Basel: Eurovision Song Contest 2025 – Music Unites Europe

A historic moment for Switzerland: Following Nemo’s triumphant victory with “The Code” in Malmö, Basel takes the reins of the Eurovision Song Contest. The city at the tri-border region becomes Switzerland’s third Eurovision host city, following Lugano (1956) and Lausanne (1989). In a remarkable referendum, 66.57% of Basel’s population voted in favor of hosting the event, making a strong statement for the city’s cultural openness.

Eurovision Song Contest in Basel

“Crossing Borders” – few cities embody this motto as authentically as Basel. Situated at the intersection of three countries, crossing borders is an everyday reality here. The city seamlessly blends Swiss precision, German thoroughness, and French joie de vivre into a unique cultural symbiosis. This natural harmony of diverse cultures perfectly reflects the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Overview of the ESC Week 2025 in Basel

• May 11, 2025: Opening Ceremony
  The week kicks off with a glamorous ceremony at the Messe- und Congress Center Basel, accompanied by an opening show featuring stunning light and music performances.
• May 13, 2025: First Semi-Final
  The first semi-final takes place at the St. Jakobshalle, where the initial participants perform with the support of cutting-edge stage technology.
• May 15, 2025: Second Semi-Final
  More artists compete for a spot in the final, as excitement builds to a climax.
• May 17, 2025: Final
  The grand final at the St. Jakobshalle captivates millions of viewers worldwide with breathtaking performances, making music history.

Basel – The City of Three Countries

Basel presents itself as a cosmopolitan metropolis where the coexistence of various cultures has been a tradition for centuries. The city boasts a mix of historical heritage and modern urbanity. The medieval cityscape, highlighted by the iconic cathedral, meets world-class contemporary architecture. The lively Rhine promenade serves as a popular meeting point, while the narrow, winding streets of the old town invite exploration. This unique combination makes Basel the ideal host for a festival that brings together people from across Europe.

The city is preparing to welcome over 100,000 visitors, offering not just a music competition but a comprehensive cultural experience. From the state-of-the-art St. Jakobshalle to the historic Steinenvorstadt, all of Basel transforms into a stage for Europe’s biggest music show.

Eurovision Song Contest – Event Types & Shows

St. Jakobshalle: The Heart of the ESC

The fully modernized St. Jakobshalle, with a capacity of 12,400 seats, serves as the pulsating heart of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. It will host not only the two semifinals and the grand finale but also the dress rehearsals. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the venue ensures a flawless show.

Eurovision Village at Messe Basel

The exhibition grounds turn into a vibrant Eurovision Village, accommodating up to 10,000 visitors. Daily live performances take place here, fans can gather, and the shows are broadcast on large screens. The striking architecture of Messe Basel provides an impressive backdrop for the official fan area.

Public Viewing at St. Jakob-Park

Switzerland’s largest football stadium transforms into a festival site. The “Arena-Plus” offers a unique public viewing experience with a festival atmosphere, live acts, and family entertainment. Spectators can follow the shows on multiple large screens.

The Eurovision Street in Steinenvorstadt

The popular nightlife district between Barfüsserplatz and Heuwaage becomes the official Eurovision Street. Local bars and restaurants participate with special offers, while street performers provide entertainment. The street is festively decorated and forms a central axis between the various event locations.

Barfüsserplatz and Its Music Stage

The historic Barfüsserplatz becomes an open-air stage for local and international artists. Musical traditions from all over Europe converge here, set against the medieval ambiance of the square. The stage hosts a diverse program from noon until late in the evening.

Culture & Sights in Basel

Basel’s Old Town and Cathedral

The picturesque old town, with its well-preserved medieval alleys, forms the cultural heart of Basel. The iconic cathedral, built from red sandstone, towers over the Rhine and offers breathtaking views from its platform. During the ESC, its historic facade is illuminated with spectacular light installations.

Museums and Galleries

Basel is known as Switzerland’s cultural capital for good reason. Its art museums feature special music-themed exhibitions during the ESC:

• The Kunstmuseum showcases the intersection of music and visual art.
• The Tinguely Museum combines kinetic art with sound installations.
• The Fondation Beyeler offers extended evening hours with musical accompaniment.

Rhine Promenade

The lively Rhine promenade transforms into an international strolling area between the Mittlere and Wettstein bridges, featuring:

• Pop-up stages for street musicians
• International food stands
• Relaxation zones with lounge furniture
• Creative installations reflecting the ESC motto

Basel’s Carnival Tradition

Although the ESC doesn’t coincide with Carnival season, Basel showcases its famous Carnival tradition in a special exhibit at the Carnival Museum. Visitors can:

• Admire traditional masks
• Learn about the history of the “drey scheenschte Dääg”
• Experience Carnival music
• Enjoy a multimedia presentation about the UNESCO World Heritage tradition

The fusion of tradition and modernity makes Basel a fascinating host city for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Eurovision Song Contest – Events & Activities

Opening Ceremony

The grand opening on May 11 at Messe Basel promises a spectacular event:

• Turquoise carpet with all delegations
• Live broadcasts on large screens across the city
• Opening show featuring Swiss artists
• Multimedia display on the Messe facade

Turquoise Carpet

The traditional star parade becomes a city-wide spectacle:

• Central location in front of Messe Basel
• Fan zones for autographs and selfies
• Meet-and-greet areas
• Live interviews and photo opportunities

Aftershow Parties

Basel turns into a vibrant party metropolis at night:

• Official EuroClub at Messe Basel
• Delegation parties at selected venues
• Silent disco on the Rhine promenade
• Themed parties on Eurovision Street

Fan Activities

A diverse program for ESC fans includes:

• Daily meet-and-greets with artists
• Karaoke competitions featuring ESC hits
• A fan corner with ESC memorabilia
• Workshops (singing, dancing, styling)
• Eurovision quiz nights in various venues

The events cater to die-hard ESC fans and newcomers alike, immersing the entire city in Eurovision excitement.

Excursions Around Basel

Tri-border Area

Basel’s iconic location where Switzerland, Germany, and France converge will feature a special light installation in the three nations’ colors during ESC 2025. A dedicated shuttle service takes visitors to the tri-border area, where an international cultural program celebrates unity.

Augusta Raurica

The best-preserved Roman theater north of the Alps becomes a unique concert venue during the ESC, hosting evening acoustic sessions with Eurovision artists. The combination of historical ambiance and modern melodies creates unforgettable moments under the stars.

Vitra Design Museum

This architectural gem in Weil am Rhein presents a special exhibition on the history of Eurovision stage design. Visitors can explore the evolution of ESC stage sets from its inception to the present. A temporary music pavilion in the museum’s spectacular park adds to the experience.

Black Forest and Alsace

Basel’s proximity to Germany and France offers enticing day trips. Special ESC tours combine concerts with culinary discoveries in Alsace’s vineyards or hikes in the Black Forest, authentically embodying the motto “Crossing Borders.”

Insider Tips for Basel

Best Photo Spots

Münsterplatz not only provides the perfect view of the illuminated cathedral but also transforms into an evening light art installation. From the Pfalz, visitors can capture the unique panorama of the tri-border region with the Rhine in the foreground. During the ESC, the Mittlere Brücke becomes a “Bridge of Songs,” featuring special lighting and acoustic surprises.

Hidden Locations

The historic Lohnhof, a former monastery, hosts intimate acoustic sessions. The Kunstmuseum’s enchanting courtyard becomes a secret stage for spontaneous performances. Kleinbasel surprises with hidden bars where local musicians meet international stars.

Local Specialties

Traditional Basel eateries reimagine their classics: Läckerli in ESC editions, Eurovision flour soup after midnight, and international fusion cuisine at pop-up restaurants along the Rhine. “Song Contest Apéros” on the Rhine terraces at sunset are particularly popular.

ESC Fan Meeting Points

Café Spitz at Kleinbasel’s bridgehead emerges as an unofficial fan hotspot. Fans and delegations gather for brunch at the Stadtcasino, while the historic market hall turns into an international food court with live music and impromptu jam sessions.

ESC 2025 in Basel: Sustainability & Environment

The “Green ESC” sets new standards for sustainable large-scale events. An innovative energy concept, regional products, and cutting-edge waste management make the contest a model for future events. The city relies exclusively on renewable energy for its venues and offers a well-thought-out mobility concept with free rental bikes and electric shuttles.

Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel – A Festival of Connection

With the Eurovision Song Contest, Basel writes a new chapter in European music history. The city at the tri-border region proves it is more than a host – it’s a living symbol of Europe’s unity. Where the Rhine curves, tradition and innovation merge into a unique festival experience.

Basel’s blend of cosmopolitan flair and local charm creates a special atmosphere. In its medieval alleys, modern music resonates; historic squares become contemporary meeting points. The city lives up to its motto, “Crossing Borders,” with impressive ease.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will be more than a music competition – it will be a celebration of connection, a catalyst for cultural exchange, and an example of how a city redefines its role as a European cultural hub. Basel demonstrates that borders don’t divide but create spaces for encounters.

The city is ready to welcome Europe – with open arms, resonating melodies, and the certainty that music is the universal language that unites us all. Use the ESC 2025 in Basel as a team event or plan a meeting around it with your colleagues. Contact us for seminar hotels in Basel, supporting programs, or specific event requests.