Regardless of which language you speak, you'll find lots of options for nightlife, whether you're looking for a sophisticated cocktail lounge or a funky alternative club. A worthwhile cluster of them are in the Stadtcasino, Barfüssenplatz (tel. 061/225-93-93), a venue that contains a stage (Musik Halle) for live musical acts, plus at least three other bars and restaurants. On Steinenberg 14, look for the American-inspired Papa Joe's (tel. 061/225-93-94), a restaurant containing vague references to Hemingway and a commodious bar area. A few steps away, at Steinenberg 7, directly opposite the whimsical fountain designed by mega-artist Jean Tinguely, is the Campari Bar (tel. 061/272-83-83), a youthful site for drinking, gossiping, or whatever.
The appealing and discreetly prosperous City Bar is in the Basel Hilton International, Aeschengraben 31 (tel. 061/275-66-00). Its decor evokes a prestigious men's club in London; you'll get the distinct feeling that everything from billion-dollar bank transfers to romantic assignations have been discreetly and stylishly conducted here. Several notches upscale, with older and more prestigious antecedents, is the Euler Bar, in the Hotel Euler, Centralbahnplatz 14 (tel. 061/275-80-00). Popular with the international business community, it contains a lavishly coffered ceiling, a live pianist, lots of leather upholstery, a noise level that rarely rises above a murmur, and stiff drinks. More raucous and earthy is the popular bar in the oldest hotel in Europe, the Drei Könige, Blumenrain 8 (tel. 061/260-50-50), which is smaller and more bohemian than the previously recommended bars.
The city's most entrenched bastion of electronic music, avant-garde jazz, and rock 'n' roll is the Café Atlantis, Klosterberg 13 (tel. 061/228-96-96). Favored by rock-star hopefuls and college students, it contains a labyrinth of bars and balconies, and views of the medieval cathedral from the second-floor windows. On Friday and Saturday nights, it becomes a disco. During the week it has occasional live music. Admission is free. The quintessential smoke-filled cafe is Zum Roten Engel, Andreasplatz 15 (tel. 061/261-20-08), filled mainly with students and other young people.
Young Basel, enjoying their position at the "crossroads" of Europe, are constantly discovering and patronizing new bars and nightspots that keep them on the cutting edge, making Bern look absolutely provincial. Follow the sound of soul and funk echo to NT/Areal, Erlenstrasse 21-23 (tel. 061/683-35-45), a music spot that grows hotter as the night goes on.
You're always likely to strike up an interesting conversation when you drop in at any of Basel's gay bars, which tend to get going relatively late at night, around 11pm. Try Elle et Lui, Rebgasse 39 (tel. 061/692-54-79).
On a more cultural note, the Basel Stadttheater, Theaterstrasse 7 (tel. 061/295-11-33), presents an array of opera, operetta, dance concerts, and plays in German. The box office is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm and 3:30 to 5:30pm, and 1 hour before any performance. It is closed in July and August.
