Cultural capital

One of Basel's most distinctive features is undoubtedly its geographic location: this German-speaking city is at the heart of a built-up area of 700,000 people living in three different countries - Germany, France and Switzerland.

Here, the Rhine acts as a cultural border. On one side, you’ll discover the personable and rustic atmosphere of Kleinbasel (Lesser Basel), while on the other you’ll find the pretty districts of Grossbasel (Greater Basel). Visitors will enjoy the impressive quality of the city's prestigious hotels and restaurants.

A business and cultural centre

Basel is an essential business meeting point for the entire Swiss economy, as it is the country's only access to the sea via the inland waterway. The diverse range of economic activity attracts workers from all over the world. More than 150 nations are represented and the city is also home to the headquarters of the Bank for International Settlements. Since Novartis and Roche set up business there, Basel has been considered a global centre of the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry.

It is also considered the cultural capital of Switzerland thanks to the exceptional standard of the cultural events it holds, which are rich and diverse and always top quality.