Complete guide to attending Eurovision 2025 in Basel: tickets, events and accommodation
Mise à jour avril 2025 – Cérémonie d’ouverture, Shows et Conseils Pratiques sur place à Bâle
Eurovision 2025 in Basel is fast approaching, and if you're a fan of the contest, this comprehensive guide will help you find out everything you need to know about tickets, events and accommodation in Basel during the event! If, on the other hand, you're new to the world of Eurovision, first of all welcome, make yourself comfortable (and add our site to your bookmarks!). We've put together a guide to answer all your essential questions. A fuller guide to the competition rules can be found here.
Table of Content
Who is organising Eurovision 2025?
Switzerland has the honour of organising Eurovision 2025, following Nemo's victory in May 2024 with his song The Code. This victory marked Switzerland's return to the top of the competition after several years. Swiss public broadcaster SRG SSR, in partnership with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), will be in charge of organising the event.
When is Eurovision 2025?
Eurovision 2025 will take place from Tuesday 13 to Saturday 17 May 2025 in Basel, Switzerland (see our full calendar here). This week will be punctuated by live shows, of course, rehearsals, and a series of events in Basel for all the fans who have made the trip. Fans will have several opportunities to see the different performances, from the rehearsals to the finals. The artists are not all known at the time of writing, you can consult the list on our Eurovision 2025 page.
How can I buy tickets for Eurovision 2025?
An overview of Eurovision shows
Update April 2025: All tickets now sold.
If you're planning to attend Eurovision 2025, here are a few tips to help you secure your tickets. Tickets will be available for a total of nine separate shows, increasing your chances of experiencing the event live:
- First Semi-Final :
- Rehearsal: Monday evening, 12 May
- Afternoon dress rehearsal: Tuesday afternoon, 13 May
- Live TV show: Tuesday 13 May 21:00
- Second Semi-Final :
- Rehearsal: Wednesday evening, 14 May
- Afternoon dress rehearsal: Thursday 15 May afternoon
- Live TV show: Thursday 15 May evening at 21:00
- Grand Final :
- Rehearsal: Friday 16 May evening
- Afternoon dress rehearsal: Saturday 17 May afternoon
- Live TV show: Saturday 17 May at 21:00
Tickets for the preview shows are often easier to get than for the live shows. These dress rehearsals are just as exciting and allow you to live the Eurovision experience without the pressure of live voting. During these rehearsals, the points are awarded at random but under live conditions!
It should be noted that this year, the organisers have opened a ticket pre-booking phase to guarantee secure and fair access for fans. Pre-registration, which is compulsory in order to obtain tickets, will help to limit abusive resales. Pre-registration began on 16 December 2024. on TicketCorner and continue until10 January 2025.
Our smart tip So don't delay too long in pre-registering and creating an account on TicketCorner. Stay on the lookout for official channels and don't buy your tickets on the sly or on unofficial websites!
What are the ticket prices for Eurovision 2025?
About the prices, the website Eurovision.tv présente les prix qui devraient être pratiqués.
Eurovision 2025 ticket prices (Semi-finals)
| Type of show | Evening Preview | Afternoon Preview | Live Show |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arena (standing) | 170 CHF (156 EUR) | 60 CHF (55 EUR) | 270 CHF (248 EUR) |
| Category 1 (seated) | 160 CHF (147 EUR) | 55 CHF (51 EUR) | 250 CHF (230 EUR) |
| Category 2 (seated) | 155 CHF (143 EUR) | 40 CHF (37 EUR) | 230 CHF (212 EUR) |
| Category 3 (seated) | 120 CHF (110 EUR) | 25 CHF (23 EUR) | 170 CHF (156 EUR) |
| Limited view (seated) | 50 CHF (46 EUR) | CHF 10 (EUR 9) | 70 CHF (64 EUR) |
| Wheelchairs + attendant | 120 CHF (110 EUR) | 25 CHF (23 EUR) | 170 CHF (156 EUR) |
Eurovision 2025 ticket prices (Finale)
| Type of show | Evening Preview | Afternoon Preview | Live Show |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arena (standing) | 220 CHF (202 EUR) | 100 CHF (92 EUR) | 350 CHF (322 EUR) |
| Category 1 (seated) | 210 CHF (193 EUR) | 95 CHF (87 EUR) | 330 CHF (304 EUR) |
| Category 2 (seated) | 200 CHF (184 EUR) | 80 CHF (74 EUR) | 295 CHF (271 EUR) |
| Category 3 (seated) | 160 CHF (147 EUR) | 60 CHF (55 EUR) | 220 CHF (202 EUR) |
| Limited view (seated) | 65 CHF (60 EUR) | 25 CHF (23 EUR) | 90 CHF (83 EUR) |
| Wheelchairs + attendant | 160 CHF (147 EUR) | 60 CHF (55 EUR) | 220 CHF (202 EUR) |
Our smart tip : Yes, the prices are rather high. But it really is an incredible experience. For that price, you get 4 hours of the final show, with no fewer than 30 unique performances. In any case, we recommend that you avoid the ‘limited view’ tickets. Unless you want to see all the artists from the back or from a long, long way away (experience speaks for itself 🙂 ! And in the pit it's even better (but bring good, comfortable shoes, you'll have to stand throughout the show AND in the queue at the entrance to the arena).
Plan B if you don't have Arena tickets: Arena Plus
For fans unable to get tickets to watch the final live, the organisers have provided an alternative by broadcasting the event at St. Jakob-Park, Switzerland's largest football stadium, with a capacity of up to 36,000. This special evening will feature a grand opening show with Swiss and international artists, an appearance by Eurovision stars, exclusive moments captured from backstage in the arena, and the show broadcast on giant screens!
Our smart tip Getting a ticket for this stadium is a great alternative if you can't get one for the arena or if your budget doesn't allow it.
Getting to Basel and local accommodation
How do I get to Basel?
Basel is easily accessible from many points in Europe, thanks to its strategic position on the border between Switzerland, France and Germany. For international visitors, Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg airport is the main point of arrival, served by direct flights from many major European cities. From the airport in France, the city centre can be reached in around twenty minutes by public transport or taxi.
Rail travellers will be able to take advantage of efficient connections thanks to the Swiss rail network (CFF), as well as TGV and ICE trains linking Basel to Paris, Frankfurt or Milan in just a few hours.
Finally, for those who prefer to travel by car, the city is well served by the European motorways (A35 and A3). Once you're here, Basel's public transport system, renowned for its punctuality and practicality, will make it easier for you to get around the city.
Where to stay during Eurovision 2025?
When it comes to accommodation, prices soar every year in the run-up to the week of the contest. So accommodation in Basel during Eurovision 2025 could prove expensive, especially if you opt for accommodation in the heart of the city. Hotels close to the venue and in the city centre are generally very popular during the contest. Delegations, organising teams, media and fans all need to be accommodated. So it's advisable to book well in advance. However, for those looking for more affordable options, staying in France, in the vicinity of Saint-Louis or Huningue, may be an interesting alternative. These towns, just across the border, offer a range of accommodation at prices often lower than those in Basel, while remaining close by thanks to excellent public transport links. Cross-border buses and trains take you to Basel in just 20 to 30 minutes. Platforms such as Airbnb or chambres d'hôtes in France are also options to consider for a friendly and economical stay. Whether you choose to stay in Switzerland or France, booking early remains the key to guaranteeing accommodation that suits your budget.
Our smart tip Don't delay in booking your accommodation and transport. Take out tickets that can be cancelled free of charge so that you can get your money back if you don't manage to get tickets. Don't forget to look at the platforms around Basel and also in France. It can be really cost-effective to stay 30 or even 45 minutes from the arena (as has been the case in Liverpool and Malmö).
Events in Basel during Eurovision week
Every year, the city hosting Eurovision dresses up in its finest festive attire and transforms itself to welcome fans from all over the world. Basel is no exception to the rule, and the organising committee has announced a number of venues for festivities, celebrations and meetings.
Eurovision Village 2025 and Meet & Greet for fans
For the first time, the Eurovision Village will be held indoors, in Hall 1 of the Messe Basel exhibition centre, right in the heart of the exhibition district. Open to all with free admission, the Eurovision Village will offer live concerts, public broadcasts of the shows and food and drink every day. It's the ideal place to immerse yourself in the festive and vibrant atmosphere of the contest, surrounded by fans from all over the world.
In addition to the official activities proposed by the organising committee, special events are organised for fans. For example, our friends from Wiwibloggs renowned for their coverage of Eurovision generally offer events and meetings with the artists alongside the Semi-Finals and Finals. These are unique opportunities to experience Eurovision from another, more intimate angle.
Our smart tip The Eurovision Village and its ancillary events are clearly the place to be, apart from the long hours of waiting before entering the arena. A number of artists usually perform live here on the ‘off’ days as well as on the live days. Not to be missed!
Eurovision Square to discover local artists
Eurovision Square is a venue in Basel where local artists will be performing outdoors every day. The programme is available here.
Eurovision Street to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere
The Eurovision Boulevard will stretch from Basel railway station to Baden railway station and along the banks of the Rhine in Little Basel. The Eurovision Boulevard (or Eurovision Street) links all the Eurovision sites together with decorations to welcome the public and dress up the city in its Eurovision costume.
Euroclub: To keep the party going until the end of the night...
Every evening, the EuroClub will open its doors in the Messe Basel hall, providing the perfect place to extend the party. This is the place where all the fans and members of the official Eurovision clubs usually gather. The number of places will be limited and information on ticket sales will be announced shortly.
Update April 2025 - Ceremonies, Shows and Practical Advice in Basel
Opening ceremony: the Turquoise Carpet Eurovision 2025 in Basel
The opening ceremony will begin at 2pm on Sunday 11 May 2025 with a spectacular parade through the streets of Basel. The 37 delegations will cross the Marktplatz on a turquoise carpet, accompanied by vintage trams and a variety of musical and artistic groups. Basel fifes and drums, excerpts from the Basel carnival, dance groups, guggenmusik bands, alphorns and techno music will enliven this crossing of the city, transforming Basel into a resounding festive scene.
From 3.15pm, the delegations will take to the main stage of the Eurovision Village at the Messe Basel, where they will be welcomed by the locals for an unforgettable free event.
Three Shows, three stories, one message: Welcome Home
Eurovision 2025 will take place under the banner of a return to Switzerland's origins, with three separate shows united by the same message: ‘Welcome Home’. The first Semi-Final (on 13 May) will pay tribute to Switzerland, the birthplace of Eurovision. This show will be a real journey back in time, celebrating the roots of the contest and Switzerland's musical heritage. The second semi-final (15 May) will be dedicated to all Eurovision fans. This show will highlight the passion and enthusiasm of the contest's fans, with performances that promise to be memorable. Finally, the Final on 17 May will bring together 26 countries to battle it out for the coveted glass trophy. It's an evening full of excitement and suspense, with breathtaking performances and a festive atmosphere that will last until the early hours of the morning.
Details of the interval acts for the three shows have also been revealed, including a tribute to the history of the contest that will bring together former Eurovision candidates on stage (Paola, Peter, Sue & Marc, Luca Hänni, ainsi que Gjon's Tears) in a medley celebrating the musical heritage of Eurovision. The show will also pay tribute to the victory of Nemo in 2024, which brought the ESC back to Switzerland.
Accessibility for all
The SSR broadcaster will ensure that the needs of people with hearing or visual impairments are taken into account. Programmes on RTS, RSI and SRF will be available with audio description, subtitles and sign language interpretation. Fans at the St. Jakobshalle will also be able to enjoy the programmes in full accessibility via the ‘accessify.live’ web service.
Getting around Basel during Eurovision week
SBB, the official partner of the Eurovision Song Contest, and the transport companies in the Basel region are providing an enhanced public transport service to facilitate access to the various events while promoting comfortable and sustainable mobility.
Good deal for spectators: holders of a ticket for an ESC show, for the Arena Plus or for the Eurovision Club will receive a CHF 20 reduction on their public transport ticket from any Swiss location to Basel on the day of the event. They will also be able to travel free of charge on the TNW, RVL and Distribus networks, on both the outward and return journeys. And after each show, a large number of buses, trams and shuttle trains will take spectators from the St. Jakobshalle to Basel SBB station, where trains to Zurich, Bern and Lucerne, as well as the last regional S-Bahn trains, will be available. Trams and buses will also run throughout the night, and S-Bahn trains will provide connections throughout the Basel region.
Good deal for spectators: holders of a ticket for an ESC show, for the Arena Plus or for the Eurovision Club will receive a CHF 20 reduction on their public transport ticket from any Swiss location to Basel on the day of the event. On the evening of the Grand Final, shuttle trains will leave every 20 minutes from the SBB station to the St. Jakobshalle. After the show, the return journey will be every 7 minutes, with reinforced connections to major cities such as Zurich, Berne, Lausanne, Biel/Bienne and Lucerne., RVL and Distribus, on both the outward and return journeys. And after each show, a large number of buses, trams and shuttle trains will take spectators from the St. Jakobshalle to Basel SBB station, where trains to Zurich, Bern and Lucerne, as well as the last regional S-Bahn trains, will be available. Trams and buses will also run throughout the night, and S-Bahn trains will provide connections throughout the Basel region.
The companion app for all Eurovision fans in Basel
The official ‘Basel - Welcome Home’ application will enable everyone to personalise their visit to Basel during the ESC. It will combine the highlights of the competition with the highlights of the city, offering an interactive map, real-time updates of the calendar of events, personal recommendations and useful tips.
Our map of the Basel event
We'll be sure to update this article as and when we hear from the organisers, so bookmark it and check back regularly!
More details on:
Communiqué de presse SRG SSR sur la semaine de l’Eurovision à Bâle
Commuiqué de presse SRG SSR sur le dispositif d’accessibilité
