It's at the crossroads of Europe. That is possibly one of the most overused phrases (certainly on this website) but Basel really does fit slap bang into this category of crossroads cities.

That's because it's er, at the crossroads of not two countries but three. Step one way you're in Germany. A quick long jump and you're in France.. well, nearly.  But Basel is Swiss, very Swiss - in the very Swiss cosmopolitan European sort of way.

German is the spoken language in this, the most densely populated corner of Switzerland. Don't get too carried away by thinking it's cramped though, we're not talking Victorian back to back houses here - this is crowded on Swiss terms, which frankly means not that much.

All the bits you'll want to see are in the compact old town, based around the impressive Marktplatz (or market place, if you're really struggling with the lingo. I mean really struggling).

 

 

 

Impressive: The Rathaus in Marktplatz. With the tram cables in front to ruin the picture.

 

Everything's within a short walk of here - although not always on the flat. The platz is in the balley of Basel which rises on two hills on their side.

One, heading towards the River Rhein, has the glory - the chocolate box Rathaus or town hall, still in use by the Basel regional government today. Whilst on top of the hill perches the city's cathedral, worth a quick look inside. The Rhein (or Rhine as we know it) is not particularly stunning through the city but from the banks you get a cracking view across the river towards the Black Forest.

Take a walk (or more of a hike) up the other side from the square and you're in a jumbling labyrinth of streets that used to be Basel's trading hub. Among Hat Street and Pepper Street you'll find jewellers, craft makers, pipe sellers and even a world-famous Christmas shop - you name it, it's there and the goods inside are usually expensive.

 

 

There is where you will also find a good selection of street bars/ cafes/ restaurants and by the time you trekked up those hills you'll need them.

For more regular high street shopping the Freuestrasse is the main drag, running half a mile out of Marktplatz.

If museums and art is your thing there's no shortage of attractions. The tourist office in busy Barfusserplatz in the old town can help you out on a myriad of tours.

 

Homes on the hill: Barfusserplatz.

 

However if organised parties or galleries aren't your thing it's worth picking up a leaflet there with five walks to head out on your own - some short, some long, but will give you a fair taste at this city in an afternoon.

 

Where to stay

 

 

I've yet to stay in the boundaries of Basel so it is the blind leading the blind here. What I can say is that all the big name hotel chains are in town, and yes, it's Switzerland so don't expect too many bargains.

If the prices are a bit daunting I could flag up staying an hour away in stunning Freiburg over the border in Germany, on the edge of the Black Forest. Trains are regular, into the early hours. You'll have to weigh up if the slightly cheaper hotel prices are wiped out by the train fare.