Basel

April 12, 2023 /

The most international city Basel, where three countries come together. The most fun and living city!

5/5 stars because:
Chill people and very kind in every situation
One of the best locations of Switzerland, with countries and the mountains close-by
Typical Suisse cuisine is the best
So much career options for chemistry, pharma, fashion and art
Very international with people from all over the world

★★★★★ 5/5

Basel is a city located in northwestern Switzerland, near the borders of France and Germany. It is the third-largest city in Switzerland, after Zurich and Geneva, with a population of around 180,000 people. Basel is situated on the banks of the Rhine River and is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, FC Basel, and its thriving nightlife.

One of the main attractions in Basel is the Old Town (or ‘Altstadt’ in German), which is home to many historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Basel Minster, a Romanesque and Gothic-style cathedral that dates back to the 9th century. The city also has a number of museums, including the Basel Art Museum, which is one of the largest and most important art museums in Europe.

Lastly to mention at the beginning is that Basel is known for its cultural scene as well. It has plenty of theaters, music venues, and festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous festivals in Basel is Fasnacht, a carnival that takes place in February or the beginning of March and is known for its elaborate costumes and masks. The tradition is very old and therefore it gives you a very good impression of how Swiss people come out during this time. Where Swiss people are normally very conservative, but during Fasnacht they talk to everybody! Read everything about what to do and where to go in Basel here!

What to do in Basel:

Explore the Old Town: Basel’s Old Town is a beautiful area with many historic buildings, narrow streets, and charming squares. You can wander through the streets, admire the architecture, and visit landmarks like the Basel Minster.
Visit Museums: Basel has a variety of world-class museums to choose from, including the Kunstmuseum Basel, the Museum of Natural History, and the Fondation Beyeler. Check out the Basel Card for discounted admission to many of the city’s museums and attractions.
Attend a Festival: Basel is known for its vibrant festival scene, with events like Fasnacht (carnival), the Basel Tattoo (military music festival), and the Basel Christmas Market. Check the city’s event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Stroll along the Rhine: Basel is situated on the banks of the Rhine River, and there are several parks and paths where you can take a leisurely walk or bike ride while enjoying the scenic views. It is a beautiful place to hang out, take a bottle of wine, and to chill with friends until it gets dark!
Shop and dine: Basel has many shopping streets and districts, with everything from high-end fashion to artisanal crafts. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes serving Swiss cuisine.

A bit about the Rhine in Basel

The Rhine River is an important part of life in Basel. The city is for a large part situated on the banks of the river, and is one of the longest and most important rivers in Europe. From its source in the Swiss Alps it then flows through several countries before emptying into the North Sea in The Netherlands.

There are several parks and promenades along the river where you can stroll, bike, or relax and enjoy the views. One of the most popular activities on the Rhine in Basel is swimming. During the summer months, many people take a dip in the river and float downstream on inflatable rafts.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Basel is the Mittlere Brücke, or Middle Bridge. The bridge dates back to the 13th century, and has been rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries. The spectacular views make it a great spot to take photos of the river and the city skyline. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city.

Maximum prices upfront	Amount of days to stay
Accomodation = around 40CHF a night	Minimum = 3
Local beer = around 7CHF (not cheap)	Best impression = min. 7 days

Book your stuff right away

Accomodation	Useful links
Best hostel in Basel	SBB Train website to discover more of Switzerland
Check out an Airbnb	Local tourist website Basel

Career options in Basel

Basel is a major center for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, with several large companies and research institutes based there. As a first example, Pharmaceutical Research is very big. The city is home to several major pharmaceutical companies, such as Novartis, Roche and DSM (the company where I work). These companies conduct extensive research into new drugs and therapies. Careers in pharmaceutical research typically require a strong background in chemistry, as well as expertise in drug discovery and development. Secondly, Chemical engineering is a field that applies principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design and develop chemical processes and products. Many chemical engineering jobs in Basel are in the manufacturing and production of chemicals, such as specialty chemicals or intermediates for pharmaceuticals. Quality Control and Assurance: Quality control and assurance are important aspects of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, ensuring that products meet strict quality standards and regulatory requirements. Lastly, Process development is a field that involves optimizing chemical manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure product quality. Process development jobs in Basel may involve working on new or existing chemical processes, and typically require a strong background in chemistry and engineering.