A city of culture, a trade fair city and a university city – Basel has many different facets and something for everyone to enjoy. This city on the banks of the Rhine provides the perfect setting for your event and offers visitors a huge variety of options.
A Swiss soul and a European spirit.
Basel’s close proximity to France and Germany gives it a direct link to Europe. International flair is a matter of the heart here – the people of Basel have good language skills, are open to the world and make excellent hosts. The city’s sheltered location on the Rhine promises a mild climate all year round, and spending a summer evening on the banks of the Rhine is just like being on holiday.
All roads lead to Basel.
Basel boasts above-average public transport connections. Visitors can easily access our city via its three railway stations, with direct connections throughout Europe, and from Basel’s EuroAirport. If necessary, Zurich airport can be reached by rail in just over an hour. We have a very well-developed transport network and our location in the heart of the city means that all Basel’s landmarks are within walking distance.
The right place for business and enjoyment.
Basel is not only a popular venue for commercial trade fairs and scientific congresses but also has plenty to offer after work. The exhibition site is within walking distance of Basel city centre and is well integrated into the city’s infrastructure. This means that visitors and organisers can enjoy further cultural highlights after work and are taken care of round the clock.
Everything’s in the green range in Basel
Basel has been committed to sustainability for many years. This also includes staging climate-friendly trade fairs and congresses. Since 2009, 100% of the energy consumed in the city has come from renewable sources. With the ongoing development of renewable energies and an environmentally compatible mobility concept, the city of Basel is constantly working to further reduce its energy and resource consumption. Under the motto “Quality of life for everyone, today and in the future”, Basel promotes fair trade (“Fair Trade Town” award), projects and campaigns for sustainable urban development (“C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group”) and sustainable nutrition for the city’s population (“Milan Urban Food Policy Pact”). In 2022, Basel was awarded the “European Energy Award Gold” for the fifth time for its exemplary energy policy. The Rhine is so clean that the people of Basel use the river to cool off in the summer, and each city district has at least one green park providing relaxation and shade.
Make night into day – or vice-versa.
There’s always a lot going on in Basel – a diverse cultural programme, an innovative culinary scene and an active nightlife with something for everyone. Overnight guests have around 10,000 hotel rooms at their disposal, with 1,000 of these within walking distance of Messe & Congress Center Basel. Those who prefer a more familiar atmosphere have 4,000 Airbnb rentals to choose from.
The chemistry’s right in Basel.
Basel is home to two internationally leading pharmaceutical firms with F. Hoffmann-La Roche and Novartis. Companies from the agrochemical, life sciences and logistics sectors, the financial industry and also information and communication technology similarly have their headquarters here. This creates jobs and brings international know-how to the city. The Basel economic region is regarded as the most dynamic region in Switzerland and one of the most productive in the world.
Where science sets a precedent.
The University of Basel was founded in 1460 and is Switzerland’s oldest university. The city still benefits today from the many people it attracts in a university context. Basel is regarded as one of Europe’s leading teaching and research locations for the life sciences and medicine, as well as for energy and cultural sciences.
You’ll be made welcome in Basel.
Despite its scientific, cultural and economic relevance, Basel is still a down-to-earth city. Visitors appreciate its relaxed atmosphere and manageable size. Whether on foot or by public transport – the old town, nearby recreational areas and the countries just over the border are within easy reach at all times. Hotel guests are automatically given a BaselCard, entitling them to free transport on trams and buses, WiFi access and discounts on cultural and recreational activities in the region.
We know all the rules of the art.
Basel is regarded as the cultural capital of Switzerland. With its 40 museums – more than one per square kilometre – art and architecture enthusiasts will be in their element, as will lovers of historical artefacts and natural history exhibits. It was in this culturally vibrant environment that Art Basel was founded more than fifty years ago and has grown to become the most important contemporary art show today.
