Where to eat

I have a penchant for Italian food. Gatto Nero (Oetlingerstrasse 63, 4057 Basel) is my go-to Italian restaurant near home. With fine cuisine and a cozy ambiance, it brings a Mediterranean feeling to Basel, serving cicchetti, panini, and other Italian specialties. In the city center, I can recommend Bodega zum Strauss (Barfüsserplatz 16, 4051 Basel), a classic Basel spot. An all-time favorite is Chez Donati (St. Johanns-Vorstadt 48, 4056 Basel), which has the finest Italian food and great old-school service.

Beyond Italian, there is:

We Are Ona x Art Basel pop-up (Filter4, Reservoirstrasse, 4059 Basel)

I’m excited to discover the first chapter of our new global collaboration with the creative culinary studio We Are Ona. From June 9 to 15, this exclusive pop-up dining experience will pair contemporary cuisine by Japanese Paris-based chef Sayaka Sawaguchi with interior design and art by Pierre Marie.

Restaurant Kunsthalle Kunsthalle (Steinenberg 7, 4051 Basel)

I’ve been going to Restaurant Kunsthalle for almost 20 years – ever since my very first visit to Art Basel. You can choose between dining in the bistro or alfresco in the garden. Late-night drinks at the elegant Campari Bar are a must.

Chanthaburi Restaurant Sairung (Feldbergstrasse 57, 4057 Basel)

The best Thai restaurant in Basel, with fresh specialties and a beautiful garden. The chef, Sairung Suksamran, grew up in Chanthaburi and has been cooking her hometown recipes here for 18 years.

The best places to shop?

Set & Sekt (Rümelinsplatz 5, 4001 Basel)

I used to go to this concept store when I lived in Basel more than 10 years ago, so when I moved back last summer, I was very happy to discover it’s still here. The shop has a great selection of pieces by some of my favorite designers. On a recent visit, I found a very special handbag by Mirjam Plattner, a young Basel designer.

Art Basel Shop (Messeplatz 10, 4058 Basel)

I can’t wait to see the new retail experience Sarah Andelman has created for our show. There will be all kinds of Art Basel merch, products by artists, and a few special limited editions by the artist Christine Sun Kim.

Best place to swim in the Rhine?

I usually jump in at the Museum Tinguely and float until the Johanniterbrücke. In the summer, I go swimming every day, and I know many gallerists who also start their days like this during Art Basel. Do as Baslers do and get a Wickelfisch swim bag to keep your clothes and belongings dry while you float – we’ll have some at the Art Basel Shop!

Nightlife hotspots

Nordstern (Westquaistrasse 19, 4057 Basel)

I love to dance to techno music, and the best line up is at Nordstern. There will be special DJs during Art Basel and you should also check out the ‘sun.set’ sessions they are hosting at Fondation Beyeler throughout summer.

Soft Space (Clarastrasse 50, 4058 Basel)

I recently heard about this new club in a formerly abandoned building where soft carpet has been installed – people say everyone dances barefoot and the drinks are all white. I would love to go soon.

Best place to catch the sunset?

The terrace at Du Pont (Greifengasse 2, 4058 Basel), which is part of the same building as where our Merian program will take place in the evenings during Art Basel. Located directly on the Rhine, Du Pont has great drinks, the most beautiful terrace in the city, and the best view of Basel’s Old Town.

One thing in Basel that visitors should not miss?

The city’s art institutions are world class and their shows shouldn’t be missed. Go to the Kunsthalle Basel, Kunstmuseum Basel, Museum Tinguely, Fondation Beyeler, Kunsthaus Baselland, and the project spaces and galleries. This might sound overwhelming, but almost everything is in walking distance so you can actually do it all in one weekend. And don’t forget to swim in the Rhine!