The beautifully preserved city of Basel boasts world famous art festivals, extensive history and fabulous architecture in a small but lively setting. Apartments in Basel vary substantially in size, style and age whilst rent is still considerably cheaper than cities like Zurich and Geneva. The diverse nature of properties in the city means that those looking to rent an apartment in Basel could just as easily find a beautiful 15th century built dwelling in Old Town as they could a modern glass fronted apartment in Kleinbasel. Hugging the River Rhine, the city explodes into life in the summer months with the world famous Art Festival Basel.
Due to its compact nature and beautiful buildings, apartments for rent in Basel are very desirable and rent is high by European standards, yet low by Swiss standards. However, the past decade has witnessed rent rise steeply at a faster rate than the rest of Switzerland so be aware that property in Basel is sought-after. Very easy to navigate and walkable on foot, the city has been a tourist hotspot for many years and will continue to do so.
Furnished & Serviced Apartments in Basel
A viable option for those with more of a disposable income are serviced apartments in Basel, these are modern and luxurious, with facilities including a gym and pool in the majority of them. 24 hour reception and parking is also included with many, so for people who value their security this could be the best option.
Furnished apartments in Basel come fully decorated with all the furniture and amenities you’d need to live there. The apartments remove the hassle of sourcing furniture and homeware so is advisable for people on a schedule or looking for temporary accommodation. If this sounds like something that would interest you, be prepared to pay more as these facilities come at an extra cost to your property.
Types of Accommodations in Basel
More Attractive Areas for Basel Apartments
Apartments in Kleinbasel
Kleinbasel, the sector of the city north of the Rhine river, is fast becoming known as a favourite of hipsters, students and creatives alike. Previously thought of as an unpopular area it has seen a revamp in recent years due to cheaper rents favoured by artists and creative types.. Apartments in Kleinbasel are affordable but always rising due to growing gentrification so bear this in mind when searching for property here.
Narrow streets leading to the banks of the Rhine make it a popular place for residents especially in the summer months, trendy bars and funky shops have exploded in the area in recent years furthering its popularity amongst city locals. There is a large Indian Turkish and Balkan population that live harmoniously with the young professionals and students living there giving the neighbourhood an interesting mix of cultures and food delicacies.
Apartments in Basel Old Town
One of the most intact and prettiest Old Towns in Europe or the world, this area divided by the Rhine river running through the middle. One of the main draws for tourism in the city, Old Town apartments are expensive due to their historic significance and central location. Due to Swiss neutrality in European wars, the city has been intact since its creation.
Easily covered on foot, the area itself is navigable apartments in Old Town are hard to come by. However, those that are lucky enough to find a flat in Old Town will discover a beautiful neighbourhood with attractions galore. Great transport links to the rest of the city and an interesting food scene, Old Town provides everything a new resident of Basel would need.
Apartments in Allschwil
Basel holds Switzerland's fastest growing economy and has the second largest financial district in the country. Apartments in Allschwil are expensive as they are close to the large industries of the city whilst still retaining its status as a medieval suburb. Over 1000 years of heritage fills the streets here and the type of property in Allschwil can range from a 15th century cottage to a new-built apartment. A long standing science and pharmaceutical industry within the city has meant plenty of high paying jobs with rent to accompany these lofty salaries. One of the largest companies, Actelion, has its HQ in Allschwil, so many workers live nearby.
Rooms in Basel
For those looking to move to the city and find their feet, a good option would be to look for a room to rent in Basel. Rooms in Basel are part of shared accomodation and is a great way to meet and socialise with others living in the city. A viable alternative to entire apartments, rooms to rent in Basel offer much cheaper rent in previously unaffordable areas such as Old Town, Grossbasel or Allschwil, whilst still offering a chance to meet and live with other people.
If you look outside the central districts you may be able to find rooms for rent even cheaper, and with such good public transport, you can be in the city centre in less than ten minutes. In good central locations of the city, a room to rent in Basel can be as little as 500 Euros per month.
Student Accommodation in Basel
Student accomodation in Basel is affordable and amongst the best areas of the city. With cheaper rent than Zurich and Geneva and a nightlife to compete, Basel is a popular choice for those on a tighter budget. Known as a great city for students, with the choice of either Kleinbasel (north of the river) or Grossbasel (south of the river) for areas to choose from.
Grossbasel is close to the main University buildings, so useful for those who don’t want a commute. Kleinbasel is cheaper and closer to the lively nightlife sector. The small size of the city means you can get between Kleinbasel and Grossbasel in a matter of minutes, so the majority of students tend to opt for Kleinbasel as the area to live in. Another option for those students looking for cheaper rent is the area of Gundeli, this is a little further out of the city so the rent is considerably less here and the transport links are also very good.
Public Transportation in Basel
Public transportation in basel has a good reputation for being reliable, modern and efficient whilst not costing the traveller extortionate prices. Basel is considered a tram city in the sense that this is how the majority of people commute as the tram lines cover most of the city. Trams and buses are run by BVB – “Basler Verkersbetriebe” The small size of the city means that no journey is too long for commuters coming in from outer-lying neighbourhoods. The central zone is walkable, but for those wishing to jump from one side of the city to the other it is easily done by bus tram or train. Basel boasts two major train stations, Basel SBB and Basel Badischer Bahnhof, providing links to the rest of Switzerland and Northern Europe.