:: fact 5 ::

Nightlife in Basel.

In my opinion, limited, very limited. I came in the hope of finding club nirvana - I found out that's in Zurich.

Zurich is great if you are under 25 and have a gleis 7 - card to ride train free after 7pm. If over 25, at best return train will cost you 30 CHF, at worst 60 CHF. And this is before cover charge and drinkies.


Now back to Basel.
A strip of bars on the main drag in town, some pub/clubs in the surrounding area, Brit & Irish theme pubs and local watering holes for the senior-swiss-only clientel(my impression based on reception in such pubs - note I have a shaved head and brow-ring, perhaps I will not be wanted in local pubs back home either, will let you know how that works out).

I was excited Saturday night at the prospect of a new club "A2" opening in Basel. They said, "Top DJs guarantee musical variety and best celebration atmosphere! All you need is party! In the Agostea: The Finest in House, Dance, Trance, R'n'B & Black Music in the Alphuette: 70's, 80's, 90's, Fox, hits & Charts[sic]"

I said, "
From: Hofman Brett CHBS
Sent: Friday, 9 September 2005 2:31 PM
Subject: RE: Plans this evening?

"The Finest in House, Dance, Trance, R'n'B & Black Music[sic]"
that's a pretty broad spectrum of tunes - lets hope its not all mixed in the same hour set yeah!?"

Unfortuantely for everyone involved, I was right. One of the worst mixes I have ever come across in my clubbing days. Motivated to take to the dance floor with a nice hard-house track, you are literally floored when all off a sudden "Come on Ali..." blares from the ridicously loud speaker set up. All ok tunes when played in isolation of each other, depending on the type of evening you want; disgracefully mixed into vomit inducing collage at A2.

Wait, my review continues:
- Que for 45 minutes so the club employees could take photos take give the impression they are busy.
- Then only get in if accompanied by ladies.
- Cover of 15 CHF which you do NOT pay on arrival; instead they take your mug shot and give you a swipe card to unwittingly rack up copius over-priced drinks and then use this card to pay on your way out. One gent had to go to an ATM for more cash while we were qued; I couldn't get over the feeling I was waiting in line at the grocery store.
- Club near full capacity consisted mostly touchy feely desperados out on the pull (and this included the security guards taking every opportunity to rub up against the ladies waiting in line outside).

For a quiet night in the pub, drinking beers, Basel will suit you fine.
If en route to Basel and you are the sort who doesn't normally think of heading out until around 23:00, go the extra hour and head to Zurich.