The 69th Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in the picturesque city of Basel, Switzerland, from May 13 to May 17, 2025. This year marks a significant return to the contest's roots, as Switzerland was the host of the inaugural Eurovision in 1956. Following Swiss singer Nemo's triumphant win with "The Code" in 2024, the country is once again in the spotlight, ready to welcome fans from around the globe.
St. Jakobshalle will serve as the main venue for the competition, featuring the First Semi-Final on May 13, the Second Semi-Final on May 15, and the Grand Final on May 17. This year, 37 countries will participate, with 31 vying for a spot in the semi-finals. The "Big Five"—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK—along with host nation Switzerland, have already secured their places in the Grand Final.
Reaching Basel is straightforward, thanks to the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, which connects to various international flights. The city's central train station also facilitates easy access from major European cities. For ticket holders attending Eurovision events at St. Jakobshalle, the Arena plus, or the EuroClub, local transport is free throughout their stay, making it even easier to immerse in the festivities.
As Eurovision fever grips Basel, visitors can enjoy a range of activities even without a ticket. The Eurovision Village at Messe Basel will open from May 10 to May 17, featuring live performances, food stalls, and official fan merchandise. The EuroClub, located at Messe Basel, promises daily parties, while Eurovision Square at Barfüsserplatz will host artists performing various music genres, from jazz to hip-hop, and of course, Eurovision hits.
One of the standout events of the Eurovision week will be the Turquoise Carpet on May 11, where the 37 competing artists will make their grand entrance along the longest turquoise carpet in Eurovision history, stretching from the town hall across the River Rhine to the exhibition centre.
Visitors planning to attend should book accommodations in advance, as rooms are expected to fill quickly. Basel offers a variety of options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels, many of which include a BaselCard, providing free public transport and discounts at local attractions. For those on a tighter budget, nearby towns like Liestal and Mulhouse are easily accessible by train.
Beyond the Eurovision celebrations, Basel itself is a treasure trove of historical and cultural experiences. The Old Town, with its charming medieval architecture and cozy cafes, is a must-visit. The Basel Minster offers stunning views of the city and the Rhine River, while art enthusiasts can explore the Kunstmuseum Basel, home to an extensive collection of masterpieces. A Rhine river cruise provides another perspective of the city, combining relaxation with sightseeing.
As the Eurovision week approaches, rehearsals are already underway. On May 9, the remaining seven acts from semi-final 2 will return to St. Jakobshalle for their second rehearsals, each allotted 20 minutes to perfect their performances. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will release teaser clips throughout the day, culminating in a full roundup on YouTube.
The rehearsal schedule for May 9 includes: Georgia (10:55 - 11:15 CEST), Denmark (11:20 - 11:40 CEST), Czechia (11:45 - 12:05 CEST), Luxembourg (12:10 - 12:30 CEST), Israel (13:35 - 13:55 CEST), Serbia (14:00 - 14:20 CEST), and Finland (14:25 - 14:45 CEST).
Eurovision Week will officially kick off on May 10, with concerts in the Eurovision Village, Eurovision Square, and various busking stages, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the city. The Opening Ceremony on May 11 will feature a large parade from Marktplatz to Messeplatz, showcasing the longest turquoise carpet in Eurovision history.
During the week, visitors can enjoy over 250 hours of live music across 13 stages in the city centre. The Eurovision Village will host forty stage performances, three public viewings on May 13, 15, and 17, six bars, and numerous food stands. A strict no-bag policy will be enforced at key venues, including the Eurovision Village and EuroClub, to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Swiss singer Marc Sway will perform at the Arena plus Public Viewing Show, contributing to the event's celebratory atmosphere. The Eurovision Song Contest not only promises entertainment but also represents a unique opportunity for Basel's hospitality sector to shine on a global stage. With an expected influx of 500,000 tourists, the contest is anticipated to generate over €35 million in tourism revenue, significantly boosting the local economy.
In comparison, the previous editions of the contest have seen impressive attendance, with Malmö attracting over 51,000 visitors and Liverpool hosting a staggering 306,000 attendees last year. The economic impact of such events is substantial, as seen in Turin, where the contest generated €100 million in total, with €23 million coming from tourism alone.
As Basel prepares for this monumental event, hotels are being encouraged to adopt dynamic pricing strategies and create unique packages for Eurovision fans. Creative ideas, such as themed rooms representing the 37 participating countries, could enhance the guest experience and draw more visitors. The Nomad Design & Lifestyle Hotel has already been selected by Booking.com to host the winner of the ‘Ultimate Experience for Eurovision Fans’ contest, illustrating the marketing potential of this event.
Additionally, special night trains will be available for tourists lodging outside Basel, ensuring easy access to the festivities. The city has also planned to broadcast the grand finale in the largest Swiss football stadium, accommodating 36,000 people, and hosting various partnership events throughout the week.
As the Eurovision Song Contest approaches, the city of Basel is poised to showcase its cultural richness and hospitality, reinforcing its status as a vibrant destination for international events. The contest is not just a celebration of music but also an opportunity for Basel to shine on the world stage, inviting tourists to return for future cultural events.
