Basel, Switzerland

Basel is the city where Switzerland, Germany and France meet and it has turned that into an identity: three countries within a tram ride, a pharmaceutical industry that funds everything, and the most important art fair in the world every June. The Rhine runs through the middle of town and the entire population swims in it in summer using waterproof bags for their clothes, which is one of the genuinely great local traditions in Europe. Kleinbasel is the smaller right bank with the nightlife and the alternative culture, the Altstadt is the historic left bank with the museums, and the riverbanks become the city's living room from May onwards.

The city's culture is cultured, wealthy and genuinely relaxed about the Rhine-swimming ritual that has the whole city half-naked in the water every summer evening. Art Basel week fills every hotel in three countries at once and turns the nightlife up considerably.

Expect real river-swimming content, art-fair season energy, and a city that treats drifting down a river as a legitimate evening plan.

Nearby: Zürich Bern Lucerne Lausanne