The Basler Market along the Marktplatz is open 6 days a week and a great place to spend a day if you would like to sample some authentic Swiss fare like croissants, steaming hot chocolate, roast chicken and of course red wine. The vendors bring out all they have for sale: clothes, boots, souvenirs, frangipaani, scented flowers, marinated olives, blue cheese, honey, fresh organic produce and even home ware. Even if you don't want to pick up anything, come here for the sheer experience as the atmosphere is matchless and truly local!
Manor is one of the largest department stores in Basel. The store still has a friendly atmosphere and on Saturdays it gets especially busy. Customers can choose between a range of goods as diverse as fish tanks and Swatch watches. There are five floors for women, men and children fashions, porcelain and glassware, electrical goods and the list goes on. The in-house deli is a must for foodies because it has an excellent selection of Southern European foods. The fish department is considered to be the best in Basel. All in all, a one-stop-shop!
Globus is considered the most stylish department store in Basel. Men, women and children with more than a little pocket money shop here. You can drop in here for some well known brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. Shopping for clothes being just one side of this shop, you can will find a huge range of cosmetics, leather and kitchenware, with some of the finest products. They also have all the condiments and pickles you could need. Even food products from all over the world, which allows amateur chefs to experiment and the visitors to taste a little of their homeland are available here.
Transa Travel & Outdoor has long been Switzerland's leading retailer in travel and outdoor equipment. Globetrotters, cyclists and and mountaineers flock to Basel's Reisezentrum Travel Planet. The spacious, light-filled shop has a huge selection of anything and everything needed to enjoy outdoor pursuits. There are mountain-bikes and tents, hammocks and Gore Tex Jackets. The staff, who are themselves well-travelled, have intimate knowledge of the products on offer. And this means that you won't go amiss, whatever you're looking for.
Stücki Shoppingcenter is a famous landmark and a shopping arcade where you can find all the brands under the sun. Claire’s, Denner, Depot, Esprit and Game Stop are just few of them. The mall is built in a huge space that has ample of parking place. The top floor has the food court. Health conscious people have a chance to hit the gym and stay fit. The shopping center provides you with a free WiFi, so no matter where you are, you are always connected in the virtual world. Children are going to love being here as the shopping center organizes Jungle adventure programs for kids aged 3 to 8 years.
The name Bio Andreas doesn't say much, really. After you've shopped there, they'll be synonymous with the words bakery and cafe. They use a wood oven and at certain times you can watch the logs being dragged indoors between sips of coffee. What is important, though, is the sale of bread of all kinds: olive dough cakes, Speckbrot (bread with fat), etc. The fruit cakes and other sweet treats are also delicious. Although they may seem expensive, they are well worth the money. Come, eat and enjoy.
Hats of all shapes and sizes including the 'Kofferhütte' (foldable travel hats!) are on offer. You would also find elegant hats for weddings. You can of course try before you buy, admire the more outlandish creations and ask the shop assistants for advice. There is an in-house millinery where Maria Hiepler and her staff make hats themselves and you can gain a unique insight about how hat making works. Hat boxes are also sold and Chapeau also has a range of scarves and other accessories.
Ever wondered what people in the last century used to play within an age without video games and battery operated toys? Then head down to Zur Puppenfee where you can take a walk down time in this cute little shop filled with bears, dolls and antique toys from the old times. Puppet shows and workshops are held here sometimes, so do have a look if you are in Basel, this time around.
Hot Lemon is heaven for fans of trendy and up and coming labels. The ground floor caters to fashionable men and women who will soon feel at home on the first floor. The shop's decor is quirky, with chandeliers and Louis XV style furniture. Kenzo, Cavalli, Paul Smith, High, Antonio Marras, Gorgio Brato, and Missoni are only some of the brands sold. Whatever you buy here, you certainly won't be out of style. Hot Lemon also sells a good selection of footwear for both sexes. Naturally, style comes at at price but don't despair, the shop also has pieces from last season's collections.
Suitably located in the touristy old town center of Basel, Classic Herrenmode has been around since 1885 and is almost like an instituion in itself. Men can find everything they need under this roof: hats, caps, blazers, jackets, belts, shoes, suits, flannel trousers and to top it all, an efficient set of female staff who help you arrive at an informed decision. The prices are well matched to the quality you are assured from a shop of this repute.
Alex Wirth took over this small family business in 1980 and has turned it into a cheese paradise in the last 20 years. You're hit by ripe aromas as soon as you enter the shop. Over 150 varieties make choosing difficult. But everyone is guaranteed to find something they like, be it mild or something a little stronger. Those in the know adore the different sheeps' and goats' cheeses, and if you're looking for a ripe stilton, Alex Wirth is the only place to come.
Established in 1992, Olymp & Hades is one of the most reputed book dealers in the old town of Basel. They sell all kinds of hard-to-find books, reproductions, postcards as well as translations for the discerning book lover, who needs more than the latest American bestseller. Fans of English literature can find all of their favorite novels in German. Don't be surprised to find university students and bibliophiles, hidden among the endless stacks of books.