Where to eat?

Stefan von Bartha, director and owner of von Bartha: Recently, my wife Hester and I had a beautiful evening in the setting sun, with the tri-national border in sight, and great locally produced food at Rostiger Anker (Hafenstrasse 25a). For a laid-back dinner, with French cuisine and great wines, our first choice is Rhyschänzli (Lichtstrasse 9), run by our friend Cyril. Ask him for a ‘Miki’s’ as an aperitif.

Marianne Boesky, founder of Marianne Boesky Gallery: Au Violon (Im Lohnhof 4); Restaurant Krafft Basel (Rheingasse 12); and Walliser Kanne (Gerbergasse 50).

Lucas Casso, founder of Sweetwater: Bodega zum Strauss (Barfüsserplatz 16) is a Basel classic where you’ll surely see some friendly faces after a day at the fair; or, a short walk from the Messeplatz is Damatti (Kirchgasse 1), where you can debrief over an aperitivo and a quick bite. My personal favorite place in Basel is Bäckerei Kult (Riehentorstrasse 18; Voltaplatz 1), where you can have delicious pastries and coffee in the morning en route to the fair (a pro tip – you can also get some sandwiches to go, to save for lunch later).

Tanya Leighton, founder of Tanya Leighton: After an airless day in a convention center, Brauerei (Grenzacherstrasse 60) is the perfect spot where you can enjoy dinner alfresco in their beautiful garden restaurant. For authentic Chinese and good vegan options, Peng Dumplings (Zwingerstrasse 29) is the place.

Where to drink?

LC: Renée (Klingental 18) is a favorite for a relaxed drink outdoors in the late afternoon, or a more lively one later at night.

MB: My favorite spot for a drink before the masses descend is the terrace at Les Trois Rois (Blumenrain 8).

TL: I love Les Trois Rois as well, where people go to pretend that they’re in a Wes Anderson movie and have just sold a Marlene Dumas. The ideal time to go is on the first preview day to eavesdrop on the most seasoned collectors negotiating who gets the Esteban Jefferson. For that final drink of the night, before taking the last train, go to the beautiful Bar du Nord (Schwarzwaldallee 200) (designed by Swiss architect Karl Moser), located in the Badischer Bahnhof.

Where to dance?

SvB: On Saturday, the Finally Saturday happening will unfold throughout the evening with performances and raves until late, starting at Soft Space at Clarastrasse 50.

MB: My favorite spot is Club de Bâle (Rheinsprung 5).

LC: The annual party at Kaschemme (Lehenmattstrasse 357) goes late into the night, or even past sunrise, so try not to plan anything the next morning...

TL: Long gone are my Paris Hilton ‘Drink in a Can’ (ready-to-party canned cocktail) nights! I recommend Kunsthalle Basel (Steinenberg 7) on the Sunday night when Art Basel hosts the finale dinner for gallerists and artists (Jan Mot always had the best moves).

Best place to catch the sunset?

LC: Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Basler Pfalz.

TL: Mittlere Brücke. The golden light and reflections from the water does help with fair fatigue (marginally).

Your hidden gems?

SvB: When you walk up the steep Rheinsprung towards Münsterplatz, behind an indistinct small garden gate lies the incredible Garten der Alten Universität (Rheinsprung 15) with a stunning view of the Rhine and the Kleinbasel Riviera. Another place to escape the stir and heat of the city is the Rhybadhysli Santihans (St. Johanns-Rheinweg 50), where you meet the citizens of Basel cooling down, swimming, playing cards, and eating Wienerli mit Senf.

TL: The special and quiet oasis of the University of Basel Botanical Garden (Spalengraben 8). It’s full of the most incredible plant species (check the giant Amazonian lily pads), and there are lots of benches to sit on and escape for a while, if your hectic fair schedule allows.

Your top tip for first-time visitors?

LC: No visit to Basel is complete without a trip to the Fondation Beyeler (Baselstrasse 101); don’t forget to set aside plenty of time to visit the Kunstmuseum (St. Alban-Graben 16) and Kunsthalle (Steinenberg 7) as well.

TL: Don’t worry about getting lost in the convention center, it’s impossible not to. Tip from a savvy art advisor friend: take a fair floor plan and cross off the booths you have visited as you go along, it’s nerdy but it works. FOMO is unavoidable. You just need to look like you’ve seen everything – learn to drop three artist names (this year I would go with: Medardo Rosso at Kunstmuseum Basel; Vija Celmins at Fondation Beyeler; and Meret Oppenheim at Hauser & Wirth) and nod thoughtfully. Try to make time also to see some of the satellite events like June Art Fair (run by the brilliant artist John Riepenhoff, and equally gifted Jeffrey Rosen from Misako & Rosen, Tokyo, among others); Basel Social Club; Liste; Photo Basel.

Your travel necessity for Art Basel week (other than good shoes!)?

SvB: It seems that people are increasingly tempted to consume and buy art in a rush, using their ears instead of their eyes. Bring enough time and prepare for a city packed with art, galleries, museums, and architectural highlights.

LC: An open mind! Make new friends, look at unfamiliar things, and don’t be afraid to be adventurous. The fair is a gathering of people, artists, and artworks from around the world – take advantage of it.

TL: A portable phone charger, because Sod’s Law your phone will die just as someone is texting you the address to the only party you really want to go to; antibiotics; protein bars; a flask of extra strong coffee (or my new go-to, real oolong green tea from Taiwan).