Basel: A cultural tour de force on the Rhine River

19 – 22 June 2025 // The New York Times dubbed it the Art Olympics, Vogue called it ‘the most beautiful temporary museum in the world’, and Le Monde simply hailed it as ‘the best in the world’. Art Basel, the premier international art show, attracts and inspires art lovers from across the globe year after year.

After Bern and Lucerne, thirst and the desire to discover the local delicacies have brought our editor to Basel. Situated at the so-called Rhine knee, the sublime Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois proved to be a comfortable starting point for liquid adventures and the search for top-shelf cocktail establishments.

Peter Knogl has transformed the Cheval Blanc in the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel into one of the best classic restaurants in the world. When you talk to him, you quickly realise why this is the case.

A museum for the ears, trekking with llamas, saunas on Lake Zurich, world-class design and, of course, plenty of culinary highlights: discover four popular Swiss destinations from a different perspective with the travel guide from our food author Alexander Kühn - and enjoy the comfort of five Swiss deluxe hotels!

Chardonnay accounts for 31% of all grapes in Champagne and it grows particularly well on its chalky terroir. It is championed for elegant, fragrant wines bursting with floral, citrus and tasty mineral notes.

Tartare in the bowl, non-alcoholic dog vodka, and Basler Leckerli treats galore: at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, our columnist’s black Labrador enjoys five-star service fit for a king.

With prime views of the Rhine, Peter Knogl serves outstanding produce and subtly balanced flavours at the Cheval Blanc, one of the best kitchens in Switzerland. Add the atmospheric brasserie and engaging bar culture, and Basel’s Les Trois Rois confidently steps forward as a gourmet destination.