 By Eve Hartridge, Follow Eve on Twitter HERE
When I think of Switzerland I think of ski resorts, Heidi, Lilac cows, expensive watches and wealthy bankers all with of course the notorious “Swiss bank account”. This glamourous 80’s phenomenon has all but ceased, apart from of course, Swiss nationals and perhaps Heidi herself. In the last 10 years the Basel Accords have dominated the investment risk arena and it is vaguely amusing that banking solvency provision seems to share a name with this very risk adverse, seemingly solvent and certainly affluent Swiss city. Basel is located in the Northern most part of Switzerland and is famous for almost nothing, but beautiful storybook architecture mixed with rich culture and hospitable locals make Basel a charming long weekend hotspot.
Basel I – Where to stay and Where to eat.
Basel is a small city so to be centrally located is essential, fortunately the best hotel in town does just that, The Swissotel Le Plaza is also the largest and so the perfect place to stay. The hotel combines a modern minimal chis with undertones of traditional Switzerland. All rooms are excellent, however for a real treat book into one of the hotel’s plaza or presidential suites which are stunning and indulgent. The Swissotel is the obvious choice for business or pleasure, it seamlessly combines the best of both worlds. To compliment the splendor of your stay book a table at the two Michelin-stared restaurant Chaval Blanc for dinner, this is one culinary experience not to be missed. The head chef is “2011 Chef of the Year” Peter Knogl who offers a truly unique dining experience delivering superb European cuisine, fusing a variety of ingredients and best enjoyed in the tasting menu. The food and wine in Basel is all good, the plaza cafes are a perfect place to people watch and enjoy simple fayre, it almost goes without saying that all dishes containing swiss cheese (especially the smoked variety) are superb!
Www.swissotel.com/basel
www.lestroisrois.com/Cheval-Blanc
Basel II- What to see
By day, Basel is a chic place to enjoy and explore, small enough to soon develop some familiarity and the night life follows a similar theme. To my delight the city remains undiscovered by the stag and hen-party set and those who venture out after hours and chic professionals. The Old City bar in the Hilton is a popular haunt for pre dinner cocktails, the bar’s décor is based on a British private member’s club with wood panels and well lived in leather chesterfields. Also at The Hilton is the popular Allegra club offering partying until the early hours and regular salsa tuition classes, a favourite with locals and visitors. Beware, a night on the town in Basel doesn’t come cheap and expect to pay around 18 Euros per cocktail.
If the night is still young, why not head to a casino? The best of these is The Grand Casino Basel which tailors for professional and amateur gamblers alike, the casino also features performances from a variety of music artists- blackjack, roulette and Cyndi Lauper, all under one roof in Basel! The possiblities are endless
Basel is awash with cultural charm with numerous galleries and museums. One museum worth the trip is The Natural History Museum which can be enjoyed for hours by all ages. In the city there is also an excellent zoo for those who would rather spend their time outside rather than inside four walls.
Www.hilton.com/basel
Www.grandcasinobasel.com
Www.nmb.bs.ch
Basel III- Quirky and Extravagant
I was delighted to learn that like many European cities (and still sadly not London) it was possible to book a segway tour through City Segways. I can not recommend this mode of transport enough and it is the perfect way to see a city, learn from a very knowledgeable guide and not feel too exhausted at the end of the day. In my book a segway tour is the perfect tour.
Basel is located around three hours away from the alps and it almost seems a shame to be this close and yet so far, a day trip is possible and the train is a great way to experience the stunning scenery between city and alpine resort. If adequate capital in your bank account is not a consideration, why not hire a chauffeur helicopter and cut your journey down by two and a half hours? A Much more civilised way to reach the slopes and ample time to enjoy a gluvine or two, even in the summer!
Www.segwaycitytours.ch
Www.swissheli.com
Getting There
Introduced last year, BMI fly daily from Heathrow to Basel. Book the outstanding business class and enjoy the Heathrow lounge located close to the Terminal 1 gate. Also keep an eye on the BMI website for various offers and sales on flights.
Www.flybmi.com
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