Best of BASEL

The world’s largest watch and jewellery show aside, this Swiss city offers a wealth of art, design and gastronomic temptations that have charmed multitudes year after year.

- Aaron DeSilva

For watch journalists, Basel means one thing. Basel world, the world’s biggest watch and jewellery trade show that takes place every March. For years, they had to explain its location and significance to the less informed. “Oh, Brussels? No? Brazil. No?” would come the typical response. The city is after all Switzerland’s third largest after Zürich and Geneva and a mecca for watchaholics and artholics – Art Basel being the marquee event held every June – but remains off the radar to most casual visitors.

Which is a shame, really. There is plenty on offer, from world-class art, culture and design, to picturesque nature trails and golf courses just outside the city. But Basel is small compared to Geneva and Zurich, compact enough to be explored on foot. It’s roughly divided into two halves by the Rhine river: Gross basel (literally, ‘Big Basel’) on the south bank and Kleinbasel (‘Little Basel’) to the north. Most points of interest are concentrated in Gross basel, including the charming medieval Old Town, while Kleinbasel is home to the city’s sizeable immigrant population and working classes. Consequently, the vibe is urban and grittier, with narrow streets lined with sundry shops, ethnic eateries and corner bars.