Breite
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Breite
With access to both the Rhein and the Birs, this mostly residential neighbourhood is always in close proximity to nature.
Many thanks to
Steve Sanderson for helping to map this neighbourhood!
Breite is a very small, mostly residential neighbourhood between the Birs and the Rhein. This neighbourhood is fairly new by Basel standards and was only developed in the 1920s. Between 1923 and 1947 it was home to the Basel air field, which has since been moved to the outskirts of St. Louis. With two major traffic routes intersecting here, it was once very congested, but since the 1990s, several parks and meeting places have been added to increase the amount of green space. Its' proximity to both the Birs and the Rhein also provides ample access to nature.
Neighbours
highlights
Le Rhein Bleu
Located right on the Rhein and a short walk from the Schwarzwaldbrücke bridge, Le Rhin Bleu is in a truly unique spot. While you enjoy your meal you can watch the boats and bathers go by, or even join them for a swim as there is a bathing area set up with lounge chairs right next to the restaurant.
The menu is simple and leans towards summery and Mediterranean dishes. Service is warm and efficient and is dished out in one of the most beautiful spots in Basel. One thing to keep in mind: Le Rhin Bleu is only open during the spring and summer months.
Das Breite Hotel
Das Breite Hotel is a small boutique hotel with a chic design aesthetic. It is also known for it's fabulous and decadent weekend brunches, which are open to everyone, not just hotel patrons. This is a popular spot so it is best to book ahead. Brunch is an unlimited buffet style for a set price, so make sure to come hungry! Children are free under 6 and then charged CHF2.50 per year of age until age 12.
Backerei Jetzer
Backerei Jetzer is a tasty treat situated across the street from a beautiful park (Breitematte-Spielplatz). The place is relatively small, but is chocked full of goodies. They make their own bread and have a tempting array of sweets – from cakes and cookies to seasonal specialties, all fresh and delicious. They serve breakfast and lunch and offer a nice variety of sweet waffle treats.
The service is friendly and attentive and seating is available in the back, as well as comfy benches along the length of the shop. There are also seats outside for good-weather dining and people watching.
Piccolo Ciba Buvette
Piccolo Ciba is among one of the many Buvettes that dot the Rhein in the summer time. They are known for their Pinsa (like pizza with a crispy crust made with a combination of soy, rice and wheat flour). They also have a nice drinks selection as well as ice cream.
St Jacobs Park
St Jacobs Park is a large shopping center located on the border of Basel-Stadt and Baselland, adjacent to the St. Jakob Park sports stadium. Seemingly hidden in an apartment complex, it may look unassuming from the outside, but inside it’s packed with places to shop and eat.
There is an impressive assortment of places to spend your money. They have: groceries, all kinds of clothing stores, a pharmacy and even a shop where fans of the FCB team (Fussball Club Basel) can show their support.
Easily accessible by tram, parking is also available.
St. Jakobs-Strasse 397, 4052 Basel
Kleiderkiste Breite
One of the many Brockis (second-hand stores) in Basel, Kleiderkiste is a real gem, specializing in second-hand clothing (some of which is almost new). You won't find any tattered or worn-looking clothing here, as the store is immaculate, well organized and the clothing in great condition. It is especially great for affordable childrens' clothing and they purchase lightly-used clothing as well.
Kleiderkiste Breite
Homburgerstrasse 42, 4052 Basel
Claro Weltladen Breite
Since 1977, Claro has be a leader in fairtrade goods across Switzerland. There are several locations in Basel, each one unique. You can be sure that the quality of the goods are top-notch and that they are sourced with fair, equitable and sustainable business practices. This location has both food items as well as a lovely selection of handicrafts, home and fashion accessories, as well as toys. It is a great place for gifts, but don't be surprised if you end up leaving with more than you intended as there are many tempting items.
Schauenburgerstrasse 3, 4052 Basel
Migros Partner
This Migros Partner is much like any other except it's one of the few that is open on a Sunday. Yes it's true, you have found the elusive Swiss unicorn! You will find it particularly busy on this day as, you are not the only one who has woken up on a Sunday to find a shockingly bare fridge and pantry.
Zürcherstrasse 160, 4052 Basel
FC Basel
St. Jakob-Park, known to locals as ‘Joggeli’ (Jake), is the largest stadium in Switzerland. It hosts local games of the FCB football team (Fussball Club Basel) and has a maximum capacity of 40,000 seats. Tickets for FC Basel games can be purchased online or at the stadium’s ticket office (also on match days if they are not sold out). And, if you want to get a tour of the stadium (given occasionally), you can find out more here:
St. Jakob-Park 4052 Basel
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Don Bosco Basel
Founded in 2016, the Don Bosco Cultural Center is housed in a former Roman Catholic church, rebuilt to be the home of mid-sized classical concerts. Inside, the Paul Sacher hall can house concerts of up to 500 seats. Its rows of white chairs, white walls, and gray flooring give the space a simple and elegant beauty, while the acoustics are top notch and set to a high standard. In addition to concerts, Don Bosco Basel rents out rehearsal and recording rooms to musicians and performers.
Waldenburgerstrasse 34, 4052 Basel
Bars/Night Clubs
Joggeli Lounge is a small, but friendly local nightclub and bar that is popular with FC Basel fans. They have both DJ's and live music and you can even have your child's birthday party there if you want to give your kids an early start to the club scene. They are also available to rent for other private events.
Kaschemme is an indie club with an underground vibe and a great garden in the summer months. They have a friendly staff and regular concerts with alternative-style live music and DJ's. They are also available to rent for private events.
Virtual Reality VR Center
If you are looking to get your VR on this large venue has several different options including an escape room scenario. They have birthday party packages for both kids and adults and even corporate team building events. There is also a bar with snacks on site.
Lehenmattstrasse 353, 4052 Basel
Kleiderbügel Museum
The Dunkel Service Basel sells high-quality clothes hangers, coat racks, garment bags and accessories. Walking along the Birs river, the building is easy to spot, as it features an oversized wood clothes hanger on the outside. Inside, it houses something unusual – the only museum dedicated to clothes hangers.
With over 4,000 items, you can learn about the history and development of hangers and get a feel for the people who run this unique museum. And, for those who are keen, guided tours are available.
Birsstrasse 56, 4052 Basel
Tierheim an der Birs
Set inside a striking metal fence, TBB Switzerland provides a whole host of support for four-legged (and two-legged) friends. The Tierheim helps animals in need and is committed to animal welfare, housing up to 400 animals on site.
In addition to housing animals, Tierheim is a multifaceted undertaking, providing opportunities to adopt, shelter and protect many different kinds of animals. It is the place to go to if an animal is found on the street. They also have many volunteering opportunities, including dog walking and programs for kids to learn about and work with animals. If you are an animal lover, or just want to learn more, check them out.
Lehenmattstrasse 353, 4052 Basel
Lehenmattstrasse 353, 4052 Basel
Event Spaces
Housed in an old industrial hall behind the St. Jakob stadium, Lehenmatthalle is an event rental space. They have three main rental areas: a large hall with concert seating and a state of the art audio and lighting system. A smaller hall with stylish furniture. And, an 'action' hall, featuring a playground with a slide, climbing frame, a ping-pong table, and soft indoor soccer.
Altes Kraftwerk is a rental space converted from an old power plant, located right across from the Birs river. Within an almost 3,000 square meter sized area, they host corporate and exhibition events, weddings, birthdays, and more. They offer conference rooms, exclusive catering, and high-technology presentations. When visiting the old power plant, the highlights to check out are a large Faraday cage (used to block electrical charges) and a crane runway (that can carry 40 tons). The owners are proud to have renovated an old (circa 1895) dark power plant, to a place that is now lively and filled with light.
Neue Freizeitwerkstatt
NFZW is a gem of an organization hidden in one of the back alleyways of Breite. Here in this fully equipped professional woodworking studio, you can make your own furniture and even instruments with the help of trained professionals and volunteers. No experience is necessary and once you decide on your project, the volunteers will guide you through the process until you end up with a finished product that you made entirely by yourself! To participate you need to become a member. For more information please see our article Introducing: Neue Freizeitwerkstatt (NFZW).
Eptingerstrasse 20, 4052 Basel
Fitness Parcours Basel
Fitness Parcours Basel is a fairly new facility in Basel with an emphasis on intensive fitness training with body weight exercises. Trainings take place in the evenings and weekends at scheduled times and are divided by the sexes. This is definitely geared towards someone who is looking for a more hard-core fitness approach than what is usually provided by regular gyms.
Lehenmattstrasse 353, 4052 Basel
Gyms
mention Pole Arts Basel
Treffpunkt Breite
Part of Quartier Treffpunkte, Basel's network of community centres, Treffpunkt Breite is a meeting place with a wide range of activities. There are meet-ups and playgroups for parents and small children as well as an urban gardening group. Room rentals for events and classes are also available.
sources
Statistics (October 2022):
Average Annual Rent: Real Advisor
Green Space: Residential Area Indicators
Walkability: Walk Score
For more statistical information on the neighborhood visit Basel Stadt’s Neighborhood Profiles.
GGG Stadtbibliothek Breite
Stadtbibliotek Breite is one of GGG's libraries located across Basel. Located on Zürichstrasse, it has a lovely view of the Rhein. For more information on Basel Libraries make sure to read our article, entitled 'Basel Libraries Rock!'
Zürcherstrasse 149, 4052 Basel