P aris and Berlin may hog the cultural headlines, but for this art-lover, Basel is hard to beat. Close to the borders of Germany and France, the Swiss city has nearly 40 museums, a thriving street art scene and a renowned art fair. Throw in free city transport and museum discounts for anyone staying overnight, return flights from Edinburgh for less than £50 and a beautiful setting on the Rhine, and Switzerland’s cultural capital is a brilliant city for a weekend escape.
Here’s how to do it. Don’t go anywhere without a BaselCard There are city tourist cards and then there is the BaselCard. Issued free to all visitors at hotel check-in, the card offers 50 per cent discounts on most museums, reduced bike hire and free public transport.
It’s worth a weekend here for the BaselCard alone..