Welcome to Basel

Come along on a journey through Basel – a small city of global format. If you have some time before or after ECCB, here are some ideas for activities in and around Basel.

Basel - Culture unlimited

Basel is a European cultural centre: Almost 40 museums, some of world renown, such as the 'Fondation Beyeler' and the 'Kunstmuseum', the Basel Theatre staging plays, operas and ballet, as well as 25 further small theatres, a Musical theater, countless galleries, music stages of all sizes and over 40 cinema screens all contribute to a rich cultural life. The city ranks with the European élite in the fine arts, as is demonstrated by its hosting 'Art Basel', the world's leading contemporary art fair.

Contemporary architecture has become a brand name for Basel.  Cutting-edge buildings by top international architects in fascinating contrast to the dignified traditions of the old town round out the image of a cosmopolitan metropolis, like the Gehry building on the new Novartis global headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

THRIVING BUSINESS LOCATION – INNOVATIVE RESEARCH

The Basel area is Switzerland's second important business centre, and enjoys the country's fastest rate of economic growth. This success story has been built upon the global achievements of its pharmaceutical and chemical companies, among them two of the world's top five. In their wake, a whole cluster of life sciences startups and spin-offs create a very dynamic economic climate. A number of leading international logistics service providers are also domiciled in this city. Basel is also a successful exhibition and congress city. Architecture and design also play an important part in the city's thriving economy. And finally, Basel has developed into Switzerland's second most-important financial and insurance centre, after Zurich. All these factors help underpin Basel's high standard of living. And last, but not least, research and education play an important role in Basel's wealth: The city runs excellent schools, one of Europe's oldest universities and an innovative University of Applied Sciences.

More about Basel

City of Basel web site	Basel Tourism Information