Top Bars in Basel – Most Viewed (2025)

Located on the 31-st floor of the Messeturm Basel (Messeplatz 10) in Basel, Bar Rouge offers a striking fusion of cocktail bar, lounge and nightclub all in one high-altitude venue. From the moment you ride the elevator upwards and arrive in the red-lit space, you’ll find panoramic windows overlooking Basel’s rooftops, the Rhine valley and the cityscape beyond—especially spectacular at sunset. In the earlier evening hours, Bar Rouge functions as a refined lounge: cocktails, premium spirits (the bar boasts over 450 spirits) and an upscale crowd relaxing with views. As the night deepens (typically from 22:00 onwards on Thursday–Saturday), the space shifts toward nightclub mode with DJ sets, elevated entry criteria and a more vibrant party ambiance. With its sleek yet dynamic interior, high-fashion crowd and elevated setting, Bar Rouge is well suited for date nights, sunset cocktails, special occasions or a stylish entry into Basel’s nightlife. Its dual nature (lounge to club) makes it versatile but also means things can be lively late and less intimate earlier in the night.

Perched atop the Art House Basel hotel on Steinenvorstadt 42 in Basel, the rooftop bar and lounge delivers a refined, art-infused drinking experience. The space features two terraces, indoor lounge seating, and stylish décor that blends modern industrial touches with creative design elements. You’ll find cocktails with thoughtful names and crafted ingredients (for example the “ART HOUSE Mule” and “Gigi Hadid Shot” as listed). The drinks menu is supported by a small selection of rooftop snacks and good wine/champagne options. Feedback emphasises the friendly service, relaxed yet stylish ambience, and the strong view across Basel’s rooftops and distant horizon. One reviewer noted: “Artsy, urban ambience with delicious food and drinks! … the perfect place in the middle of the city to catch up with colleagues and friends.” Because it’s part of a boutique design-hotel, the atmosphere leans upscale-laid-back rather than nightclub loudness. It’s ideal for an after-work drink, rooftop date, or casual gathering with a view. Note: While open daily from about 16:00 onwards, table reservations are recommended for terrace seats.

Housed within the legendary Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel, Banks offers a compelling mix of luxury, heritage and bar artistry. Located on Blumenrain 2 (in the hotel’s head-wing) at the Rhine riverside, the venue occupies the former banking hall of the hotel – now transformed into a vibrant bar-restaurant atmosphere. The interior is dramatic: a striking art installation by the famed Swiss artists Gerda Steiner & Jörg Lenzlinger hangs above the central bar, turning the space into something playful yet refined. While Banks is described in media as a “restaurant for sharing” with European-Asian inspired dishes, it also places the bar and cocktails firmly at its heart. Guests can expect inventive drinks, lounge seating, river views and upscale ambiance. Whether you’re stopping in for a signature cocktail, lingering for sharing plates or seeking a stylish riverside spot in Basel, Banks delivers. The crowd spans hotel guests and local connoisseurs of design and drinks alike.

Nestled on Steinenvorstadt 37 in Basel’s Old Town, OscarOne Bar & Lounge has established itself as a stylish, urban cocktail destination. The bar opens in the afternoon (from 14:00 on most days) and remains lively into the night. The interior elegantly blends cosy lounge comfort with contemporary flair: dim lighting, high bar stools, curated artwork, and a soundtrack that shifts from relaxed background to more vibrant as the evening progresses. Reviewers consistently highlight the quality of cocktails (“very good … cocktails are really tasty and professionally done”). OscarOne stands out for its gin selection and handmade ingredients. One guide notes: “large choice of gin and whiskey … the best homemade cocktails in town.” The signature drinks rotate and include house-made syrups and fresh infusions—served with flair by bartenders who know their craft. The menu mentions “Signature Cocktails with self-made ingredients”. The crowd is a mix of locals and visitors, drawn by the promise of expertly mixed drinks, friendly staff and a central location. A typical visit might involve a gin flight, a signature cocktail (such as “Amazonia”) and perhaps a small bar bite for good measure. For your directory: if you’re looking for a sophisticated cocktail bar in Basel, OscarOne ticks many boxes—accessible yet elegant, trendy without being over-the-top, and with substance behind the style.

Nestled at Clarastrasse 11 in Basel’s vibrant Kleinbasel district, Herz is a cocktail bar that marries minimalist neighbourhood bar charm with world-class mixology. Founded by bartenders Martin Bornemann and Norbu Tsering, the bar emphasises local ingredients and distillery-to-glass drinks. Inside you’ll find a sleek space: dark wood, clean lines, and subtle lighting, creating a calm yet precise ambience. The highlight is the seasonal cocktail menu, which changes with nature — think fig leaves in late summer, pears in autumn, chestnuts in winter. Many spirits come from the city-distillery upstairs, creating a tight local loop from distillate to cocktail. Despite its polished craft, Herz retains a warm neighbourhood feel: welcoming bartenders, relaxed crowds and no pretension. It has earned accolades too — named “Bar of the Year” in Switzerland and featured prominently in cocktail guides.

Tucked away at Ochsengasse 18 in Kleinbasel, the cocktail bar Derrière occupies a refined and character-rich space that once hosted the Moulin Rouge theatre. By ringing the bell at the entrance, visitors enter into a subtly lit room of brass, dark woods and burgundy tones — an atmosphere of elegant secrecy, where bartenders introduce you to well-crafted drinks and a mood that balances club energy with lounge comfort. The menu focuses on expertly made cocktails: classics with a twist (like Mezcal Last Word or refined Negroni variations), along with creative off-menu options. Part of the allure lies in its history: the former red-light zone has been re-imagined into a destination for high-end drinks and good nights. Opening hours are mainly late in the week: for example, Friday & Saturday nights from 21:00 to 02:00. Derrière is not just about what you drink — it’s about where you drink it: concealed entrance, a sense of discovery, and refined yet relaxed service. For those seeking a memorable cocktail experience away from the mainstream, it’s an excellent choice in Basel.

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Basel SBB station at Güterstrasse 99 (4053 Basel), ManaBar is a hybrid venue where game culture and bar culture merge in one dynamic space. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the difference: multiple floors host different scenes — a lounge bar area for cocktails and conversations, board-game tables for analog play, and gaming setups for console and PC e-sports action. The architecture itself reflects the hybrid concept of fun and sophistication: “a conversion of a former retail space … Besides being a public bar, there is room for different forms of games on 3 levels” according to the designers. Drinks are a key part of the experience: while not a dedicated high-end mixology bar, ManaBar offers a standard full bar, cocktails and themed drinks alongside a relaxed vibe where patrons might be playing Catan one moment and sipping a gin & tonic the next. The gaming culture influences the events: weekly e-sports nights, pub quizzes, “barSmash” tournaments and more. The crowd is eclectic: board-game enthusiasts, e-sports players, regulars from Basel’s bar scene, and visitors looking for something off the usual path. Opening hours reflect the multi-function nature: closed Mondays and Tuesdays; Wednesday/Thursday ~17:00-23:30; Fri/Sat ~17:00-01:00; Sunday ~14:00-22:00. Given the proximity to public transport and central location, it’s an accessible and fun spot for a group outing or a relaxed evening.

Hidden in the winding lanes of Basel’s old town at Gerbergässlein 28, the Schluggstube Antiquitätenbar is nothing short of an institution. What began as an antique business in the 1970s morphed over time into one of the city’s most talked-about nightlife spots. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by walls and ceilings crammed with relics: chandeliers, candelabras, stuffed animals, mannequin limbs, mirrors, flags, piñatas… the décor feels like a theatre of the unexpected. This vintage-meets-bar aesthetic sets a singular backdrop for drinks and socialising. While the atmosphere leans adventurous, the bar still serves quality beverages. A broad selection of beers (including local drafts), wines, and well-made cocktails are available — though many reviews note that the real draw is the ambiance, not the most upscale drinks list. The staff are known for being friendly and welcoming, especially for those open to the quirky surroundings. In a city where many bars follow more straightforward cocktail-lounge templates, the Schluggstube stands out as a place of character. It’s ideal if you’re after something off-beat: perhaps stop by early for a drink in the vintage ambience, then stay on for an energetic late-night tempo. Be aware it tends to get busier later in the evening.