If you like sophisticated and classy things, then you have to visit BASELWORLD. It showcases most of the well-known brands of watches and jewelery. You can admire trendy watches that range from Rolex to Omega, Von Dutch to Fabergé. Mainly it is a hub for the exhibitors to get dealers, who come from all over the world, but you can certainly visit this fair. For timings, please check the website.
City Disc is artistically lit, even on the most sunny day. You have to shout to be heard in here as is a constant stream of loud music. The young customers obviously like it, and soon feel at home here. You can listen to CD's, and it must be noted that they have an exceptionally wide range of music here, so people with tastes outside the hit parade are also well catered for.
The 70's are experiencing a renaissance, particularly at Kangaroo, the second hand clothing store. Hideous meets extravagant meets cool here. Garments from other periods are also available. You don't even have to buy anything. It's often enough just to see yourself in a pair of flares and you're cured from the wish to add such garments from a different age to your wardrobe. It is possible to find nice clothes here, depending on your taste. With a little bit of luck you'll find something from Fifth Avenue or some other mundane area. It's also rumoured that many of Basel trends actually begin in this very shop.
It's like stepping back centuries, before the invention of the printing press, when you enter Scriptorium. The historic building completes the impression. You wouldn't be surprised if a monk, hands stained with ink, wandered past. This is the place for quills, fountain pens, seals, and other writing tools and even for calligraphy itself. If your fountain pen heirloom is causing you problems, come to Scriptorium, where they'll look after it with tender loving care.
The central hall is an all-weather fresh produce market with a wide range of goods from different producers. Just one glance and your stomach will tell you to take things home with you. Salad fans, and anyone worried about their health, can look at the fresh vegetables, but they also have fresh meat, pies, cheeses, and an assortment of cakes.
The window of D'Souza bookshop, which is named after its owner, is full of the names of literary greats like Primo Levi, Osip Mandelstam, and Antoine de Saint Exupery. They exercise quality control on the books here as all the recommended books have been read by the owner. This shop's strength is literature, mainly in paperback, although bound volumes from the Manesse publishers are also available.