BASEL SWITZERLAND
Your exclusive guide by
Quintessentially is proud to be the Global concierge partner for
Welcome to
We are proud to be the official concierge partner for Art Basel worldwide. We’ll be on hand to provide lifestyle support for VIPs and Quintessentially members during the art where it all began in Basel, Switzerland. Whether that’s securing stays in sought-after hotels, reservations at booked-up restaurants, last-minute hair and makeup appointments, seamless transport, exclusive benefits, and more.
And you’ll find us in the Collectors Lounge – where we can assist you with any enquiries and provide information on the range of events at Art Basel 2025. All VIP sponsor events are subject to availability, speak to your lifestyle manager to share your interest.
VIP cardholders can make requests by emailing us at artbasel@quintessentially.com For Quintessentially membership enquiries, email membership@quintessentially.com .
Image courtesy of Art Basel
Contents
Image courtesy of Art Basel
Basel
At the intersection where France, Germany, and Switzerland meet, you’ll find Basel. So, it’s no surprise that this multi-cultural city hugged by European borders does it all.
A hub for trade and transport. A global centre for the pharmaceutical industry. A home to galleries, museums, iconic architecture, and of course – the world-famous Art Basel festival.
From dining riverside on the Rhine to wandering around one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens, here’s how to make the most of your time in Basel and beyond.
Dining & drinking
Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl
Restaurant Krafft
Expect one of the best views of the Rhine and even better food. The star of this spot’s show is its al fresco terrace on the water’s edge and our top pick is the steamed pike perch in a tarragon and Riesling broth.
Cheval
Blanc by Peter Knogl
Three Michelin stars. 19 Gault Millau points. And ranking among the top 100 restaurants in the world. That’s Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl in a few numbers. But in a few words, it serves the finest French haute cuisine with a side of Asian influences.
Confiserei Schiesser
This is for those with a sweet tooth. As one of the city’s oldest cafés, it also has a chocolate factory on site. And it’s here that you’ll find its famous chestnut vermicelli – a traditional Swiss delicacy topped with whipped cream.
Bel Etage
Inside the wisteria-masked Der Teufelhof Basel hotel you’ll find Bel Etage – a Michelin star restaurant serving its à la carte menu from an outdoor terrace canopied by a stretch tent in the summer. And it’s a grape choice for those after wine pairings – its wine list has over 450.
Walliser Kanne
This is Swiss cuisine at its most refined. Here, you’ll fine underneath whitewashed arches and exposed wooden beams whilst enjoying quintessential Swiss dishes, like Wiener schnitzels prepared on your table or its famous five-cheese fondue.
Brasserie au violon
Au violon is a restaurant that will go down in history. And not just because it’s in a 13-century building that was a former monastery and prison. It’s a traditional brasserie serving classic dishes like foie gras marbled in red wine.
Stucki by Tanja Grandit
With not one but two Michelin stars, this restaurant is a delight for all the senses. Whether you’re dining on the nine-course evening set menu, drinking in the garden terrace oasis, or buying condiments from the small onsite shop, this experience is not-to-be-missed.
Accommodation
Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois
Bloom Hotel & Bar
What's new this year Exclusive experiences
All VIP sponsor events are subject to availability –more information to follow. Speak to your lifestyle manager to share your interest.
3rd Tues June
Prologue at Meriansaal/Dupont 6–8pm
Hosted together with Abteilung Kultur BS and Basel Tourism
15th Sun June
Hosted by Basel Tourism Rhine swimming 5:30–7:30pm
16th Mon June
Parcours Opening
Unlimitted VIP Opening 11am–1pm 10am–8pm
Artists Brunch
Art Basel - Hall 1.1
Welcome Breakfast 9:30–11am
19th Thu June Nocturne Unlimited Night 7:30–10pm From 4pm
20th Fri June At Kunstmuseum Kunstmuseum Breakfast 9:30–11am
17th Tue June At Art Basel At Fondation Beyeler
Activities
Kunstmuseum Basel
Explore Altstadt
Altstadt – aka, the Old Town – is the best explored by foot. That’s why a walking tour led by local guide George Lüder around its best bits is a must. From the grave of Erasmus at Basel Minster to the blue-clad houses, he’ll expertly bring the city’s history to life.
Swim in the Rhine
Want to go with the flow? You can submerge yourself in local life by jumping into the Rhine and floating downstream. A popular entry point is just below Museum Tinguely. From there, you can swim for two miles along Kleinbasel. Keep an eye out for commuters who take this route to work.
Visit Basel Minster
With its red sandstone walls and gothic architecture, Basel Minster is one of the city’s most famous –and visited – landmarks. Not only does this cathedral’s exterior form a perfect picture, but the view from its twin towers over Altstadt and the Rhine is just as spectacular.
Visit Basler
Papiermühle museum
Paper – don’t write it off. From calligraphy to loo roll, this museum showcases ancient methods of papermaking. And if that alone isn’t enough to draw you inside its doors, its picturesque setting might – a medieval paper mill on the banks of a small canal.
Shop on Freie Strasse
Freie Strasse is your one-stop shop for all your shopping needs –if, by one shop, we mean a street lined with several. Starting from the Marktzplatz, this is where to go in Basel for a shopping spree, and here you’ll find everything from high-end fashion to local souvenirs.
Wander around Altstadt Kleinbasel
Head to the eastern side of the Rhine to discover a vibrant, Mediterranean ambiance. Dig in the treasure troves of several vintage stores, stroll along the sun-drenched banks of the river, and taste traditional bakes in the Matthäus quarter.
Go golfing
Golf enthusiasts will hit it off with Basel’s four golfing greens which are within reasonable reach of the city. Whilst one can be found on its outskirts, you can also tee off from the other nine-hole courses in Laufental, Rheinfelden, and Fricktal.
Visit the Botanical Garden
Welcome to one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. In the historical heart of the city, you’ll find a secret garden that dates back to 1589, home to seven greenhouses and where over 7,500 different tropical plant species thrive.
Catch a show at Theater Basel
Theatre. Opera. Ballet. Whichever your preferred genre, Theater Basel produces a diverse programme of first-class productions. So, for an experience to remember, head to Switzerland’s largest multipurpose theatre company.
Child-friendly activities
Ride a ferry on the Rhine
Relax and unwind on the Rhine. Running daily and powered by the force of the current alone, a ferry ride is one of the best ways to see the sights in Basel. Top tip: travel from Kleinbasel to Grossbasel on the Münster ferry to enjoy the best view of Basel Minster.
Visit the Spielzeug Welten Museum
Indulge your inner child at the toy museum. Housed in a 19thcentury building, the museum resembles a dollhouse itself. So, it’s fitting that things get interactive inside with floor-to-ceiling displays of historic teddy bears, dolls, and miniature worlds.
Visit Basel Zoo
Enter an urban oasis at this science-led zoo, where recreation meets research. You can relax and observe the animals knowing that the zoo supports habitat conservation projects worldwide and is involved in over 40 international conservation breeding programs for endangered species.
Go on a City Treasure Hunt
Enlist the help of Basil the little dragon to turn an everyday city tour into a thrilling treasure hunt. With tricky puzzles to solve and hidden spots to find along the way, you’ll explore Basel in a fun and playful way for the whole family.
Visit Lange Erlen Animal Park
From wild cats and wild boar to red deer and fallow deer, this animal park is home to every child’s favourite animal. This is a peaceful riverside parkland where you’ll wander past birds in the aviary, swans in the ponds, or donkeys in the paddocks.
Beyond Basel
Want to extend your trip beyond Basel?
Here are our top travel recommendations all within reach by car or train.
Geneva, Switzerland
2 hours 30 minutes by car, 2 hours 50 minutes by train
From world-leading international organisations to luxury goods and hotel brands, Switzerland’s second-largest city has it all. But beneath its slick exterior lies a counterculture to the cosmopolitan city – an arena of artists and activists with attitude. When choosing a base from which to explore this city of contrasts, take your pick from its variety of five-star hotels, including the Four Seasons Geneva, Mandarin Oriental Geneva, La Reserve Hotel, and Spa Geneva.
Don’t leave without… seeing the iconic fountain of Jet d’Eau, exploring the historical old town, and visiting the 12th-century Saint Pierre Cathedral.
Strasbourg, France
1 hour 40 minutes by car and train
Looking like it’s been ripped straight out the pages of a Brothers Grimm fairytale, Strasbourg is home to crooked timber-framed houses, candy-coloured facades, and canals that reflect its Alsatian identity like a watercolour painting. But, today, this city is so much more than its medieval past. Its progressive future is as clear as the glass that glistens on the buildings of the European Quarter, where France’s second-largest student population can be found.
Don’t leave without… marvelling at the Gothic architecture of the cathedral, exploring the small riverways of Petite France, and dining on local cheese and wine at a traditional winstub.
Lucerne, Switzerland
1 hour 15 minutes by car and fast train
What do Goethe, Queen Victoria, and Wagner all have in common? A shared love for Lucerne. With a cobalt lake that slices through the snow-topped mountains surrounding it, it’s no surprise this landscape was a firm favourite among these famous faces. In fact, Lucerne is legendary – literally. From dragons and devils to witches and angels, this Swiss city is steeped in folklore. And as soon as you step foot in its magical surroundings, it’s easy to see why.
Don’t leave without… taking a day trip to Lake Lucerne, trying your hand at high-thrill water sports, and browsing the stalls at one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Zürich, Switzerland
1 hour by car and train
Zürich’s reputation precedes itself. But beyond its name as Switzerland’s largest city and Europe’s cleanest and most efficient city, it’s home to medieval history, a vibrant café culture, and some of the world’s finest art. Hugging the northern banks of Lake Zürich and neatly divided by the Limmat River, this city has natural beauty in abundance. To wake up to the sound of waters lapping against your hotel’s façade, stay at Baur au Lac. Or, for a hilltop view of the watery landscape below, stay at The Dolder Grand.
Don’t leave without… spending a day on Lake Zürich, visiting the medieval churches and cathedrals scattered around the city, or hitting up the trendy bars and boutiques markets in Europe.
Lugano, Switzerland
3 hours 40 minutes by car, 3 hours by train
Sitting in southern Switzerland on the border of Italy’s northern Lombardy region, this Swiss town is filled with Italian flair – from its architecture to its cuisine. Whilst hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts should head into the lush mountains engulfing Lake Lugano, shopping and culture lovers should take to the steep cobblestone streets scattered with designer boutiques and pavement cafés. However you wish to spend your time in Lugano, stay at Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola or The View for sights that are sure to astonish every discerning traveller.
Don’t leave without… visiting Piazza del Riforma’s pastel-coloured buildings and neoclassical palazzi, sunbathing on the banks of Lake Lugano, and taking in the panoramic views from the LAC arts centre.
Lake Como, Italy
3 hours and 45 minutes by car, no direct trains
There’s more to Lake Como than soaking up the sun on its shimmering shorelines, celeb spotting, and sitting on speedboats. But don’t be surprised if a perfect day in this mountain-fringed paradise involves all three. You’ll stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como – a secluded 19th-century waterfront mansion on the southeast side of the lake with a staircase leading to the lake. Before taking a quintessentially Como boat ride across the lake to Villa d’Este, a Renaissance palace where you’ll be treated like royalty for the day.
Don’t leave without… booking a table at Restaurante Imperiliano for lunch –a lakeside spot that’s been branded the most romantic restaurant in Lake Como, with the views to prove it.
Schwarzwald, Germany
1 hour 40 minutes by car, 3 hours by train
Hansel & Gretel Little Red Riding Hood Snow White. The setting of these Brothers Grimm fairy tales was all inspired by none other than Germany’s dense and dark fir forest mountain range. However, there is nothing make-believe about the Black Forest’s natural beauty. Steeped in myths, this is a place where waterfall trails, scenic drives, and cuckoo clocks are around every corner.
Don’t leave without… relaxing in one of the Black Forest’s spa towns. More specifically, in a Roman-inspired thermal spa in Baden-Baden, drawn from mineral-rich hot springs.
Bern, Switzerland
1 hour 20 minutes by car, 1 hour by train
Switzerland is always a good idea. But a day trip to its cultural capital is an even better one. You’d be forgiven for thinking that a bigger city like Zurich or Geneva is the Swiss capital but, what Bern lacks in size, it makes up for in centuriesold traditions and charm. Built on the bend of the Aare River, Bern’s medieval old town has it all. It has over 500 fountains, a 15th-century bear park, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it also holds local flower and flea markets on the weekends.
Don’t leave without… visiting one of the Läderach chocolate shops. Made by a world-class chocolatier, sampling its selection of truffles and pralines is encouraged.
Art Basel VIPs can make requests by emailing us at artbasel@quintessentially.com For Quintessentially membership enquiries, email membership@quintessentially.com.