Planning Resources: Basel

Digital Tools for Your Trip

Essential Apps for the Destination

TNW App
Local public transport schedules and tickets.
SBB Mobile App
Swiss train and public transport connections.
Google Maps/Apple Maps
Navigation, including offline maps.
Google Translate/DeepL Translator
Overcome language barriers with offline packs.
Basel.com App
Official tourism app with event and attraction info.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Basel Tourism
Basel.com/en - Official site for attractions and dining.
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
Sbb.ch/en - Plan all train journeys within Switzerland.
EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg
Euroairport.com/en - Flight info and airport facilities.
Museums of Basel
Museenbasel.ch/en - Overview of Basel's numerous museums.
Social Media Accounts to Follow
Get updates from @BaselTravel or @Basel.

Print Guides and Local Reads

Recommended Guidebooks

Reputable travel series often have full guides for Switzerland that include Basel.

Detailed Maps

The Basel Tourist Information office offers free city maps.

Local Publications

Look for free city magazines or event guides upon arrival.

Beyond Your Visit

Documentaries and Films

Search for documentaries on Swiss culture and history.
Films set in Switzerland give visual context.
Explore content about Art Basel and Fasnacht.
Discover films exploring Swiss natural landscapes.

Music and Art Exploration

Explore contemporary Swiss music.
Listen to performances by the Basel Symphony Orchestra.
Look for online museum tours (Kunstmuseum, Fondation Beyeler).
Watch performances by Theater Basel online.

Connect with Fellow Travelers

Forums and Groups

Engage with subreddits like r/Switzerland.
Find forums on platforms like TripAdvisor.
Join online communities for traveler advice.

Language Learning

Continue German phrases with Duolingo.
Explore Babbel for basic proficiency.
Learn basic Swiss German expressions.

Local Insights

Gather peer advice and recommendations.
Access real-time insights from other travelers.
Ask specific questions to the community.

Safety & Support

Important Emergency Numbers

General Services

Police: 117
Fire: 118
Ambulance: 144
General Emergency: 112

Specialized Help

REGA (Swiss Air-Rescue): 1414
University Hospital Basel (emergency)
Emergency Pharmacies (after-hours)

Consular Assistance

Embassy/Consulate contact details
Lost passport assistance
Other consular services

Healthcare Access

University Hospital Basel

Comprehensive medical care.
Spitalstrasse 21, 4031 Basel.
Emergency department available.

Emergency Pharmacies

For after-hours medical needs.
Pharmacies display a rotating schedule.
Ask at your hotel for information.

Lost Documents Protocol

Report to Police

Report loss immediately (Police: 117).
Obtain a police report.
Required for emergency travel documents.

Contact Embassy/Consulate

Assistance with emergency travel documents.
Keep physical copies of documents.
Save digital copies on a cloud service.

Situational Awareness

General Preparedness

Natural events are rare in Basel.
Follow instructions from local authorities.
Emergency sirens tested annually (1st Wed of Feb).
Swiss civil defense has clear protocols.
Stay informed through official channels.

Seasonal Considerations

Severe storms are possible occasionally.
Widespread Rhine flooding is uncommon.
Stay informed through local news broadcasts.
Remain calm and follow official guidance.
Always prioritize personal safety.

Important Reminder

Travel Insurance

Have your travel insurance details readily accessible.

Embassy Contacts

Know your embassy or consulate contact information.

Local Authorities

Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers.

Important Advisory

Always have your travel insurance details accessible and know your embassy contact information before you depart.

Extended Travel Resources

Language Engagement

German Phrases

Basic Greetings
Hello, Thank you, Please, Excuse me.
Asking for Directions
Where is the…?, How do I get to…?
Shopping Vocabulary
How much?, Can I pay by card?

Swiss German hints

Unique Local Dialect
Basel German differs from High German.
Simple Everyday Expressions
Greetings like "Grüezi" or "Salü".
Cultural Insights
Language learning gives a appreciation.

Explore Digital Travel Guides

Offline Capabilities

Download maps and guides before you go to save data.

Connectivity Tips

Access free Wi-Fi spots at cafes, hotels, and public areas.

Cloud Document Storage

Keep digital copies of documents safe and accessible via cloud.

Efficient Trip Planning

Accommodation Search

Utilize various booking platforms.
Explore different types of lodging (hotels, hostels).
Benefit from advance booking tips.
Read reviews to inform your choices.

Flight Monitoring

Set up price alerts for desired routes.
Discover the best time to book flights.
Strategies for finding flight deals.
Keep tabs on flight status changes.

Immersive Cultural Learning

Local Traditions

History of Fasnacht Carnival.
Origins of Basler Läckerli.
Significance of Basel Cathedral.
Insights from historical walking tours.

Contemporary Scene

Discover street art districts.
Find popular live music venues.
Explore Basel's urban green spaces.
Experience modern dining trends.

Deep Dive into Basel

For more in-depth knowledge, consult academic texts on Basel's history or local literature.

Planning Resources