Holiday homes & rentals in Basel

Perched at the crossroads of three countries, Basel is one of Switzerland’s most cultured cities. It's renowned for its modern architecture, and the city's heritage is demonstrated in its housing. From the traditional medieval homes of the old town to the outlandish designs for its stylish riverside apartments, there are a range of fascinating Basel holiday rentals to choose from.

Holiday cottages in Basel, Switzerland, are ideal for visitors seeking top art fairs and cutting-edge design. With a medieval Old Town, a clutch of world-class museums, and upmarket tastes, there's nothing not to love about Switzerland's capital.

What to eat in Basel

With both France and Germany on its doorstep, the food in Basel tends to take inspiration from its neighbours, but at Kuuhl you can sample traditional Swiss cuisine. Tuck into dishes such as roesti and spätzle, hearty meals to warm you on chilly evenings.

Basel has a wealth of fine dining restaurants including many carrying Michelin stars but the locals also love a döner kebab. You can grab a kebab from anywhere in the city for a great, cheap eat option.

Basel's cultural highlights

Basel is regarded as Switzerland’s culture capital, with almost 40 museums crammed into the small city, showcasing everything from abstract art to toys of years gone by. The city always has somewhere ready to captivate your mind.

Basel is divided by the Lallekeenig (Tongue King) sculpture on the Mittlere Brücke. You’ll find the majority of Basel’s cultural attractions in the Old Town and the Kleinbasel neighbourhood, which has a cooler atmosphere. The Marktplatz is overlooked by the 16th-century Rathaus. You can also visit the 13th-century Basel Minster nearby, a cathedral that blends Gothic and Romanesque styles.

Fondation Beyeler is a must-see. In a house designed by Renzo Piano is a huge collection from Basel natives Hildy and Ernst Beyeler who brought the works of Picasso, Warhol, and van Gogh to the city. Kunstmuseum Basel houses the oldest publicly accessible art collection in the world while Spielzeug Welten Museum is Europe’s largest toy museum, with over 6,000 exhibits.

The Kunstmuseum Basel has the largest Holbein collection in the world, while Vitra Design Museum is housed in the factory building of the famous furniture manufacturer. Round off your explorations at Volkshaus Basel, a gallery, restaurant, and performance space designed by Herzog and de Meuron.

What to see in and around Basel

With the Alps on one side and the Black Forest on the other, Basel's surroundings are stunning. A short train ride away is the quaint city of Lucerne. Stroll through its charming old town and take a boat ride around Lake Lucerne. Hop over the French border and enjoy the dramatic views of the Upper Rhine Plains from Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, a beautifully restored 12th-century castle.

Travel through time during your holiday in Basel

Hunker down in the Schaulager bunker for an afternoon and watch modernist art on vast video screens. Alternatively, take a trip to the Basel Paper Mill adjacent a medieval canal and waterwheel.

Venture to Basel's popular flea market in Petersplatz, which takes place every Saturday. Don't miss Tinguely Fountain, a wacky water-spouting machine and an introduction to the moving sculptures you can see at Museum Tinguely.

The festivals you can't miss during your Basel holiday

Basel's winter carnival is one of Europe's most spectacular. Basler Fasnacht's three-day party entails music, dance, and drinking. Dress up as a clown and watch the Dance of Death and masquerade.

Art Basel is known as one of Europe's most important contemporary art shows. Over 4,000 artists contribute to the region-wide art week in June. You could also check out the 500-year-old autumn fair, Herbstmesse, which fills the streets with artists and carnival rides.

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