Basel Vacation Rentals
Explore 28 rental homes and villas in Basel for your next vacation or business travel. With private vacation home rentals, enjoy a more personalized stay and a wide range of amenities such as Pet-Friendly Homes, Best Affordable Homes and Family-Friendly Homes. With a wide range of homes to offer, pricing can start as low as $92 per night with homes containing as many as 2 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms. However you're looking to experience your stay, Homes and Villas by Marriott has your next vacation home waiting.
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Basel Overview
Nestled at the bend of the Rhine River, Basel stands as a beacon of cultural splendor and historical charm. This Swiss gem, with its enchanting Old Town, is a tapestry of medieval churches and time-honored buildings that seem to whisper tales of yesteryear as you wander through the labyrinth of cobblestone streets.
Imagine waking up in a private home, a space that's exclusively yours, where you can savor your morning coffee on a sun-dappled terrace overlooking the city's rooftops. Basel offers an array of private residences that cater to every need, including pet-friendly options, ensuring that your furry companions can join in on the adventure. For those seeking an added touch of luxury, select homes boast their own swimming pools, providing a serene oasis to unwind after a day of exploration.
The city's artistic heartbeat is palpable, with over 40 museums inviting you to delve into a world of creativity. The Kunstmuseum, home to the world's oldest public art collection, is a treasure trove of masterpieces, while Fondation Beyeler's modern canvases ignite the imagination. The whimsical Tinguely Museum pays homage to the innovative spirit of Jean Tinguely, Basel's own visionary artist.
Basel's waterfront is a focal point of leisure and beauty. The Rhine River, with its sparkling waters, invites you to embark on a scenic cruise or simply relax along its banks, where the ebb and flow of the river provide a tranquil backdrop to your sojourn. The city's verdant parks and botanical gardens offer a green escape, a place to reconnect with nature amidst the urban landscape.
The city's cultural tapestry is vibrant and diverse, with the pulsating rhythms of music festivals, the dramatic flair of theatre performances, and the colorful spectacle of Fasnacht, Basel's grandest carnival. These events are a testament to the city's enduring love for the arts and celebration.
Culinary adventurers will find Basel's dining scene a delightful journey of flavors. From hearty Swiss specialties to innovative international fare, the city's eateries are a testament to its gastronomic diversity. And for those with a sweet tooth, the local Läckerli cookies and Basler Brot bread are not to be missed.
In essence, Basel is a destination that offers an intimate and enriching experience, where the luxury of a private home enhances the city's historical allure, cultural richness, and scenic beauty. It's a place where every traveler can find their own slice of Swiss bliss.
Cultural Attractions in Basel
Basel, Switzerland is a cultural treasure trove that will undoubtedly enthrall lovers of arts, history, and local customs. The city boasts a thriving arts scene with over 40 museums exhibiting a wide range of collections from fine art to toys and dolls.
Begin your journey at the Kunstmuseum, which while not the oldest public art collection in the world (that honor goes to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford), still holds an impressive array of works spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary times. For aficionados of modern and contemporary art, Fondation Beyeler is essential. Designed by famed architect Renzo Piano, it hosts exhibitions featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Warhol.
History buffs will be drawn to Basel's well-preserved Old Town with its narrow winding streets and medieval buildings. The Basel Historical Museum offers insights into the city's past through its extensive collection of artifacts.
Live music flourishes in Basel. The city hosts several music festivals throughout the year including the Basel Chamber Orchestra’s Summer Concerts or Im Fluss Festival along Birs River. Jazz enthusiasts should make sure to visit Bird's Eye Jazz Club which offers live performances in an intimate setting.
Experience local customs during Fasnacht, Basel's carnival held annually in February or March. This three-day event features parades with participants donning elaborate costumes and masks while playing traditional Swiss music.
Art galleries are dispersed throughout Basel but many are concentrated in St. Alban district. However, for a truly unique experience head over to Grossbasel section of town along the Rhine River often referred to as "Little Venice". Here you'll find galleries like Galerie Carzaniga or Stampa Gallery showcasing contemporary Swiss artists.
In summary, Basel presents a rich fusion of art, history, music and local customs making it an ideal destination for cultural enthusiasts.
Family friendly activities in Basel
Basel, Switzerland, indeed provides a plethora of activities suitable for children. The Zoo Basel, affectionately referred to as Zolli by the locals, is a must-see. As the oldest and largest zoo in Switzerland, it houses over 600 species that will undoubtedly captivate young minds.
The Natural History Museum of Basel offers an interactive learning experience with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to local wildlife. Its emphasis on hands-on learning makes it an engaging destination for children.
The Toy Worlds Museum Basel is another attraction that will enchant young visitors. It boasts a collection of over 6,000 teddy bears, dolls, and other toys from different eras and countries – a veritable wonderland for children.
For those seeking outdoor adventures, Lange Erlen is an excellent choice. This nature reserve features walking trails and playgrounds where children can expend their energy while appreciating the scenic environment.
In terms of getting around in Basel, the city's public transport system is commendable. It comprises trams and buses that are easy to navigate even for families with young children. Tourists are also provided with free mobility tickets during their stay which allows unlimited travel on public transport.
Furthermore, Basel is quite pedestrian-friendly with numerous pedestrian zones in the city center. However, if you're traveling with very young children or toddlers who may struggle with long distances or if you're carrying heavy luggage or strollers then using public transport might be more practical.
To sum up, not only does Basel boast rich culture and history but it's also family-friendly with numerous attractions specifically designed for children making it an ideal destination for families.
Outdoor activities in Basel
Basel, Switzerland, is a city that is rich in natural beauty and offers a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. The city is situated on the Rhine River and is nestled between the Jura Mountains to the north and Germany's Black Forest to the east, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring.
The Rhine River itself provides a unique experience with its Rhine swimming. This activity involves floating down the river using a special waterproof bag known as a "Wickelfisch". While it may not be an everyday activity for locals, it's certainly an enjoyable way for visitors to cool off during the summer months while taking in the beautiful city views.
For those who prefer land-based activities, there are numerous hiking and biking trails in the surrounding mountains. The trails cater to all skill levels from beginners to experienced hikers or bikers. The panoramic views of Basel from these trails are simply breathtaking.
Basel also boasts several parks that offer green spaces within the city for relaxation and recreation. The Botanical Gardens of the University of Basel houses thousands of plant species from around the world and is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city.
The Lange Erlen Animal Park is another spot that nature lovers should not miss. While it's located in Binningen, which is approximately 6 km south of Basel rather than on its outskirts as previously mentioned, this park provides habitats for a variety of European wildlife species including deer, wild boars, owls, storks among others.
Finally, Basel's location on Switzerland's borders with France and Germany makes it an excellent base for exploring other natural attractions in these countries as well. For instance, you can take a short trip to France's Petite Camargue Alsacienne Nature Reserve or Germany's Southern Black Forest Nature Park.
In conclusion, whether you're into water sports like Rhine swimming or prefer hiking through mountainous terrains or simply enjoy observing flora and fauna in parks or gardens - Basel has something to offer every nature enthusiast.
Weather in Basel
Basel, Switzerland is characterized by a temperate continental climate, with less pronounced seasonal changes compared to other parts of Europe.
Winter months from December to February are relatively mild, with temperatures typically hovering just above freezing at around 2°C. While snowfall does occur, it's not as common as one might expect for a Swiss city, with only about 15-20 days of snowfall annually.
Spring in Basel, from March to May, sees a gentle increase in temperature with averages ranging from 10°C to 20°C. This season is marked by moderate rainfall and the blossoming of flowers across the city's parks and gardens.
Summer in Basel lasts from June to August and is warm but not excessively hot. Average temperatures during these months range between 20°C and a peak average of around 24°C in July/August. This season provides ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking or sightseeing.
Autumn months from September to November experience cooler temperatures that range between 10°C and 20°C. The city becomes a spectacle of vibrant colors as leaves change their hues.
While summer offers the most popular weather conditions with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, each season has its own unique charm in Basel. For those who prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are excellent times to visit.
Transportation in Basel
Visitors typically reach Basel, Switzerland through the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, which caters to both domestic and international flights. This airport is conveniently situated a short distance from the city center, providing easy access to taxis, shuttles, and public buses for further travel.
Basel SBB, the city's main railway station and one of Switzerland's busiest, is another common entry point. It provides direct connections to several major European cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Munich, and Milan. River cruises on the Rhine River also serve as a delightful means of reaching Basel.
Once in Basel, tourists find it easy to navigate due to its efficient public transportation system run by Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB), which includes trams and buses. Tickets are interchangeable between these modes of transport.
Car rentals offer more flexibility for those wishing to explore at their own pace. However, it should be noted that parking can be challenging in certain areas due to limited availability. Bicycles are another favored mode of transport among both locals and tourists with many bike rental shops available throughout the city.
In terms of walkability, Basel ranks highly due to its compact city center where numerous attractions are within walking distance from each other. The Old Town area especially lends itself well to exploration on foot with its narrow streets lined with historic buildings and quaint cafes.
In summary, whether arriving by plane or train or getting around by tram or foot within the city itself, Basel offers a range of options that meet every traveler's requirements.