Eurovision 2025: By Train to Basel
Visit Basel during the Song Festival
We were able to take a look last week and saw still big empty halls but with a promising programme! We are happy to share the tips that will help you spend unforgettable days in the city.
Where should you be in the city?
The whole city is all about music, culture and fun. The restaurants and cafés in the city centre are open 24 hours a day! There is plenty to see and do, outdoors but also indoors. Even with rain, the parties can continue.
Free admission
Eurovision Village: In the city centre is a large hall, the Congress Centre. There is a daily programme from noon until late. Former winners perform as well as participants from the current song festival. The hall is still bare now but soon it will be bursting at the seams with cosiness and atmosphere. There will be stages, stands and food trucks.
Village Hosts Basel 2025©fotomarcgilgen
Eurovision Square: Barfüsserplatz is a large square in the city centre and here, too, you can listen to many artists from the area. Besides Swiss, these include French and German artists. Admission is free! It starts at 4pm and at 2pm on weekends.
EuroCafé: This café close to Eurovision Village has room for 3,000 visitors and opens daily at 4pm. The EuroCafé is a place for fans to already get in the mood for the performances later in the day.
Eurovision Boulevard: This is the route connecting two stations, Basel SBB and Basel Bad Bf. But also the different elements of the song festival. Eye-catching decorations and interactive activities create a special atmosphere. The route also runs along the banks of the Rhine.
Eurovision Street: Steinenvorstadt is transformed into Eurovision Street during the festival. This street has many bars and restaurants and on small stages various street performances can be seen and heard, 'busking'.
Venues you need tickets for
The semi-finals (13 and 15 May) and the final on Saturday 17 May are at the St Jakobshalle, on the outskirts of the city. Opposite the large complex is the football stadium where performances can also be watched on big screens. Tickets for this are sold out. EuroClub: The club is located in the city centre, opposite Eurovision Village.
EuroClub: The club is located in the city centre, opposite Eurovision Village. EuroClub opens at 11pm every day. There are performances all night by DJs and former contestants of the song contest.
Buy tickets for the EuroClub
Accommodation in and around Basel
Of course, you can book a hotel in Basel via Booking.com or a flat via Airbnb. A cheaper alternative may be to book a room across the border. Basel is located at a three-country point. You can book accommodation in France or Germany and travel to Basel by tram or shuttle trains. Public transport is very well organised.
Read more about travelling to Basel from the region
Travel within Basel
Basel is the size of a city like Nijmegen, and most festivities are easily accessible on foot. Basel is also a bicycle-friendly city. You can rent (electric) bikes at many locations in the city, including at SBB station. You should watch out for tram rails while cycling though!
If you book a hotel in Basel, you will also get a BaselCard with which you can travel by bus and tram for free. You also have free public transport if you have a ticket for one of the shows. If you have neither, you will get 10% off tickets.
Travelling within Basel by public transport
Which train to take to Basel?
You have two comfortable options to reach Basel: the ICE or the Nightjet. Choose the one that suits your schedule best.
Rise Like a Phoenix on the night train
Travel overnight and wake up refreshed in the heart of Basel. Nightjet is the perfect way to make the most of your time. You can travel directly and book tickets starting from € 38 one way. Choose from three accommodations: seating, couchettes, or sleeping cars.
Love Shine a Light on Switzerland: Travel by day with ICE
Perfect if you want to enjoy the scenery and travel during the day. Basel is easily accessible by train from the Netherlands. ICE International takes you from Amsterdam Central to Basel in just 7.10 hours, with a transfer in Frankfurt. Multiple trains run daily, and tickets start from € 38 one way.
Eurovision 2025: Train to Basel
Tips for Basel
A walhalla for art lovers, foodies and water enthusiasts. Travel with ICE to this fun city.