I lived right outside of Basel for two years, went to museumnacht twice, swam in the Rhine every day in the summer, and partied a bunch of times. I’m very grateful for my time there but from day ONE it’s been clear it’s one of the most boring uninteresting cities I’ve ever been to. When I go to Geneva or to Bern, I find both cities infinitely more exciting. Both are more beautiful than Basel, especially Bern, every single time I’m just flabbergasted at it’s beauty, the river is bluer, the shore is more beautiful with the incredible tall bridges and the steep hills, the residential areas are gorgeous and filled with beautiful trees, every turn there’s a stunning view. Geneva and Bern also have way cooler spots, hip cafes, bakeries, bookshops, stores; there’s great cheap food in both of them (Geneva has Bain des Paquis, parfums de Beyrouth; Bern has some great little cheap hipster pizza places, and great cheap Asian food). And I seem to stumble upon these cool spots so naturally. While in Basel I am still yet to find a good Espresso tonic, or an affordable natural wine bar. Gosh, it’s borderline impossible to buy kombucha in Basel! The flavor variety is nonexistent. Geneva also has the Bain des Paquis sauna by the lake, which is unbelievably cheap for how great it is… As for nightlife, Basel is so ridiculously subpar next to Geneva; any evening at any place near Jonction or Grottes is gonna be way better than any Parterre one or Sudhaus parties. And sorry for throwing this card: gay life in Geneva and Bern is way more exciting. Basel Grindr is a DESERT. My questions are: 1. why would anyone choose Basel over one of these cities (to visit or to live); but most importantly 2. Why is Basel LIKE THAT? What culturally and historically has made it so calcified and boring? Is it all the banks? Big Pharma? White collars? I mean, Geneva is French not german (which explain why it’s cooler and more alternative, and lowkey leftist) but what about Bern? Why is Bern so much more hip than Basel? More students? I know I sound judgmental but I’m genuinely very very curious to hear someone who genuinely prefers Basel’s perspective. submitted by /u/tommvasssao
Originally posted by u/tommvasssao on r/Switzerland