Basel

Basel, in the northwestern corner of Switzerland where the country meets France and Germany, is one of Europe's greatest art cities — a place where a remarkable collection of world-class museums, anchored by the Art Basel fair (the world's most important contemporary art event), has made a compact Rhine city into a global cultural destination. The Kunstmuseum Basel is the world's oldest public art museum still in its original location — its collection spans from 15th-century German painting through Holbein and Weyden to 20th-century modernity, and a new extension opened in 2016 nearly doubles its space. The Fondation Beyeler, in a Renzo Piano building in the suburb of Riehen, is arguably the finest private art museum in the world — the collection of Monet, Giacometti, Bacon, Warhol and African art is exceptional. The Museum Tinguely celebrates the kinetic sculptor with a spectacular installation. Art Basel in June brings the global art market to the city, but the 40+ museums here make it worthwhile year-round. The Old Town on the Rhine's south bank has excellent Romanesque and Gothic monuments — the red sandstone Basel Minster offers Rhine views from its towers. The Rhine itself is central to Basel life: swimming in the fast-flowing green river with a waterproof bag (wickelfisch) for your belongings is an essential summer experience. Basel is conveniently placed for day trips into Alsace and the Black Forest.