Recent studies show that Switzerland is one of the most desirable countries for expats to live in. The country is home to the beautiful Swiss Alps, plenty of lakes, and of course fantastic chocolate.
Moreover, Switzerland is known for its incredibly high standards of living, low unemployment rates, low crime, and stable economy. If you’re looking to move to a new country this year, this one is well worth considering.
There are many large cities in Switzerland, all known for specific things. For example, Zurich is known as the financial capital of Switzerland. On the other hand, Geneva is touted to be a diplomatic center, while Basel is considered the cultural capital of Switzerland.
Our focus for this post is the latter. Inside, we will explore the best neighborhoods to consider if looking for a place to stay in this amazing city. Before that though…
Basel: The cultural capital of Switzerland
Alongside Zurich and Geneva, Basel is one of the most populated cities in Switzerland. This city is a melting pot of culture, embracing music, painting, and many other art forms.
Basel has close to forty museums displaying artwork from the old days to recent installations. These venues host regular exhibitions with plenty of international appeal.
If you’re planning to move to this beautiful city, you might want to carefully choose what neighborhood you want to live in. The four districts we explore below are the best ones in our opinion.
Let’s dive in!
Bachletten
Bachletten is a popular residential neighborhood in the inner southwest of Basel. Expatriates love this neighborhood due to its wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and popular (tourist) attractions. It’s also not too far from the city center, meaning you won’t have to endure long commutes.
Bachlettten has easy access to the tram network in Basel, and that means you can get to the city center in minutes. The neighborhood offers excellent accommodation options including some of the best townhouses and stylish furnished apartments.
Whether you’re a student, a new parent, or an expatriate moving to this city, one thing is guaranteed; you will find something for you in this district.
Matthaus
Matthaus is a small but lively and punchy neighborhood in Basel. This area is rapidly becoming one of the best districts in Basel. Known for its exciting nightlife, Matthaus is as urban as it gets.
The neighborhood is situated right alongside the Rhine River, making for exceptional views and a serene environment.
Like all of Switzerland, Matthaus is quite safe and relatively peaceful at night. What’s more, you’ll have access to the tram, bus, and train links from the Feldbergstrasse station.
If you’re an expat looking for an area that has life but doesn’t overdo it, Matthaus will be the perfect fit.
Riehen
Riehen is a sizable northeast Basel area across the Rhine River. This district is furthest from the center of the city, offering peace and quiet that make for the highest quality of life in all of Switzerland.
Riehen boasts plenty of green spaces and social amenities that would be perfect for raising a family. Indeed, recent estimates show that 25% of this area is covered by forests, implying there’s a lot of room to enjoy the outdoors and explore nature.
Like most parts of Basel, Riehen has an effective and reliable transport system, many supermarkets, hospitals and good schools. This district is a little costlier than other areas in Basel but it is well worth the price.
Gundeldingen
Gundeldingen, also called Gundeli, is an inner-city district next to Bachletten. Gundeli is loved by expatriates and hosts thousands of international visitors living in Switzerland.
This residential district is primarily quiet at night, making it ideal for older people and people with young families. The downside of living in some swanky neighborhoods is the noise that comes with it, but Gundeli couldn’t be more different.
There are many accommodation options in Gundeldingen – more than enough for the diverse categories of people living in the district. Furnished rental apartments, townhouses, and villas are standard in this area.
You will never regret moving to Basel!
Basel is an amazing city to live in, whether you’re an expat or a young professional. It offers excellent security, clean surroundings, and low crime and unemployment rates.
Basel has a decent number of neighborhoods to choose from. Depending on your lifestyle, financial situation, and general preferences, you could live in Bachelleten, Matthaus, Riehen, Gundeldingen, or any other district.
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, and we hope you can get something that works best for you. Good luck!
