Bar Futura: The Hidden Cocktail Bar in Basel Harbour

In Basel's harbour, on the middle deck of a converted cargo ship, Bar Futura opened in June 2026 – a venue unlike any other in the city. Up to 150 guests can find their place among chrome fittings, warm orange lighting and views of the water. With the bar's opening, the entire ship is now accessible to guests for the first time, including areas that were previously behind the scenes.

Bar Futura is located at Westquaistrasse 19, directly above Club Nordstern on the lower deck. However, it explicitly does not see itself as an extension of the club: the operators run it as an independent bar with its own identity. The boundary remains permeable nonetheless – on certain evenings, guests move freely between the bar and the club. The space is deliberately versatile, ranging from quiet bar nights to concerts and listening sessions through to corporate events.

The design is by Studio Gabriel Heusser and combines futuristic elements with retro details. Subdued lighting, clean lines, chrome, glass and steel, complemented by luminous ceiling panels: as soon as you enter the bar, you leave the industrial harbour surroundings behind. The operators describe the venue as a hidden retreat in the heart of the harbour – elegant, but not stiff. No special occasion is needed to stop by.

The menu combines reinterpreted classics with original creations, and all syrups and cordials are made in-house. This is complemented by a curated selection of spirits ranging from Monkey 47 to Don Julio 1942, which also gets its moment to shine neat. And if nothing on the menu takes your fancy, you can order from the Off Menu: simply name a flavour, spirit or mood, and the team takes care of the rest.

Musically, the programme remains open: electronic sounds, live concerts, listening sessions or a drink at sunset on the deck. The venue is also intended for those who no longer want to go clubbing every weekend but are in the mood for great drinks and a special evening. «Ultimately, we want to create a place that, at least in Basel, exists nowhere else,» say the operators.

According to its listing, the venue is suitable for corporate events, birthdays and private celebrations with up to 150 guests. Catering is freely selectable, and the waterside location in an industrial area is included. The bar is regularly open on Friday and Saturday evenings. For events, you can enquire about availability and terms directly via the Bar Futura listing, free of charge and without obligation. Further exceptional venues in the region can be found under Event Venues Basel.

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