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How to Experience Basel During Art Basel Week: Insider Tips and Tricks

Writer's picture: MonicaMonica

Updated: Jun 8, 2024

Friends from around the world, welcome to Basel! We’re here to make sure you have an unforgettable time during Art Basel Week. From logistics to hotspots, and tips from locals who know this city inside out, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our Basel guide to museums, satellite events, parties, exhibitions, and some offbeat activities. Enjoy the list and feel free to share yours!


Dan Flavin at Kunstmuseum Basel
Dan Flavin at Kunstmuseum Basel


The "Art Basel Briefing" from the Creative Mornings Basel Team

Parcours: The Art Basel Parcours is always a highlight for us. It’s an amazing way to explore the city while discovering incredible art installations. The 2024 edition, curated by Stefanie Hessler, takes you through Clarastrasse, blending contemporary art with Basel’s urban charm. It’s a unique experience where art meets the everyday – a must-see! More about Parcours here.

Herz Bar: You can't miss having a drink at Herz Bar. It’s the perfect place to soak in the Art Basel atmosphere and do some serious people-watching. Check them out on Instagram.

Canapé & Natural Wine Bar: For a more indie experience, check out Canapé & Natural Wine Bar – you won't be disappointed! Follow them on Instagram.

We Are Ona & Art Basel Pop-Up: For an exclusive dinner, check out the We Are Ona & Art Basel pop-up. This culinary event pairs fine dining with art and design. Enjoy a 6-course lunch or 8-course dinner by chef Sayaka Sawaguchi, known for her Green Michelin star. The menu celebrates early summer’s fresh colors and flavors. More details here.


We Are Ona Dinner Experience During Art Basel
We Are Ona Dinner Experience During Art Basel

Basel Social Club: This year, it’s located a bit further at Predigerhof, but you can easily reach it by e-bike and enjoy the scenic countryside on your way. It’s always a great vibe there! Follow them on Instagram.


Café Gupi: If you’re looking for something further afield, Café Gupi is a charming spot in a historic gardener's house in Läublinpark in Germany. The cozy atmosphere and authentic, seasonal cuisine make it a lovely place for dinner. Visit their website.


Bebbi Zine: We highly recommend checking out Bebbi Zine. This publication celebrates and connects Basel's cultural scene. During Art Fair Week (June 10–16, 2024), they’ll publish a daily curated newsletter with event information for those eager to engage with the vibrant scene. Follow them on Instagram. In case you missed it, we’re hosting a guided tour and evening drinks session with the Basel Creative Mornings community. The tour is open to all, but registration is required.




Affordable Art Tips from the Basel Art Summer Camp Participants

Affordable Accomodation: With the summer camp, we’ve pretty much booked out Hyve Hostel, which is usually a top recommendation for an affordable and nice place to stay. Another great option is the Basel Youth Hostel, which recently won an architecture prize and is full of small design details. It’s right by the Rhine and a short walk away from the Kunstmuseum.

Designer Furniture at Basel Youth Hostel
Designer Furniture at Basel Youth Hostel

Best Picnic Spots: There are many parks, spots along the river, and green areas to put out a blanket and enjoy snacks from local supermarkets or bakeries. Check out Birsköpfli, Rheinufer, and various parks around the city - even the De-Wette park just by the train station is cute and you can get a drink at Zum Kuss bar on your way home...


Affordable Art: If you want to buy art, visit us at the Basel Art Summer Camp, where we offer affordable artworks, including print editions of our originals. Come by anytime between 12 pm and 8 pm from June 13th to 15th. We’d love to see you!


Affordable Art at Basel Art Summer Camp
Affordable Art at Basel Art Summer Camp

Liste Art Fair: Check out Liste Art Fair for a cooler, younger vibe. Entry is only CHF 25, or CHF 12.50 if you're a student. Find out more here.

Photo Basel: Another fantastic fair is Photo Basel, which focuses on photography. Tickets are only CHF 20. Get your tickets here.

Make the Most of the Basel Card: The Basel Card offers discounts on various attractions and activities around the city. If you're staying in a hotel, you'll receive a Basel Card at check-in. For Airbnb guests, ask your host if they can organize it for you. Learn more about the Basel Card here.

Something beyond-art from Maja, the ArtGorgeous Editor


Giraffe at Natural History Museum Basel by Nicole Nars-Zimmer
Giraffe at Natural History Museum Basel by Nicole Nars-Zimmer

Natural History Museum: I love natural history museums in general, and the one in Basel is particularly charming. It’s a welcome reprieve after all the art.


Hirscheneck Restaurant: For food, take yourself to a super easy, relatively affordable lunch or dinner at Hirscheneck. It’s a collective restaurant located at Lindenberg 23 and a local favorite.


We’re hosting a party with ArtGorgeous as they launch their Basel City Guide. Free magazines, free drinks – what more do you want? RSVP is not required, but highly appreciated!




Summer in Basel by Salome, Marketing Manager of Hyve Hostel

One thing everyone has to try out in summer in Basel is "Rhein swimming." Everyone does it, and everyone can do it! It's one of the nicest ways to cool down after a long and hot day in summer. Grab yourself a "wickelfish," your bathing suits, and let yourself float through Basel!

Also, there's a chance to enter the competition to design the Wickelfisch of summer 2025 with this competition: Design the Wickelfisch for Summer 2025.





Top Museums by Monica in Museums

Monica, aka @monicainmusems, aka me, our resident museum enthusiast, shares her top five museum picks in Basel:

Tinguely Museum: Dedicated to the kinetic art of Jean Tinguely, this museum is a treasure trove of playful, mechanical sculptures that come to life.

Kunstmuseum: Explore a world-class collection spanning from the Old Masters to contemporary art across three impressive buildings: Neubau, Gegenwart, and the original building.

Vitra Design Museum: Just a short trip from Basel, this museum is a must for design lovers, showcasing influential furniture, architecture, and industrial design.

Beyeler Foundation: Set in a serene park, this museum houses an exquisite collection of modern classics from Monet to Warhol, beautifully integrated with nature.

Anatomy Museum: For something unique, visit this museum dedicated to the human body, offering fascinating insights into anatomy and medical history.


Vitra Design Museum
Vitra Design Museum

Enjoy your time in Basel and make the most of Art Basel Week! Let us know if you have any other recommendations!



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