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If Switzerland, on the borders of Germany, France, Austria and wee Liechtenstein, is the consummate model state on the continent, the sum of that innate Euro-ness distills most plainly and handsomely in Basel. The third most populous city in the country is a compact and urbane apotheosis of Pan-European aesthetics (bountiful medieval heritage charm) and ideals (car-free Old Town, centre-left civic politics, renewable energy plans) that cuddles up to the river Rhine on the doorstep of Alsace, France and the Black Forest of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The nerve centre of the Regio TriRhena is a perennial geopolitical, commercial and cultural confluence point, from the Treaty of Basel in 1499 to the Basel Convention of 1989, the Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show to ArtBasel. If a healthy proportion of visitors come to attend to trade fair business and network over drinks in the Basler Messeturm’s panoramic Bar Rouge, however, surely just as many visit the city to enjoy superb architecture, museums and festivals. Gems like the Augusta Raurica Roman site, Historisches Museum, Schaulager gallery and Vogel Gryff festival evince a city with a singular cosmopolitan character.

BASEL’S TOP 10

BASEL EVENTS

Art Basel is the premier event in the contemporary art world. The fair takes place in Basel in June.

Avo Session Basel may not be Montreux but has drawn on jazz legends like Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Herbie Hancock in years past.

Carnival of Basel is the top festival in Switzerland and one of the best in Europe. Major incentive to visit the city in February or March.

Vogel Gryff, a folklore festival with medieval origins, takes over the old town in January.

VIPER Basel is an avant-garde international film, video and new media festival in November.

Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show lures untold international tradespeople and tourists to the city in March.

Basel Autumn Fair is a festive time in the city and a good opportunity to sample the local confection mässmogge.

Christmas in Basel starts in late November with traditional markets in the Old Town.

WHEN TO GO

Basel has a mild continental climate, with warm summers, cold winters and about ten days of rain per month, on average.

With temperatures from 50°F (10°C) to 75°F (24°C) between June and September, summer is a popular time to see the city. Winter, on the other hand, is a little more chilly, with temperatures from 28°F (-2°C) to 43°F (6°C). Nonetheless, December to February is a busy time in Basel as well, with many festivals and important events on tap.

GETTING AROUND

The EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is the only bi-national airport on the continent and resides in France, 2.5 mi (4 km) from Basel. With well over 4 million passengers a year, the airport is a vital hub that serves the likes of Athens, Berlin, Casablanca, Lisbon, London, Montreal, Paris, Rome and Vienna.

The train is perhaps the most elegant way to arrive in Basel. The city has two main rail stations that link with destinations as far-flung Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Luxembourg, Milan, Moscow, Prague and Rome.

Within the city, a pair of reliable trainers will get you far. Basel is very pedestrian-friendly and unfurls numerous bicycle paths as well. As a respite from feet and pedal power, however, a superb tram network fills in nicely. The public bus system is also very efficient and affordable.

Boat excursions on the Rhine are a popular summertime activity for locals and tourists alike.

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