Despite being in the country’s north-west, Basel is usually one of the warmest places in Switzerland between June and September, and it’s then that you’ll often see locals swimming in the river, with many carrying their belongings in fish-shaped waterproof bags called Wickelfisch (they’re available to rent or purchase at several places in Basel).

Basel, about to host Eurovision Song Contest fans, boasts dazzling architecture old and new, art museums and a cleaned up River Rhine.

In a year already defined by sustainable innovation and inclusive celebration, Eurovision 2025 in Basel adds another novelty: the first-ever indoor Eurovision Village. From 10 to 17 May, the heart of the offstage action will beat inside Hall 1 of Messe Basel – one of Europe’s premier exhibition centres.