Art and craftsmanship are central to the DNA of Basel, Switzerland’s cultural capital. From the opulent, gilded Gothic spire of the Rathaus (Town Hall) to the captivating urban art that punctuates the winding streets of Old Town to the iconic Rhine river, Basel is a study in contrasts.
It’s a bucket-list-worthy destination too. Every spring, Art Basel descends on the city. The fair, which connects collectors, galleries and artists, started in the 1970s and has since launched buzzy spinoff events in other major cities (including Miami Beach and Paris).
The culinary scene— which is seeing a renewed reverence for traditional ingredients and centuries-old cooking techniques— is also receiving international acclaim. (There are five Michelin-starred restaurants.) In all, this small city is a fairy tale for aesthetes and foodies who want to experience the past— and the future.
Where to Stay in Basel
Boutique & Design Hotel Volkshaus Basel, Rebgasse
Centrally located in the Kleinbasel district, the Boutique & Design Hotel Volkshaus Basel can be traced back to the 14th century, when it was a castle bailiwick. In 2020, it was reimagined by award-winning architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron. They are also known for prestigious projects like the Tate Modern in London and Basel’s Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois (one of the oldest urban hotels in Europe).
The lobby is spare and all white, and the brasserie next door has traditional French bistro (bentwood stools, a mosiac floor) meets steampunk (burnished-stainless-steel bar) vibes. Guest rooms hover between quietly luxurious and industrial, with sophisticated custom furniture and a tiled shower hidden in a “closet” built behind a wall of black-stained wood. volkshaus-basel.ch/
Where to Eat and Drink in Basel
Restaurant Stucki, Bruderholzallee
Take tram 15 through Basel’s leafy neighbourhoods to Restaurant Stucki, a two-Michelin-star restaurant from chef Tanja Grandits. The spot displays a commitment to understated design, with the indoor and outdoor dining spaces flowing together. Both areas have the same elegance— low lighting, minimal furniture, simple adornments. Similarly, the nine-course tasting menu is culinary harmony, from the amuse-bouches at the start (Grandits brings out these tiny bites herself) to the sweet mignardises.
The components of each dish emphasize one colour and a corresponding flavour profile— think beetroot with a sour-cherry ricotta and hibiscus vinaigrette. Dishes are also assembled ikebana style, with flower petals and leaves. The result? Fare that’s light and unpretentious and as beautiful as it is delicious. tanjagrandits.ch/restaurant-stucki/
Taverne Johann, St. Johanns-Ring
Diversity, sustainability and supporting local producers are the focuses at Taverne Johann, a member of the Slow Food Cooks’ Alliance. This global network is made up of industry pros and small-scale producers who work together to preserve culinary heritage and biodiversity.
Head chef Christoph Hartmann collaborates closely with local producers and hunters and follows a “nose-to-tail” principle. The menu features a fresh approach to classic Swiss ingredients and methods. Expect dishes likewild-game meatballs and chestnut-ginger ravioli topped with shaved Belper Knolle cheese. tavernejohann.ch/
More Must-Visit Activities and Attractions in Basel
- Tour Jakob’s Basler Leckerly, Switzerland’s oldest biscuit bakery
- Grab a bite at Za Zaa Lebanese Soul Food
- Cross the German border to visit the nearby Vitra Design Museum, designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry
Travel Tip: Flying to Basel
Swiss International Air Lines flies non-stop to Zurich from Montreal year-round and seasonally from Toronto. Once there, take the SBB direct to Basel— you’ll arrive in less than two hours.
