Art Basel 2026: Exploring the Fair & the City Beyond

Art Basel this year runs June 18–21, with VIP events beginning June 17. As of this writing, there are still tickets available, even for VIP levels. While we look forward to seeing all the fair has to offer, we encourage visitors to set aside at least some time to explore the historic city and surrounding region beyond the fair itself. Situated at the intersection of Switzerland, Germany, and France, Basel is culturally rich in its own right and easily incorporated into a larger European itinerary.

Art Basel 2026

The main draw to the city this time of year is the world’s leading contemporary art fair: Art Basel. While most collectors attend Art Basel in Miami semi-regularly, Art Basel in Switzerland is reserved for the most serious collectors. This year, there will be over 250 galleries from all over the world, plus large installations and site-specific pieces in the city around the fair. Beyond the regular ticket, we suggest considering one of the various premium passes, which offer a variety of perks ranging from VIP access to free public transportation throughout Basel, children’s programming, luxury hotel discounts, and access to exclusive events, including private visits to renowned collections and art ateliers. As usual, this year’s edition will take place in the central location of Messe Basel in Messeplatz.

Art Outside the Fair

The city is home to an incredible selection of museums, galleries, and public art pieces. Basel boasts over 40 museums, each with its own rich history and focus. Fondation Beyeler in nearby Riehen is a beloved and beautiful architectural gem; in June, the museum will be exhibiting works by contemporary artist Pierre Huyghe. The Kunstmuseum Basel is a must-see; one of the most important museums in Switzerland, the Kunstmuseum is the oldest public art collection in the world and the largest collection of works by the Holbein family. The collection includes works by masters, such as Rembrandt, Manet, Monet, Gauguin, Cézanne, Braque, Van Gogh, and Munch. If you decide to pair a visit to the fair with only one other art site, this would be our choice (especially for a first-time visitor to the city). In terms of art galleries, Hauser & Wirth will have an exhibition of works by German artist Max Beckmann (1884–1950) on view in June. If you haven’t seen enough contemporary art by the end of the fair, you might visit Filter 4, an interesting and experimental gallery worth stopping by for the space alone – it’s set inside a 100-year-old former water station.

Beyond the Messeplatz

There is much to do in the immediate vicinity of the fair’s site at Messe Basel. Just a 20-minute walk from the fairgrounds is Basel Minster, a gorgeous Gothic cathedral and iconic Basel landmark. The walk includes passing over the Rhine River; you’ll see on the map, there are two bridge options: we recommend choosing Mittlere Brücke, a historic bridge with lovely views. After you cross the bridge, you’ll find Gagosian’s Basel space (by appointment only), the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Cultures, all in the short walk to the cathedral. About 15 minutes on foot beyond the cathedral is The Basel Paper Mill (Basler Papiermühle), a must-visit space for any works on paper collector. Set inside a medieval paper mill, the interactive museum teaches visitors everything they could want to know about handmade paper and bookmaking. This is a great way to spend time with curious children, as well. Also a 20-minute walk from the fair is the Spalentor (Gate of Spalen), the most magnificent and impressive of the three city gates still remaining from the city fortifications dating from 1400. These are all excellent places to fit in a bit of history and get to know the city a bit better while getting some fresh air outside the fair. We also recommend trying to fit in some time on the water; there are a number of ferries and other boats where you can spend some time viewing the city from the Rhine River. Visitors can contact guidedtours@basel.com to arrange private tours on the ferries and other boats.

Dining and Hospitality

Basel is home to 11 Michelin-starred restaurants. Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl is the only one in the city with 3 stars; the elegant restaurant offers a true Michelin experience serving food described by the chef as “French haute cuisine meets Mediterranean and Asian influences.” It’s a quick walk from the fair over the Mittlere Brücke to the restaurant. For something less fussy but still elegant and excellent, try au violon, a lovely French brasserie. For charming ivy and rooftop views, book a table on the terrace and enjoy oysters, escargot, and traditional French brasserie fare. Unlike many local restaurants, they also offer a small children’s menu for picky eaters.