From May 13 to 17, the Swiss city of Basel will become the center of Europe’s musical universe, hosting the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. The St. Jakobshalle arena will welcome performers from 37 countries, all vying for the title of best act of the year. According to the organizers, fans from 80 nations will be in the audience, making this one of the most internationally attended editions yet. But while the music promises to dazzle, fans should brace themselves for another spectacle — the sky-high cost of accommodation.
Basel prepares for a fan invasion
As Euronews reports, up to 50,000 Eurovision enthusiasts are expected to flood into Basel in the coming days, turning the city into a hub of celebration, sequins, and soundchecks. It’s the first time since 1989 that Switzerland is hosting the contest, and Swiss residents have claimed the lion’s share of the tickets. Germany comes in second in ticket sales, followed by the UK, France, and Spain.
If you’re planning to join the Eurovision extravaganza, some accommodation is still available. However, affordability is another story.
Star-studded stage, star-studded prices
According to sports news portal Wettfreunde.net, which analyzed over 1,000 listings on Booking.com and Airbnb, prices during Eurovision week have surged to astonishing levels.
For a six-night stay for two people between May 12 and May 18 (the night before and the night after the contest), the average Booking.com price is €6,024. That’s 139% higher than the week before (May 5–11) and 137% more than the week after (May 19–25).
On Airbnb, the average price for the same period is €1,804, which is 130% higher than the week before and a staggering 164% higher than the week after.
Budget-breaking listings
The most expensive accommodation found on Booking.com for Eurovision week is a studio apartment 8 kilometers from the St. Jakobshalle — listed for €21,906.
But even that seems modest compared to the priciest Airbnb listing: a loft 2.5 kilometers from the arena, available for €67,369 for six nights.
For those not ready to spend like pop stars, there are cheaper — though still pricey — options. The most affordable Booking.com listing is a double room in a capsule hotel, 2 kilometers from the venue, for €1,178. On Airbnb, the cheapest place is an apartment 30 kilometers away, going for €252.
The cost of magic
The price surge is no mystery. Eurovision is not just a contest — it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Hosting the event turns the city into a temporary capital of show business, fandom, and tourism. As Euronews notes, Basel is already buzzing with energy as rehearsals begin, streets fill with fans, and Eurovision fever sets in.
Still, for many visitors, the biggest challenge won’t be getting tickets — but affording somewhere to sleep.
So, if you’re planning to see the Eurovision lights up close, be prepared not only for glitter, glam, and high notes, but also for possibly sleeping under the stars — unless you’ve got the budget of a headliner.
This article was prepared based on materials published by Euronews. The author does not claim authorship of the original text but presents their interpretation of the content for informational purposes.
The original article can be found at the following link: Euronews.
All rights to the original text belong to Euronews.
