Your first weekend in Basel

Known for its old-world charm and contemporary art scene, Basel is a wonderful place to live. The city is home to a forward-looking culinary scene, upscale shopping, and some incredible art and natural history museums.

Whether you want to immerse yourself in art, experience unique architecture, or dine on high-end fusion cuisine, we have you covered.

If you’re moving to the city, consider a furnished apartment in Basel. Blueground’s flexible-term rentals are a wonderful alternative to a traditional year-long lease. Having a short-term lease lets you live on your own terms. Even better, you won’t need to spend your own time and money shopping for furniture!

All of Blueground’s move-in-ready homes come with equipped kitchens, luxury linens, fast Wi-Fi, and more.

When you skip the apartment search and book a flexible rental, you can spend your first weekend in Basel exploring the city instead of setting up your utilities or shopping for a new shower curtain.

Here are just a few of our favorite things to do in Basel.

Friday: Dine in Style

Kick off your sojourn in Basel with a Northern Swiss feast at Restaurant Schlüsselzunft in the center of the city. Set in the city’s oldest Zunfthaus, or guild house, this historic restaurant has its own courtyard. There’s an inventive fusion menu that’s anything but stodgy, with dishes like wild duck with sweetheart cabbage, porcini mushrooms, and figs.

Of course, you could also celebrate your first night in town by cooking for yourself. Blueground’s move-in ready homes have full kitchens stocked with all the basics you need to cater for yourself. Stop by the nearest market and pick up the ingredients for a simple dinner like pasta in marinara sauce or a roasted-vegetable grain bowl.

Saturday: Art Immersion

The Fondation Beyeler has one of the most impressive art collections in the world, all housed within a minimalistic building from the renowned architect Renzo Piano. It’s easy to understand why this is Switzerland’s most popular museum!

The latest exhibition features a retrospective of works by the American modernist painter Georgia O’Keeffee. Later this year the Fondation Beyeler will host an exhibition of the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian’s works to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth.

The Fondation Beyeler is located in the town of Riehen, just outside of Basel. From Badischer Bahnhof you can catch Tram 6 towards Riehen/Grenze. Just get off at the Fondation Beyeler stop and the museum is a short walk away.

Sunday: Tour Basel’s Old Town

Fill up your water bottle and head to the Markplatz for a self-guided tour of Basel’s medieval city center.

Your first stop is the gorgeous red sandstone Rathaus, or town hall, located right on the square. This historic landmark is adorned with art, and tours are available at selected times.

Once you’ve had your fill of Basel’s medieval city hall, walk east toward the towering Basler Münster Cathedral. This Gothic church dates back to the 9th century, and is notable for its twin spires. The attractive plaza in front of the cathedral is filled with historic buildings and shopfronts, and a great place to relax with a snack.

The Pfalz viewing platform located near the cathedral offers unspoiled views of the Rhine, and is an excellent place to take your first selfie in Basel. Head down Freie Strasse, which is lined with every kind of shop imaginable, on your way back to Markplatz.

Are you still renting the old-fashioned way? Why sign a year-long lease when you can enjoy total flexibility? Find out more about the Blueground experience.