Basel is best for business
Basel is 'the business' when it comes to impressive architecture, locally brewed beer and a bracing swim in the fast flowing Rhine. The city canton of Basel in northern Switzerland is a frequent host of conferences and, as such, it has a lot to offer the business traveller. bmi have a lot to offer the business traveller flying to Basel too. From the swift premium check in desk to the Diamond Club Business Lounge and throughout the 1hr 35 minute flight, getting to Basel is a breeze.
Glancing out the window when landing in Basel, it's impossible for those without a flight map to tell which country’s landscape they are admiring down below. Situated technically on French land but with access to Switzerland, passengers have a choice upon landing at Basel Europort as to which country they would like to enter. "Turn left for France and right for Switzerland" instruct the rather novel appearing signs.
Getting into Basel city centre from the airport is incredibly quick and easy - as is navigating the city as a whole. Public transport is free to visitors but it is also simplistic, frequent, and the trams are a sheer pleasure to ride - having absolute priority on the roads they are rarely delayed! There is a tram stop directly outside the Hotel Basilisk. Situated halfway between the conference centres in the business district and the sights of the Old Town lining the Rhine, the Basilisk is in the perfect location for business travellers who are looking to see more of Basel. The hotel’s name is derived from the half dragon, half rooster ‘basilisk’ creature, which decorates the many fountains of the city. One sits directly outside the hotel to welcome the guests.
Basel is a city of architectural beauty and contradictions. At its focal point is Basel cathedral, an orange-coloured, gothic-looking monolith. Perched high on a hill, its twin spires are a reference point for navigation for the wandering tourist. Visitors are permitted to climb one of the towers, scaling steep, winding and narrow staircases to take in the panoramic view of the city from above. Peering down from inside the spire you will see the green, orange and yellow roof tiles of the cloisters are a perfect accompaniment to the emerald colour of the Rhine. Locals love to swim in the fast moving water they light heartedly call the 'Basel Riviera', and waterproof bags are provided to protect the clothing of those who plop in upstream and float all the way to Basel's oldest bridge downstream. Also visible are the shiny black tiles of the Ecological museum, a 2011 building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, which stands in dramatic juxtaposition next to a timber building dating from the 1900's.
This contradiction is representative of Basel as a whole - both architecturally and culturally Basel is a surprising mix of the medieval and the modern. Even when it comes to beverages, Basel caters for both ends of its spectrum. For the traditional there is Ueli beer - produced in the Old Town of Basel in a family run brewery, its roots are deeply intertwined with Basel’s cultural festivals. For a modern tipple with a view there is Bar Rouge, a dimly lit cocktail lounge high on the 31st floor of Messeturm tower. From their leather seats you can sip a frozen Daiquiri and see all the way into France and Germany. To take advantage of Basel's unique location and visit three countries in one day, hop onto a Rhytaxi (river taxi), which in 20 minutes can take you along the Rhine to Three Countries Corner, the inconspicuous spot where the three countries’ borders meet.
Basel also offers many of the expected Swiss delights; chocolate, fondue, watches, and much more besides. It's a city on the corner of its country but no less Swiss at heart; an impressive amalgamation of old and young architecture and sights for all ages. A business traveller who sees only the inside of their hotel room would be severely missing out.
Jayne Gorman admits to being a travel obsessive. For her travel blogging is a hobby, a passion and a career. She runs a website called 40before30.com which is about her desire to visit and blog about 40 countries before turning 30. Jayne hopes to inspire others to discover more of the world by documenting her experiences and lessons learned, and sharing her impressions and advice for worldwide destinations. Find out what Jayne is currently up to on twitter @jayneytravels.
Basel on a budget
Basel may be best known for being one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical hubs, but I have a feeling that’s about to change. I found it to be not only the perfect city for a weekend break (owing to its location in Europe and manageable size), but it’s also home to some of the most quirky attractions on the continent, something which for me places Basel firmly in my ‘favourite European Cities’ list.
Despite its long run as a ‘corporate city’, Basel is a place with a sense of humour and loads of personality – from the famous King Lällekönig, who sits cheekily poking out his tongue at you from the side of a building, to the friendliness of locals and the range of activities on offer.
And while the current value of the Swiss Franc may send shudders through your back pocket, it doesn’t mean that Basel should be off your list, as there is still a long list of things to do, streets to wander and flavours of Swiss chocolate to sample!
Here is the best of Basel - activities that you can cram into a fun-filled weekend away without breaking the bank.
Take A Tram Trip – Tourists receive free public transport in Basel, so make the most of it by jumping on one of the city’s super-modern trams and enjoying a ride out to the beautiful Riehen region. There you can bask in the gorgeous green countryside, or visit the Foundation Beyeler Museum for a modern art fix.
Hit The Streets – One of the best things about Basel is that it is small enough to see on foot – you can wander through central Marktplatz, past the Cathedral, Town Hall and along the Rhine without working up too much of a sweat, and still have enough energy to climb the many steps leading to hidden village-like side streets and fountains throughout the city.
Give The King A Taste Of His Own Medicine – Get your own back at King Lällekönig on the corner of the restaurant Schifflände by pulling the most offensive face you can contort with your own features. The gargoyle was placed there after the 15th Century when the King’s gate tower, built to keep out ‘lesser citizens’ from the other side of the river, was destroyed, along with the King himself. Now, it’s payback time.
Treat Your Tastebuds – What would a trip to Basel be without some of Switzerland’s finest chocolate? A wasteful one, that’s what! There are plenty of chocolatiers to choose from in the city, but I would recommend Laederach which is opposite the Town Hall – whether your poison is truffles, white chocolate or confectionary, all vices are covered here, and then some! My favourite was the caramel vanilla truffle – don’t leave Basel without trying one!
Sample A Fine Basel Brew – Believe it or not, but Basel isn’t just known for its sugary delights, it also brews a mean beer too! Head to the Ueli Brewery just over the river and sample their finest wheat beer, lager or even one of their yearly special varieties, like their recent ‘Tut-Anch-Ueli’ beer which is an ode to Tutankhamen himself, made from Egyptian wheat.
Puppenhausmuseum – If you love the quirky and interesting, then you’ll love the Puppenhausmuseum – the world’s largest collection of dolls and teddy bears dating back over a century. With various scenes set up throughout the museum, you’ll have a giggle while in the back of your mind wondering if that doll’s eye did in fact just wink at you. Creepy, but in a good way.
Conquer the Rhine – If you happen to be visiting Basel in the warmer months (or the colder ones for those feeling adventurous), then make sure you truly dip your toe into the heart of the city by swimming in the Rhine, the fast flowing turquoise river that runs through it.
Whatever you choose in Basel you’ll no doubt have a great time taking in all the city has to offer – chocolate and face-pulling included!
Nicole is a 20-something Aussie living in London, and she recently set herself the goal of becoming location independent by the end of 2012. Nicole’s blog, Woman Seeks World, focuses on helping others also achieve this goal through building a business, advice on how you can work from anywhere in the world and travel guides from her travels over the last 8 years.
Nicole also just launched another website called The Living In London Guide which covers everything you need to know about moving to and living in the UK capital.