Basel

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Basel is a city in Switzerland.

While it is not a typical tourist destination, it has a beautiful medieval style Old Town center and there are quite a few things to see and do if you have a few days to spend.

basel Travel Guide : 1 Understand 2 Get in 2.1 By plane 2.2 By train 2.3 By car 3 Get around 3.1 By foot 3.2 By tram 3.3 By bus 3.4 By cycle 3.5 By boat 3.6 By car 4 See 5 Do 5.1 Events and Festivals 6 Learn 7 Work 8 Buy 9 Eat 9.1 Budget 9.2 Mid-range 9.3 Splurge 10 Drink 11 Sleep 11.1 Budget 11.2 Mid-range 11.3 Splurge 12 Contact 13 Stay safe 14 Cope 14.1 Language 14.2 Attitude 14.3 Computer repair 15 Get out 16 External links

Understand

The town of Basel lies in the north-western corner of Switzerland. The town shares borders with France and Germany and is the heart of this trinational region. Besides its own attractions it can serve as a good entry point to the Alsace, Black Forest regions or the canton of Basel-Land.

The Rhine runs through the city in an right-angle curve and divides the town into two parts. Situated on the south and west bank is Grossbasel (Greater Basel) with the mediaeval old town at its centre. Kleinbasel (Smaller Basel) is located on the north bank.

Basel means art. Visiting Basel is usually a holiday for your vocal cords since you will absorb the beautiful art in silence exhibited in the many first-rate museums. Once a year it also hosts Art Basel which is the world's premier fair for modern classics and contemporary art.

Basel has one of the most amazing carnivals you're likely to see, called "Fasnacht". If you're there during the "three loveliest days" of the year, prepare to be amazed, and don't expect to be able to sleep. (more information below).

Even if you think your German is pretty good, and even though Basel is only just over the German border, remember this is Switzerland and the locals speak the incomparable and lively Baslerduutsch.

The tourist information office is located in Barfusserplatz, directly across the street from McDonald's. There is also a tourist office at the Basel SBB station.

Get in

By plane

The Euroairport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (http://www.euroairport.com/EN/) is the only binational airport in the world. Built on French soil about 4 km from Basel it is connected with the city through a toll-free road. Several major airlines, like Swiss, Air France or Lufthansa, serve the EuroAirport. Besides the national carriers, easyJet (http://www.easyjet.com/) is building up a larger base in Basel. Current destinations are airports in the surroundings of Berlin, Liverpool, London, Alicante, Barcelona, Nice, Palma de Mallorca, and Rome. Another low-cost carrier is Air Berlin (http://www.airberlin.com) which flies to many holiday destinations, e.g. some Greek islands and the Canary Islands.

Be careful to exit through the Swiss passport control, or you will unwittingly find yourself in France. In the arrival hall you can choose to go through the Swiss customs and take the toll-free road to Basel or to go the French customs. Some flights to the EuroAiport are descripted with Basel (BSL, Switzerland) as destination while flights from France usually write Mulhouse (MLH, France) as their destination, although it is the same airport. To confuse you completely it even has a third airport code EAP, which is the less used international code. If you are searching for flights to Basel search for both destinations.

From the airport, visitors can rent a car (not recommended) or take the #50 bus (right outside the arrivals area) which ends at the Basel SBB train station. You must purchase a two-zone ticket at the bus stop for 3.80 CHF or XX Euros (only coins accepted). (Note that trips on the bus to the center of town are a "two zone" trip).

A good source for finding flights to Basel (and other places) is dohop.com, the travel search engine (http://www.dohop.com). It will show you connections from many places, mainly with discount airlines, which you might not even know existed!

By train

Basel has two main train stations. The Basel SBB station is south of the town center and the Basel Badischer Bahnhof (abbrev Basel Bad Bf) is to the north. The Basel SBB station serves the Swiss SBB rail (http://www.sbb.ch/en) and French SNCF rail (http://www.voyages-sncf.com), with German DB trains connecting to the Basel Bad Bahnhof. The Bad Bahnhof serves the German DB rail (http://www.db.de). If you are arriving from France or Germany, you will pass through customs before entering Switzerland (which is not part of the EU).

International train connections include

• An ICE high speed train link from Germany (Frankfurt, Berlin)
• fast trains from Paris, Strasbourg, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Brussels
• Night trains from Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Berlin and other cities in France and Germany

By car

Get around

By foot

This is the standard mode of travel for many within the city. Old Basel isn't very large and there are many narrow and winding side streets with incredible slopes. The shopping streets in the old city are closed to car traffic. Tourists will walk a lot - and be pleased and impressed at every turn. But the walking can be hard because of the often-found cobblestone pavement and the slopes. Some sidewalks even have steps. Walking around Basle can be a real cardiovascular workout for most if you wander off the main streets - but it's the ONLY way to really experience the city.

WARNING: Trams have the right of way over pedestrians - all the time. Keep an eye out for trams as you cross a street. A stopped tram can accelerate very quickly. And, always look the OTHER WAY for a tram if you're crossing behind one that just passed you. Your view of an oncoming tram may be blocked by the tram that just passed you.

By tram

Basel has an extensive tram (and bus) network (map (http://www.bvb-basel.ch/pics/Liniennetz_05.gif)). Trams in Basel are the greatest amenity you can imagine. They are absolutely prompt - as is all public transit - inexpensive, clean and very convenient. Each stop has maps of the system for the trams that stop there as well as a listing of arrival times at that stop. Free tram transfers are allowed in the city, as long as you go in one direction.

Every tram stop has a green ticket vending machine. You will need Swiss currency (coins only), except for a few places that accept Euros. Inside the city limits, all destinations farther than 4 stops away are zone 1. As long as you are traveling away from your stop, you can ride on the one ticket. Don't buy first class, because trams do not have first class cars. Round trip tickets are fine, but watch out for any conditions, like same day return. Multi trip tickets or multi-day tickets are also available. If you're several people or plan on spending more than a couple of days in Basel, it is worth considering buying a 12-trip 1 zone ticket, available at every kiosk. It's not cheaper but more convenient because it saves you having to fiddle around with change. Do NOT buy a half-price ticket. That is reserved for any resident who purchased the appropriate annual discount card.

Doors on the tram are controlled by large push buttons on the door (outside) and above the door or on the grab rail near the door (inside). Once the tram stops, push the button and the door will open for you. The doors automatically close before the tram starts moving. HOLD ON! The trams have great acceleration and braking to make the trip as quick as possible. Each upcoming stop is announced by a recorded voice (in Standard German) along with the numbers of connecting trams at that stop.

Tram travel is on the honor system. Nobody collects your ticket. Periodically, a number (4-8) of "tram police" (undercover agents) board a tram and halt it short of a regular stop. They quickly examine everyone's ticket. If you don't have one, expect a large fine to be levied - in the neighborhood of 100 Francs. Even in this exercise, there is efficiency. Typical halts last less than 3 minutes - the precision of the schedules can't be messed up!

Many better hotels in Basel offer each registered guest a free tram travel card on check in. This is a great benefit, as it can be worth the price of a lunch every day you stay. Your only challenge is getting to the hotel as you arrive on the first day.

By bus

Buses serve the outer-lying areas of Basel, as trams operate mainly in the city centre. The fare is the same as the trams, and transfers are free. There are also special buses that connect to nearby towns in France and Germany.

By cycle

Basel is a very bike-friendly city, with many well-marked bike lanes all through the city, and even traffic signals and left-hand turn lanes for bikes. While drivers are generally aware of bikers, be sure to use hand signals and ride defensively. Besides local commuter bike lanes, there are specific bike trails that connect to other parts of Switzerland (via the Veloland Schweiz network); these are indicated by signs at some intersections. Helmets are not required, but lights and bells are. The Swiss are quite keen cyclists, so don't be surprised when an old lady goes flying past you on her bike while going uphill.

Bikes can be rented from the underground bike park at Centralbahnplatz, under the Basel SBB station.

By boat

• (Swimming down the river Rhine, a favourite pastime for the locals in summer) See the Be Safe comments below!
• Basel also has several small boats which carry you across the Rhine for a small fee, for example from below the Munster. A ride in one of the old wooden ferries is definitely worth the 1.20 CHF!

By car

Driving in Basel is not recommended for visitors, as the roads are very confusing and are shared with trams (note, cars must yield to trams). Parking in the old city is also expensive and scarce.

See

Most of the "old town" attractions in Basel are in a walkable area between the Basel Zoo (just south of the Basel SBB train station) and the Rhine. Since most stores are closed on Sundays, it is a good day to plan to see one of the many museums, which are usually open. Basel has over 20 museums, and many of these have a free opening hour at the end of the day.

• Marktplatz (Market square). The central square in Basel is overlooked by the magnificent Rathaus (the historic "city hall" of Basel). Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and pasteries, flowers are available each working day. Considerably more vendors on Saturday morning.

• The Gates to the Walled City In early years, Basel was a walled city with fortifications. A number of the gates can still be seen around the old city. Each is worth visiting as a reminder of this great city's past.

• Munster. Walk up to the Munsterplatz and Basel's cathedral. Cobbled streets, medieval buildings. For a few CHF, you can climb to the top of one of the towers and see spectacular views over the river. However, you must be accompanied in order to be allowed entrance (jumping risk). Views from the plaza surrounding the Munster and overlooking the Rhine are some of the best views of the city and the river.

• Kunstmuseum Basel 1 (http://www.kunstmuseumbasel.ch/en.html) Basel's world-class museum houses an impressive permanent collection of 19th and 20th century works, as well as an extensive collection of medieval paintings from European artists. Along with the Beyeler Foundation (see below), it is a must-see for art lovers. No photography.

• Beyeler Foundation 2 (http://www.beyeler.com) (Take #6 tram towards Riehen Grenze to Fondation Beyeler stop, about 20 min from town center) This gallery, located outside of Basel in the neighboring town of Riehen, was designed by Renzo Piano and houses a world-class collection and usually displays excellent temporary exhibitions. It is also notable for a permanent collection of works by color-field painter Mark Rothko. No photography indoors, photos allowed outdoors.

• Tinguely Museum, Paul Sacher-Anlage 1 (walk east, on the Kleinbasel side of the Rhine, or take #36 bus) +41 (0)61 681 93 20, 3 (http://www.tinguely.ch/en/). Tu-Su 11AM-5PM. See some fantastic animated mechanical works at this museum dedicated to Swiss artist Jean Tinguely and other similar "kinetic" modern artists. Great for kids. The building was designed by famous architect Renzo Piano. 10 CHF adults, free for children up to age 16. No photography.

• Basel Zoo 4 (http://www.zoobasel.ch/) (second largest in Switzerland) with easy access by walking or tram from the central SBB station. For a zoo located in the center of a city it is big with great variety. Have lunch watching the elephants and take some time to see the monkeys solving problems for food in the Monkey House.

• Rhine river in warm weather, be sure to spend some time in the afternoon enjoying the sun by the Rhine, or take a dip in it if it's really hot, as many locals do. Walk over the bridges. They offer excellent vantage points to see river - and river bank - life.

• The world-class construction projects at Voltaplatz. The first is the building of a tunnel under the city streets for traffic entering and leaving France. This traffic has been using surface routes to the bridge over the Rhine for decades. The project is comparable to the "Big Dig" in Boston, but further complicated by the unearthing of ancient ruins in the excavation. Not be be ignored is the nearby Novartis campus reconstruction project. This immense building project will totally renovate the look of the campus and integrate with the tunnel project to create a revitalized and attractive neighborhood and serene parkland along the Rhine River. The sheer number and size of the construction cranes in this area is awesome!

Do

Events and Festivals

• Basel Fasnacht Basel's version of Carnival, lasting for three straight days. The first day, it starts at precisely 4 AM with an eerie procession called "Morgestraich", and there are parades on Monday and Wednesday afternoon, with various activities in the evenings. Combine it with amazing fire spectacle of Chienbase parade in nearby town Liestal on Sunday evening. Following Fasnacht, the bands tour other Swiss cities for a few weeks on Sunday afternoons and return to Basle for an evening parade (no costumes, just music).

• "BaselWorld" International Watch and Jewelry fair Mar 30-Apr 6, 2006. The world's biggest watch and jewelry trade show. The city's population more than doubles during this convention. The watch displays are particularly elaborate, with the exhibition space set up like an indoor version of 5th Avenue.

• Art Basel Modern art show.

• Basel Herbstmesse (autumn fair) Two weeks around the end of October every year. Rides, booths and lots of food in several locations all over the city.

Learn

• University of Basel (Universitat Basel) 5 (http://www.unibas.ch/). Switzerland's oldest university, founded in 1459. Located in central Basel.

Work

Basel is a center of the pharmaceutical industry. Mergers of Basel companies in the past two decades have produced the giant Novartis (http://www.novartis.com) group, still with HQ in Basel. The smaller, but still huge, Hoffman-La Roche (http://www.roche.com), provides competition. There are also other large chemical and lifesciences companies such as CIBA Specialty Chemical (http://www.cibasc.com), Syngenta (http://www.syngenta) and Lonza (http://www.lonza.com).

Basel is also emerging as a software cluster, particularly in the field of enterprise web software, with companies such as Day (http://www.day.com) (Communique CMS), Obtree (http://www.obtree.com/) (now owned by OpenText), Things Prime (http://www.thingsprime.com) (Generic Applications), and Obinary (http://www.obinary.ch) (Magnolia CMS), all having their HQs in Basel.

Basle is also home of the World Bank.

Buy

• Buy some Basler "Leckerli", the local biscuit speciality. Addictive, even if you buy the non-brand ones from Migros.

Basel's "shopping mile" goes from Clarastrasse (Claraplatz) to Marktplatz and up Freiestrasse and Gerbergasse to Heuwaage and Bankverein. Most of the shopping is in specialty stores and luxury boutiques, with a few department stores. Like other large Swiss cities, Basel has many jewelers, horologers (watches), and chocolatiers. Tourists will enjoy wandering the small streets and window shopping in the large variety of specialty shops. Retailers are generally cheery and very competent, polite and helpful.

Souvenirs in Basel Old Town tend to be expensive and high-end. Souvenir shops in Basle are located near the tram stop at Schifflande and another near the University "up the hill" from Marktplatz. Also at the train station "SBB"; maybe at the tram museum, too.

Prices of name brands are generally uniform across the city - and across the country. Discounting has only recently made inroads in Basel. Expect to pay the same price anywhere for a Swiss Army knife or a watch.

Most stores close promptly at 6:30PM Mo-Fr, except for Thursday when many stores are open until 8 or 9PM. Stores close by 5PM on Saturday and nothing is open on Sunday. Exceptions are the stores around the train station, the Coop Pronto at Barfüsserplatz and a number of small family businesses in residential areas. Tax is included in prices, and there is generally no haggling. Some luxury stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists.

• Bucherer, Freiestrasse. High-end jewelry and watches, especially Rolex.
• Lackerli Huus, Gerbergasse. Traditional and non-traditional versions of the famous Basler Leckerli.
• Sprüngli, (Basel SBB station, upstairs). Satellite location of the famous Zürich chocolatier. Try the dark chocolate.
• Jaggi Bücher. The biggest bookstore in town (location by the central post office) also carries a small selection of English books (including computer books) and stationery.
• Bergli Books, Basel's only English-only bookstore.
• Bider and Tanner, (Aeschenplatz). Large bookstore with a good English book section and an excellent travel book section. The place to go to get local topo maps and Swiss bike maps.
• Globus (Marktplatz) High-end department store, with two floors of gourmet grocery store (take the lift downstairs).

Eat

Basel has a thriving café culture, and the streets of the old town are lined with outdoor seating in the summer. For "sit down" restaurants, tipping a percentage of your bill is not the norm as it is in the US. Generally, leaving "pocket change" is the norm. For example, if your bill comes to 19.65 francs, leave .35 francs as a tip. Don't worry about appearing to be cheap., Do as the locals do. Restaurants build into food prices an allowance for proper salaries for their servers. Moreover, your server takes pride in doing his or her job without needing (or expecting) an incentive payment.

Budget

Food in Switzerland is generally more expensive than other countries in Europe, and those on a budget should consider preparing their own food from the grocery store (closed in the evenings), or taking a trip up to nearby France or Germany.

• Mensa Universitat Basel, at Bernoullistrasse 14. One of the students cafeterias. Serves an inexpensive lunch menu not only to students from Monday to Friday. It is by no means 'gourmet' food, though.
• Marktplatz and Barfüsserplatz. Usually you can find some street vendors in these areas selling pretzels, sandwiches, pizzas, and sometimes crêpes, for around 3-5 CHF each. On many days in Marktplatz you can buy a variety of tasty sausages (Wurst) hot off the grill from the yellow Eiche cart for less than 6 CHF each. These are served with a piece of bread and a condiment, and there are usually stands nearby where you can eat.
• Mister Wong. Good asian food, as cheap as 7-8 CHF to around 13 CHF for a meal, situated at the Barfusserplatz.
• McDonald's. Central Basel has several locations, and the ones in Claraplatz and Barfusserplatz are open until early in the morning. Be prepared for sticker shock, though, as a combo meal costs well over 10 CHF. Americans may be amused by the walk-up window in Claraplatz.
• Some of the large department stores (Coop City, Pfauen, and Manor) have self-service cafeterias on the top floor. While they are not particularly cheap, they serve good food that is a reasonably priced alternative to a full-service restaurant. Note that salad bars usually sell food by plate, not by weight.
• If you are looking for a snack, the Coop Pronto convenience store usually has fresh baked breads and pastries, and sometimes has heartier pastries filled with meat and some packaged sandwiches. Drinks are much cheaper at grocery stores than at cafés or restaurants.
• Many of the bakeries and confiseries in town sell petite sandwiches that you can take away, and usually you can get some kind of small snack at any street café.
• Hirscheneck, Lindenberg 23. 6 (http://www.hirscheneck.ch/) Traditional left-wing / punk runned restaurant. You get a relatively cheap square meal. Always serves vegetarian and vegan food too. Breakfast on Sundays until 16.00.

Mid-range

The restaurants in the historical part of Basel are generally of good quality.

• Alter Zoll, Elsasserstrasse 127 7 (http://www.alterzoll.ch/index_en.shtml), serves excellent, homemade food for moderate prices (lunch CHF 17.50, dinner CHF 20 - 30). Calm atmosphere to relax, no bells and whistles. Not exactly in the city-center though.

Splurge

• Café Spitz, Rheingasse 2 (Just across the middle bridge from the old city, directly overlooking the Rhine), +41 61 685 11 11, 8 (http://www.hotel-merian.ch/). Not simply a café - excellent seafood, with a nice terrace overlooking the Rhine. In the summer, there is a special menu with a variety of grilled fish to choose from. The outdoor seating area directly overlooking the Rhine has a reduced (and less expensive) menu.
• Restaurant Stucki Bruderholz, Bruderholzallee 42, +41 61 361 82 22, 9 (http://www.stucki-bruderholz.ch/). Among the finest restaurants in Basel is this gem situated in an old manor serving classic French cuisine. For lovers of fine food, it is well worth venturing just outside the city center to dine here. The restaurant has been rewarded 18 Gault-Millau points and one Michelin star. It is also listed in the popular book 1000 Places To See Before You Die.

Drink

• BarRouge (Messeplatz, espress elevator to top) 10 (http://www.barrouge.ch/). A cool modern-style bar located on the top (31st) floor of the Messeturm. Panoramic views of the city, even from the stalls in the bathroom!

• Brauner Mutz, Beerhall situated at the Barfüsserplatz. A good place to get in contact with locals and have a beer or two. Never mind sitting at a table that still has a stool thats not taken.

• Fischerstube, Rheingasse. The oldest brewpub in Switzerland. Nice selection of brews including an excellent wheat beer.

• Unternehmen Mitte, Gerbergasse (near the central post office) 11 (http://www.mitte.ch). Interesting hangout and modern-style bar with lots of seating indoors and outdoors. On some evenings, it becomes a venue where you can enjoy classical musicians (Wed evenings) and watch Tango dancing (Thu). Great café lattes and cappucinos. Good place to hang out during the day, too. Non-smoking room (Non-fumare).

• Pickwicks, Steinenvorstadt. Brit/Irish pub. Friendly atmosphere spills out onto the pavement.

• Klingenthal, Brandgasse (in the heart of the small red light district). One of the rare places that do warm plates after midnight and therefore a place for professional ladies to have their break. (They are heaving a break, so don't intend to do business with them in there.) Quite a rough atmosphere sometimes but definitely not a dangerous place to go.

• Roter Kater, (in the red light district). Small bar with a hotel that rents rooms on a "short timeline basis". Although definitely used as a "contact room" still a nice little dodgy bar with still affordable prices after midnight. Best of all: You don't get chatted up.

Sleep

If you plan on staying in Basel during BaselWorld 12 (http://www.baselworld.com), Fasnacht 13 (http://www.fasnacht.ch/), or Art Basel 14 (http://www.art.ch/) be sure to book your room well in advance. Most places are booked solid during these times.

Budget

• The youth hostel is located in the St. Alban quarter, one of the most picturesque quarters in town, close to the riverbank of the Rhine. Single and double rooms or dorms. Prices range from 30 CHF for dorm beds to 80 CHF for single rooms. Address: St. Alban-Kirchrain 10, 4052 Basel, phone +41 61 272 05 72, fax +41 61 272 08 33 www.youthhostel.ch/basel/, basel@youthhostel.ch

• A second youth hostel (Basel-City) has opened on 22th of March 2005. It is just 3 minutes away from the main station and has only single and double rooms. Address: Pfeffingerstasse 8, CH-4053 Basel, phone + 41 61 365 99 60, fax: +41 61 365 99 61, http://www.youthhostel.ch/basel.city, basel.city@youthhostel.ch

• Basel back pack, Dornacherstr. 192, 4053 Basel, phone +41 61 333 00 37 www.baselbackpack.ch, info@baselbackpack.ch. The first and only backpackers is located in the lively Gundeldinger Feld quarter, where you find lots of night life, dining and shopping possibilities. Single and double rooms or dorms. 30 CHF for dorm beds to 80 CHF for single rooms.

Mid-range

• Basel Schweizerhof located on Centralbahnplatz 15 (http://www.schweizerhof-basel.ch/). Handy access to the train station and tram links.

Splurge

• SAS Radisson at Heuwaage (between Theater and Zoo tram stops). Recently renovated, fully air conditioned, great lobby bar and good attached restaurants. Expect to pay CHF 150-250 range for a neat and clean room. Most rooms are of modest size unless you go high-end deluxe business class. High speed internet access in some better rooms and (wireless) in the lobby (both at extra cost). Window views are generally of a small inner courtyard built on the roof of the first floor (pretty dismal). Othrwise a good hotel with pleasant and helpful staff.
• Drei Koenig (Three Kings) (on the Rhine). Currently closed and under total renovation, reopening in 2006. One of the oldest and finest hotels in Switzerland. So named because of the royalty who were guests over the years. Very expensive, but views of the Rhine from some rooms - and all that tradition!!
• Basel Hilton a block from the train station (SBB). Typical high end hotel in a good neighborhood with a park acrss the street. A relatively modern hotel lacking a certain Swiss authenticity in style.

Contact

• The big bookstore Thalia in the center of town has a free, public WiFi hotspot and also some Internet terminals for a small hourly fee ("Surfpoint").
• There is free wifi in Unternehmen Mitte (see above)
• There is an internet café in the Steinen.
• The main branch of the public library (GGG), located in Schmiedenhof between Barfüsserplatz and Marktplatz, offers internet terminals for a small fee.
• There are a number of free internet terminals in the university library.

Stay safe

• Watch out for the trams. Trams have right of way over pedestrians!
• Be careful when swimming in the Rhine! There are many ships! The Rhine is not a lazy river. It has many bridges, heavy flow and much commercial traffic. Don't go swimming if you are a weak swimmer, ask locals for good and save entry / exit points. Never try to swim across from one side to the other. Wear foot-protection at all times.

Cope

Language

Basel is a cosmopolitan city because of its university and its industry, and proximity to the borders of France and Germany. Most people speak some French and German (for many one of these languages is their first language) and probably 50% of the population can speak English comfortably enough to deal with typical interactions, and will gladly work with you to understand you (if you happen to be strictly English-speaking). The locals speak Baseldytsch, which is a local Swiss-German dialect. To the untrained ear, it sounds similar to German with a smattering of French.

Attitude

Every Swiss takes great pride in his/her work. Every position is a profession demanding excellence. The bartender, housekeeper, tram driver, retail clerk, street sweeper, waiter, etc. aims to be perfectly competent. This attitude is reflected in the everyday life you will experience in Basle and throughout Switzerland.

Don't mistake the Swiss penchant for privacy and calmness as indifference. They are earnest and interested, but generally reserved - except during Fasnacht (Carnival).

Swiss are scrupulously law abiding and honest. Few natives cross against a traffic light. A loose banknote on the sidewalk may stay there all day awaiting its rightful owner to realise that it's missing and come back for it. Real story: A Basel resident found a cr card on the street and took the time to visit a number of nearby office buildings and inquire about the possibility of the card owner working in that building. The rightful owner was found after a number of unsuccessful visits to other buildings.

Computer repair

Ingenodata Apple Center, Güterstrasse 133 (a few min walk, left from the south entrance of the Basel SBB station), 061 366 11 11. A large certified "Apple Center" offers free repair service for Apple products covered under an AppleCare warranty.

Get out

If you want lots of tee shirts and other relatively inexpensive trinkets, go to the Old Town in Lucerne - very much worth the trip because of the beautiful location at Lake Lucerne with a panoramic view of the Alps. Of course the souvenirs will be of Switzerland and Lucerne, not Basle.

The following destinations are good for a day trip from Basel and are easily accessible by train: Zürich, Freiburg and the Black Forest, Schaffhausen, Bern, Lucerne, Colmar (France)

External links

• Basel Tourismus Official Basel tourism site. Event calendar, information or booking services on www.baseltourismus.ch (http://www.baseltourismus.ch/opencms/opencms/bstour/english/).
• Basel.ch (http://www.basel.ch) Official Basel home page.
• mybasel.ch (http://www.mybasel.ch) This unofficial Basel portal (in German) has a wealth of local information, including movie schedules.