The small Swiss town of Basel straddles the Rhine where Germany, France and Switzerland meet. Berner Dieterich / Getty Images
The small Swiss town of Basel straddles the Rhine where Germany, France and Switzerland meet. Berner Dieterich / Getty Images

My kind of place: Basel, Switzerland



Why Basel?

Basel shines in summer. This frontier town straddles the Rhine where the borders of Switzerland, France and Germany meet, combining elements of all three to produce an exhilarating air of internationality and a cultural influence which far outstrips its size. One of Switzerland's sunniest cities, it manages to offer the warm, relaxed charm of a Mediterranean resort alongside the variety of a European capital, all the while serving up world-class hospitality in countless hotels and restaurants.

In six weeks, Basel's cultural hubbub reaches a crescendo with Art Basel (June 14-17), the world's most important art fair and the event that cemented its name in the minds of global tastemakers. But visit when the city is less packed and the centre feels like a creative advent calendar; an exhibition, concert or museum waiting behind every door.

A comfortable bed

Visitors looking for a truly decadent experience can't do better than Les Trois Rois (www.lestroisrois.com; 00 41 61 260 50 50), housed in an imperious 19th-century building overlooking the Rhine and a host to politicians and royalty for over a century. Inside, an extensive refurbishment six years ago has left all of the individually designed rooms oozing Neo-classical charm, despite the presence of every mod-con guests could wish for. A new cigar lounge was recently added to the hotel's two restaurants and wood-panelled bar. Double rooms start from 515 Swiss francs (Dh2,075) per night; book a room overlooking the Rhine for an unbeatable view.

On the other side of the river is Krafft Basel (www.krafftbasel.ch; 00 41 61 690 9130), a compact but comfortable design hotel with great views of Grossbasel and a summer terrace perfect for refreshments in the afternoon and early evening. Double rooms start from 195 francs (Dh786) per night.

Der Teufelhof (www.teufelhof.com; 0041 61 261 1010), nestled among terraced houses high above the Old Town, is a more intimate choice that perfectly reflects Basel's sophisticated cultural scene, with a theatre, gallery and two superb restaurants on site. The airy rooms go from 155 francs (Dh624).

Find your feet

Basel is split by the Rhine into "Grossbasel" and "Kleinbasel", with the majority of the attractions for tourists on the Grossbasel side in the Old Town. The Gothic spires of the Münster are what the locals jokingly refer to as "Basel's skyline", and the short climb (four francs; Dh16) offers a breathtaking panorama across the river into France and Germany, as well as a neat overview of the city below. From here, it's easy to descend the hill and dive into the mayhem of the marketplace, flanked by the striking red town hall, or to take the circuitous route past the pretty houses and tiny shops of the Augustinergasse.

Meet the locals

Basel has an extraordinarily high number of museums and galleries for its size, many of which are privately funded by local patrons and loved by residents as much as visitors.Purists should make a beeline for the internationally-renowned Kunstmuseum Basel, Switzerland's largest art museum, or the Fondation Beyeler in nearby Riehen. Less conventional cultural experiences are on offer too, at the Anatomical Museum for example, or the Caricature and Cartoon Museum, the Swiss Sport Museum or the Museum of Firefighting - pick up a directory from Tourist Information (www.basel.com; 00 41 61 268 6868) for a full overview.

Book a table

It's difficult to go hungry in Basel. The top dining establishment in the city is undoubtedly Cheval Blanc at Les Trois Rois, where chef Peter Knogl oversees a mediterranean-inspired menu that has won him two Michelin stars. Book ahead -the restaurant is exclusive and has prices to match, with main meals around 70 francs (Dh282) and the set menu for 195 francs (Dh786).

The centuries-old "key guild", Zunft zum Schlüssel (www.gasthofsolbad.ch; 00 41 61 261 20 46), is well worth a visit. Originally a meeting place in the Middle Ages, the traditionally styled restaurant evokes Basel's unique Zunfthaus (guild house) past, offering meat, fish and vegetable main courses for around 40 francs (Dh161).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given its geographical position, Basel offers plenty when it comes to international cuisine, with a particularly strong Italian connection evident along the less touristy St Johanns-Vorstadt towards the north of the city. Don't pass up home-made pasta or pizza from Da Gianni (0041 61 322 42 33), an inexpensive but authentic restaurant that gets packed with locals at the weekend. Main courses cost around 25 francs (Dh100).

Shopper's paradise

Wealthy Basel isn't short of luxury shops, the likes of Emporio Armani, Hermés, Cartier and Louis Vuitton clustered with highstreet brands along the Freie Strasse.

Away from the crowds, a more relaxing shopping experience can be had by pottering around Spalenberg to the west, where the hilly streets are packed with smaller boutique stores and galleries. Around here is almost every shop a visitor could want, from local designer outlets to milliners and model train stores, but none matches the quirkiness of Johann Wanner, a seemingly never-ending cave filled with luxury Christmas decorations, which stubbornly refuses to close its doors out of season and offers hand-made ornaments even in the height of summer.

What to avoid

Unless you're heading to the cinema, there really isn't much of a reason to venture along the Steinenvorstadt, normally packed with shoppers and lined with fast-food joints, themed pubs and cheap clothing outlets.

Don't miss

Crossing the river in one of Basel's unique ferries for a stroll along the Kleinbasel bank is well worth the 1.60 francs (Dh6) it costs. The crafts are tethered by rope and ingeniously rely on the power of the fast-flowing Rhine for propulsion across the river without engines, a system that's been in place since Roman times.

Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
 
 
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

Bangladesh tour of Pakistan

January 24 – First T20, Lahore

January 25 – Second T20, Lahore

January 27 – Third T20, Lahore

February 7-11 – First Test, Rawalpindi

April 3 – One-off ODI, Karachi

April 5-9 – Second Test, Karachi

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
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The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S 450

Price, base / as tested Dh525,000 / Dh559,000

Engine: 3.0L V6 biturbo

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic

Power: 369hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1,800rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 8.0L / 100km

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

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Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

The biog

Hobby: Playing piano and drawing patterns

Best book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Food of choice: Sushi  

Favourite colour: Orange

PAST 10 BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNERS

2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2012 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2011 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
2010 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2008 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2007 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)

Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin

Traits of Chinese zodiac animals

Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent   

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Profile Periscope Media

Founder: Smeetha Ghosh, one co-founder (anonymous)

Launch year: 2020

Employees: four – plans to add another 10 by July 2021

Financing stage: $250,000 bootstrap funding, approaching VC firms this year

Investors: Co-founders

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MATCH INFO

Manchester City 3 (Silva 8' &15, Foden 33')

Birmginahm City 0

Man of the match Bernado Silva (Manchester City)

List of alleged parties

 May 15 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at
least 17 staff members

May 20 2020: PM and Carrie attend 'bring your own booze'
party

Nov 27 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff

Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary
Gavin Williamson

Dec 13 2020: PM and Carrie throw a flat party

Dec 14 2020: London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative
Party headquarters

Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz

Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party