What to Pack & Bring: Basel

Spring & Autumn Attire

These shoulder seasons have pleasant but changeable weather.

Layering Essentials

Mid-weight or Packable rain jacket for cooler temperatures and showers.
Sweaters or cardigans for layering over lighter shirts.
Long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts as Base layers.

Summer & Winter Wear

Summer can be warm. Winter calls for heavy insulation.

Seasonal Specifics

Summer: Lightweight breathable clothing, Light jacket for evenings, Swimsuit for Rhine.
Winter: Warm, Waterproof winter coat, thermal layers, Warm hat, Gloves, and Scarf.
Cultural dress: Generally liberal, but respectful attire is appreciated for churches or formal events.

Footwear Recommendations

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Absolutely necessary. Basel's Old Town has cobblestone streets. Choose supportive walking shoes you have broken in. Shop on Amazon.

High priority

Waterproof Shoes

Useful during wetter seasons (spring, autumn, winter) to keep your feet dry. Find waterproof options.

Seasonal benefit

Dressier Shoes

Useful if you plan to visit upscale restaurants or attend cultural events. Consider a smart casual pair.

Optional for events

Essential Documents

Critical Travel Papers

Carry both physical and digital copies of all essential documents.

Original passport and any visa documentation. Photocopy and scan copies.
Travel insurance policy details, including emergency contacts.
International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to drive and your license is not in a Swiss official language or English.
Vaccination records and a doctor's note for any medical conditions or medications.

Printed and digital copies of all reservations (hotel, flights, tours).
Physical list of emergency contacts, separate from your phone.
Student, senior, or press IDs for potential discounts.
Backup photos and digital document copies to cloud storage.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Plan for power needs and connectivity to enhance your Basel experience.

Adapters & SIMs

Switzerland uses 230V, 50Hz, Plug Type J. Bring a dedicated Type J Travel adapter or universal Power adapter.
GSM-compatible mobile phones work. For better rates, purchase a local SIM card (Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt) or use an eSIM if your Unlocked smartphone supports it.
Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure connections.

Photography & Charging

Basel offers many picturesque spots. Be ready to capture them.

Camera Gear & Power

A versatile mirrorless or DSLR camera with a general-purpose lens. Bring extra batteries and memory cards. For equipment, check B&H Photo.
Portable chargers and Power banks are essential for keeping devices charged.
A Compact travel tripod for night photography or stable long exposures.

Recommended Apps & Backup

Navigation & Transport

Google Maps/Apple Maps for walking/driving. Moovit for public transport. TNW App/SBB Mobile for local/national trains.

Translation & Communication

Google Translate or DeepL Translator (download offline packs). WhatsApp is widely used in Switzerland.

Data Backup

Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) to back up photos and digital documents for peace of mind.

Health & Wellness Items

Essential First Aid Kit

Pack a compact health and wellness kit for minor ailments.

Kit Contents

Basic wound care: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, tape.
Pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), antihistamines, stomach remedies (Anti-diarrhea).
Blister treatment (Moleskin), and Hand sanitizer.

Medications & Hygiene

While Basel has excellent pharmacies, having some items on hand saves time.

Personal Care

Carry prescription medications in original packaging with pharmacy label and doctor's note.
Pack preferred over-the-counter medications for cold/flu symptoms and throat lozenges.
Bring travel-sized quantities of preferred hygiene brands; local items can be more expensive.

Special Health Concerns

Altitude/Motion Sickness

Basel is not high altitude; medication is not needed within the city.
For day trips to higher mountainous areas, consider motion sickness remedies for winding roads.
Consult your doctor if you have severe motion sickness.

Insect Repellent & Sun Protection

Insect repellent is useful near the Rhine or wooded areas in summer. A DEET-free option is available.
High-SPF Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and a Sun hat are necessary for strong UV rays.
Water purification is unnecessary; tap water is excellent. No need for Tablets or filters.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

If venturing into surrounding hills or for longer walks.

Sturdy Hiking boots or Comfortable trail shoes.
Moisture-wicking Hiking socks to prevent blisters.
Layered outdoor clothing, including a waterproof outer shell.
A Small daypack for water, snacks, and extra layers.

Rhine Swimming Kit

This popular summer activity is unique to Basel.

A Swimsuit.
A "Wickelfisch" (fish-shaped Waterproof bag) or generic Waterproof dry bag to carry valuables.
Purchase a Wickelfisch locally as a fun souvenir.

Cycling Comfort

If you plan extensive cycling in this bike-friendly city.

Padded cycling shorts for comfort.
Helmets are not legally required for adults but are strongly recommended.
Consider a Comfortable bike seat cushion for longer rides.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

Items to Rent Recommended

Bicycles: Easily rentable through services like Rent a Bike at Basel SBB or PubliBike sharing stations.
Ski/Snowboard Gear: Rent directly at ski resorts outside Basel; more practical than transporting bulky equipment.
Specialty Outdoor Gear: Local tour operators often provide specialized equipment as part of their services.

Items to Bring Consider

Specific brands of toiletries or personal hygiene items.
Specific electronics accessories (cables, specialized chargers).
Preferred over-the-counter medications (local pharmacies may require prescriptions for some common items).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Enhance comfort, security, and convenience during your trip.

Travel Essentials

A Travel neck pillow, Eye mask and earplugs for comfortable travel.
A Money belt and RFID blocking wallet for secure valuables.
A Small padlock for luggage zippers or hostel lockers.
A lightweight travel blanket or large scarf for chilly planes.

Reusable Items

Switzerland values sustainability.

Eco-Friendly Choices

A Reusable water bottle for Basel's excellent tap water. Avoids buying expensive Bottled water.
A Reusable shopping bag, as supermarkets charge for plastic bags.
A Reusable cutlery set or Travel utensils for picnics or takeaway meals.

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Avoids plastic bag fees.

Travel Cutlery Set

For picnics and takeaways.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Eco-conscious protection.

Basel-Specific Essentials

Unique to Basel

The "Wickelfisch": A fish-shaped waterproof bag for Rhine swimming, available locally.
Basel Card: Provided by your accommodation, essential for free public transport and discounts.
Translation tools (apps or phrasebooks) for the multilingual environment.

Items to Consider Bringing from Home

General electronics and toiletries are more expensive locally.
Specific electronics accessories (cables, specialized chargers) to avoid higher costs.
Preferred over-the-counter medications, as local pharmacies might require prescriptions for some.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light and efficiently. A well-prepared bag helps smooth travel. Consider versatile clothing pieces that layer well for different weather conditions.

For outdoor activities, prioritize functional clothing. Remember to pack copies of important documents and chargers for all your electronics. Think about a minimalist approach to items that are easily found at your destination to reduce luggage.

What to Pack & Bring