Affordable Places to Stay in Basel During Art Basel Week

Treat yourself to a private room at Basel Youth Hostel

Most people know Basel for Fasnacht, its legendary three-day carnival to "scare away the winter". But in June, the city hosts another kind of spectacle - one that turns the streets, galleries, and hidden venues into a creative playground. Welcome to Art Basel week, the world’s most important contemporary art fair, originally founded by Basel gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner, and Balz Hilt in 1970, which now also takes place annually in Basel, Miami and Hong Kong. This weeklong celebration of art in Basel takes place every June, when summer begins to embrace the city. It’s not just about the fair itself - though Messeplatz is worth the pilgrimage, even at around CHF 70 per ticket for a day pass. It’s also about the vibrant satellite events that pop up around the city. From the fairs dedicated to more emerging artists like Liste Art Fair, to the laid-back Basel Social Club, to countless gallery openings, pop-ups, and hidden afterparties - there’s no shortage of things to see and do.

But where to stay duirng this week? Basel is a compact city, and during Art Basel week, accommodation is scarce and expensive. If you want to make the most of your trip (and save money for the fun stuff - like buying art!), the key is to book your stay smartly and early.

Luckily, there are a few affordable options that keep you close to the action without breaking the bank. Here are three great places to stay during Art Basel week:

1. Basel Backpack – Affordable Stay Near Art & Green Spaces

The Family Friendly Backpacker's Lodge in Basel. Photo Credits: Basel Backpack

Basel Backpack is one of Basel’s oldest hostels, located in the Gundeldingen district, just a 12-minute tram ride to Messeplatz. Housed in a former factory, it’s right next to Werk 8, a bar and restaurant that’s a go-to spot for Basel’s creative crowd. It’s also near Gundeldinger Feld, an urban hub with studios, workshops, and alternative art spaces.

Why to stay at Basel Backpack:

✅ Perfect for alternative art lovers – Near Gundeldinger Feld’s creative spaces

✅ Great location – 12 min tram to Art Basel fair, 5 min to Basel SBB train station

✅ Family Friendly – Choose flexibly from dorms, to family rooms, or private rooms

2. Hyve Hostel – The Creative Hub & Home of Basel Art Summer Camp

Hanging out with the artists at Basel Art Summer Camp at Hyve Hostel in Basel

Hyve Hostel is more than just a place to stay - it’s becomes a creative hub during Art Basel week. It’s home to the Basel Art Summer Camp, an event where emerging artists live, create, and showcase their work right in the hostel. The lobby turns into an art gallery and affordable art shop, and visitors can join workshops, performances, and exhibitions throughout the week. AlsolLocated in Gundeli, Hyve is just a 15-minute tram ride to Messeplatz and a 3-minute walk from Basel SBB, making it super convenient for getting around.

Why Stay at Hyve Hostel?

✅ Live with artists – Stay in the same space as emerging art talents showcasing their work

✅ Dynamic cultural space – Exhibitions, workshops & an affordable art shop right in the hostel

✅ Unbeatable location – 3 min walk to the train station, 15 min tram to Art Basel

3. Youth Hostel Basel – Sleek Design by the Rhein & Kunstmuseum

Even the chairs at the Youth Hostel in Basel are a Designer's Dream

Youth Hostel Basel offers a modern, stylish stay in a former silk factory, just a 10-minute walk from Kunstmuseum Basel. This makes it a dream location for museum lovers, as it’s also a short tram ride from Fondation Beyeler (15 min) and Museum Tinguely (10 min).

Another bonus? It’s just steps from the Rhein river, meaning you can cool off with a swim or enjoy a sunset stroll along the river after a long day of art-hopping.

Why stay here?

✅ Great for museum lovers – Walking distance to Kunstmuseum Basel & easy access to Fondation Beyeler

✅ Riverside location – Just steps from the Rhein, perfect for a post-art swim

✅ Sleek & comfortable – Modern design in a historic industrial building

Whether you want to immerse yourself in Basel’s alternative art scene, live alongside artists, or stay near world-class museums, these three hostels offer fantastic and affordable options for Art Basel week.

Remember: Basel fills up fast in June—so book early to secure your spot!

📅 Save the dates for Art Basel week 2025: June 16–22📅 Save the dates for Basel Art Summer Camp 2025: June 17–22

Want to stay for free during the week of Art Basel in 2025? Apply as a volunteer at Basel Art Summer Camp here.