A perfect weekend in Basel Cultural gem on the Rhine

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Intro

Basel has the greatest concentration of museums in Switzerland: 40 in all, including internationally famous names such as the Kunstmuseum Basel (fine arts museum), the Fondation Beyeler and the Museum Tinguely. The city is also the home of Art Basel, the world’s most important contemporary art fair.

Friday.

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Friday, 4 pm: Dream machines.

The mad, playful yet wonderfully poetic mechanical creations of Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely (1925–1991) sealed his reputation as one of the 20th century's most innovative and important artists. A museum on the banks of the Rhine, designed by celebrated Ticinese architect Mario Botta, houses four decades of Tinguely's work. Since the sculptures move, light up and sometimes let off steam, the museum Tinguely is as fun and inspiring for children as it is for adults.

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Friday, 10 pm: Where Hesse once slept.

The people of Basel are proud of Hotel Krafft’s history; after all, it was here that Hermann Hesse wrote his famous novel Steppenwolf in what is now room 4.1. Ninety years later, the hotel is shining once again in all its glory – the rooms are sleek and elegant, the dining room light and modern, and if you manage to snag a table on the terrace, you can dip your feet in the Rhine between courses.

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Saturday.

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Saturday, 12 noon: Heavenly shopping.

The Spalenberg district is known for its seductive shopping, with original boutiques such as Gelatine (jewellery and accessories), Basel classics such as Johann Wanner (Christmas decorations) and innovative concept stores. Along the way, look out for the plaques of the “Walk of Spalenberg”, dedicated to famous Basel residents – and enjoy the treats on offer at the chocolate shops and pretty cafés.

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Saturday, 2 pm: World-class art.

Enjoy a “Walk of Fame” of a different kind at the Kunstmuseum Basel. The city’s internationally renowned fine arts museum boasts the world’s oldest public art collection, with major works by masters including Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso. The temporary exhibitions also draw enthusiastic crowds; latest big attraction is the spectacular new extension, inaugurated in April 2016.

Saturday, 6 pm: High time for a drink.

The lift stops on the 31st floor of the 105-metre-high Messeturm, or Trade Fair Tower, and you step into a magical world. If you're lucky, the sun will be setting over the city. But whatever the time, Bar Rouge is known as Basel's nightlife hotspot-with-a-view. This is a place to linger over an exclusive drink, look out down on the city and over into Germany and France, and get ready for the music the DJ will play later.

Sunday.

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Sunday, 10 am: Reach for the stars.

The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois has 101 rooms and suites in classical style, boasting a sophisticated combination of antique furniture and high-tech features. Exquisite gourmet creations are on offer at the Cheval Blanc, while Chez Donati serves up Italian specialities and the Brasserie oozes French charm. You don't have to stay overnight to feel welcome as a guest: just treat yourself, perhaps, to a leisurely breakfast in the most memorable of settings.

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