remember to swim in the green zones, never go alone, be a confident and strong swimmer, and invest in the Basel-invented Wickelfisch (fish-shaped dry bags) to keep your belongings dry. There are also bathing houses along the River like Rheinbad-Breite (admission starting at six Swiss francs), which is perfect for relaxing and soaking in the sun.
For the person who takes #FoodPorn
No trip is complete without sharing some fondue – and, according to locals and tourists alike, Schafeck has some of the best in the city. Other tasty must-haves include Rösti, a crispy potato pancake with bacon or cheese, and Raclette, which is melted cheese on potatoes or bread.
With France and Germany within walking distance, it’s easy to create a one-day “self-guided international food crawl,” having breakfast, lunch and dinner in different countries. For those who want to explore Basel’s food scene, there are plenty of Instagrammable venues with tasty food options to discover. Unternehmen Mitte and Gelateria Pandito are cozy spots for coffee and pastries, with the latter serving delicious homemade ice cream. For indecisive eaters, “food-temple” Klara features cuisines from different countries and cultures and is sure to satisfy all cravings. In the evening, pop into KUNI & GUNDE, a stylish corner restaurant with a minimalist light wood interior serving seasonal dishes that “not only satisfies the stomach, but also the soul.”
For the art ponderers
Basel surrounds visitors with art inside and out. As the country’s “Capital of Architecture,” it has ultra-sleek modern structures like the Novartis Pavillon and Basel Exhibition Centre, as well as historic buildings dating back centuries with hand-painted and/or ornately designed facades.
Its museums are stunning in design and hold impressive works by renowned artists. Fondation Beyeler, in nearby Riehen, has a large collection of classical modernism and contemporary art. Its current exhibition, Northern Lights, features landscape paintings by Scandinavian and Canadian artists such as the Group of Seven and Emily Carr.
Kunstmuseum Basel houses the oldest public art collection in the world, with pieces by Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and more. Its current exhibit, Verso – Tales from the Other Side, exposes the backs of paintings, which are typically concealed and only visible to curators and conservators.
For the daytripper
Forget trains, planes and automobiles – travelling to France and Germany is easy, in fact walkable. Locate the Dreiländereck monument, which marks the convergence of the three borders, and simply walk across. Live that A Walk to Remember fantasy by being in two places at once, or brag to friends about visiting three different countries in under an hour.
If exploring Switzerland is on your list, then train travel is the best option. Nearby Zurich is not only the country’s economic and financial centre – it also has plenty of history, swimming spots and nearby hiking trails. Lucerne’s clear waters and mountainscapes are worth the visit alone, along with its wooden Chapel Bridge. Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site old town; and you cannot miss Geneva or Lausanne in the French-speaking region (an overnight stay, at the least, is recommended).
Eurovision 2025 Fast Facts!
- Key dates: Semi-Final #1 on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Semi-Final #2 on Thursday, May 15, 2025 Grand Final on Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Currency: Swiss franc (CHF)
- Plugs: Type C (2-pin) and Type J (3-pin) plugs
- Time zone: Central European Time
- Shopping: A majority of shops are closed on Sundays. Exceptions include those near transit hubs and (usually) tourist attractions.
- Drinking water: Tap and fountain water is drinkable throughout the country.
- WiFi: Free WiFi requires registration, which typically requires a one-time code via text.
- SIM: An eSIM like Airalo is great for data (also consult our guide to eSIMs for other options), but a traveller SIM from a local mobile provider is best for minutes/text messaging.
- Discounts: Book a hotel, hostel or Airbnb in Basel and receive the “BaselCard,” which offers free public transport and discounts at attractions.
STEPHAN PETAR is a born and raised Torontonian, known for developing lifestyle, entertainment, travel, historical and 2SLGBTQI+ content. He enjoys wandering the streets of any destination he visits, where he’s guaranteed to discover something new or meet someone who will inspire his next story.
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