Eurovision 2025 is just around the corner, and fans from all over the world are getting ready to descend on Basel, Switzerland – the official host city! Whether you’ve got tickets in hand or are just coming for the atmosphere, here’s your go-to guide to discovering Basel during Eurovision week.
Welcome to Basel: The Heart of Eurovision 2025
Basel is pulling out all the stops to welcome Eurovision fans this May. From city-wide decorations to fan zones and cultural events, the whole city is getting into the Eurovision spirit. With strong public support and a long-standing love for music and diversity, Basel is more than ready to host one of the biggest events in Europe.
Where Is Basel and How to Get There?
Nestled in the northwest of Switzerland, Basel borders both France and Germany, making it incredibly accessible whether you’re traveling by train, car, or air.
✈️ Closest airport: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (located in France, but just 15 minutes from Basel city center)
🚆 Train connections: Direct links to Zurich, Geneva, Milan, Frankfurt, Paris, and more
🚍 Local transport: Free with the BaselCard, which every overnight visitor receives — includes trams, buses, and discounts on attractions
Where Everything Is Happening – Eurovision Locations in Basel
The main contest takes place at St. Jakobshalle, but Eurovision fans will spread across the entire city. The key hotspot outside the arena is the Eurovision Village, held indoors at Messe Basel Hall 1, featuring concerts, drag shows, DJ sets, and more – and it’s free!
What’s Basel Like?
Basel is known as Switzerland’s cultural capital. It has a rich history, modern architecture, and a friendly, laid-back vibe that makes it ideal for exploring on foot or by tram.
• 🏙️ Population: 180,000+ in the city, nearly 1 million in the metro area
• 🏰 Old Town charm mixed with cutting-edge architecture
• 🖼️ Over 40 museums, including the world-famous Kunstmuseum
• 🌊 Located on the beautiful banks of the Rhine River
Daytime Activities for Eurovision Fans
If you’re planning to make the most of your Eurovision trip, here are some fan-friendly things to do between shows:
- Take a Rhine cruise and enjoy views of the city from the water
- Visit the Tinguely Museum or Fondation Beyeler
- Head to the Basel Zoo – a favorite for visitors of all ages
- Explore the historic Altstadt (Old Town), with its charming alleys, fountains, and shops
- Hop on a tram and explore like a local – with the BaselCard, it’s free!
Nightlife and Food in Basel
Basel has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife, especially during Eurovision week. You’ll find:
- Trendy bars and pubs in Kleinbasel
- Delicious Swiss-German cuisine and international restaurants
- Outdoor terraces and riverside spots perfect for a drink with fellow fans
- Eurovision-themed club nights and afterparties all week long
- Don’t miss trying a Basler Läckerli (local gingerbread snack) or some raclette if you’re feeling Swiss.
Weather and What to Pack for Eurovision 2025 in Basel
🌤️ Average May temperature: 14.6°C (between 9.5°C and 20°C)
☔ May is the wettest month, so pack a light raincoat or umbrella
👟 Bring comfortable shoes — you’ll want to walk or use trams to explore
Ongoing Events Around Eurovision 2025:
- FEI World Cup Finals: April 2–6, 2025 (St. Jakobshalle)
- Yonex Swiss Open Badminton: March 18–23, 2025
- UEFA Women’s EURO 2025: Basel hosts the opening match and final in July
- Art Basel (June): The world’s leading modern art fair (right after Eurovision)
🎨 Museums, Culture & Art Scene
Basel is often called the cultural capital of Switzerland. With nearly 40 museums in just 37 km², it boasts the highest museum density in Europe:
- Kunstmuseum Basel: Over 300,000 works from Holbein to contemporary masters
- Fondation Beyeler: Hosts the first major Henri Matisse retrospective in 20 years (Sep 2024 – Jan 2025)
- Museum Tinguely: World’s largest kinetic art collection
- Schaulager: Unique blend of exhibition and storage
Basel’s architectural landmarks include buildings by Herzog & de Meuron, Mario Botta, Zaha Hadid, and Frank Gehry. Don’t miss the stunning Novartis Campus and the twin Roche Towers—the tallest in Switzerland.
🎭 Music, Theatre & Festivals
- Theater Basel: Switzerland’s largest multi-purpose theatre
- Stadtcasino Basel: One of the world’s top concert halls
- Baloise Session (Autumn): World-class pop, rock, and soul acts in an intimate setting
- Basel Tattoo (Summer): 2nd-largest open-air tattoo festival globally
- Youth Choir Festival (May 2025): Timed close to Eurovision—perfect for choral lovers
🎶 Summer Music Scene
Basel’s open-air music culture is vibrant and diverse:
- BScene Festival (April)
- Imagine Festival (June): Promotes diversity and inclusion
- Floss Festival (Summer): Free concerts on a floating stage in the Rhine
A City With a Eurovision Soul
Basel may be hosting Eurovision for the first time, but it has fully embraced the contest. From its strong local support to its world-class venues and hospitality, this city is ready to give fans an unforgettable Eurovision experience.
And remember — even without a ticket, the Eurovision magic isn’t limited to the arena. With public screenings, city events, fan meetups, and that unbeatable ESC buzz, you’ll feel part of it wherever you go in the city. Basel is more than just the host city – it’s your gateway to an unforgettable Eurovision experience. From open-air attractions to dazzling indoor events, you’ll find countless reasons to fall in love with Switzerland’s third-largest city.
🗓️ Plan your days, meet fellow fans, and enjoy every moment. ESCplus will be on the ground in Basel to bring you all the latest — so stay tuned!