General Resources
IS THERE AN ENGLISH-LANGUAGE SITE CONTAINING A LIST OF ONLINE RESOURCES IN BASEL?
Yes! The Upper Rhine Online organizes links into logical categories including work, travel, education and kids, and much more. (Click on the tab with the Swiss flag to view.) Particularly useful (and aptly categorized under “Useful” are the online directories such as one that allows you to find the telephone number of any person in Switzerland. You’ll also find links to online movie listings, information on outlet shopping in Alsace and much, much more. Bookmark this puppy immediately.
You will also find a lot of good information at www.basel.ch, the “Official Website of the Canton of Basel-Stadt.”
WHERE CAN I SHOP ON SUNDAY?
With the exception of a few Sundays before Christmas, most shops in Switzerland are closed on Sunday. If you need to purchase groceries, your best bet is the SBB. The Migros and COOP are both open there at the station. Some other shops, including the Ex Libris (for DVDs and video games) are also open at the station. COOP Prontos (the Swiss version of a 7-11) are also open on Sundays all around Basel. Prices are higher, but if you need milk on a Sunday morning, it is well worth the additional expense.
You will also find a number of small, family-owned shops that are open around town, particularly in Kleinbasel and the Gundeli, and St. Johann areas. Shopping at these stores has the added bonus of supporting independent store owners and providing competition for Switzerland’s Migro/COOP bi-opoly.
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT BASEL RESTAURANTS?
There is a very good site providing information in English or German about restaurants in Basel. The site organizes restaurants by location or by type of cuisine and is updated frequently. Visit Basel Restaurants at: www.basel-restaurants.ch (see also Basel Eats).
ARE THERE OTHER ENGLISH-LANGUAGE SITES ABOUT BASEL OUT THERE?
Yes. Bâlehoo is the latest addition to the Basel area and while I (and my mom) think it’s quite good, you’ll find loads of good information at the following sites:
The English Show, the local English-language radio show’s site has great updates on local events and news. According to its site, it is an “organization of English speaking Expats in Basel Switzerland. We broadcast a live radio show from 94.5 FM Radio X every Tuesday night from 6:30 PM.”
Centrepoint. This site contains information about the Centrepoint organization, which provides an “English speaking environment where people can meet, borrow books, attend language classes and take advantage of a wide choice of services and programmes.”
Basel.ch is the “Official website of the Canton of Basel-Stadt with comprehensive information regarding economy and culture, ongoing highlights, a virtual city tour, an event database as well as picture archives and webcam services.”