Good selection of unusual candles and other small items, at friendly prices. English is spoken. Two…read moreblocks from Marktplatz. Much more interesting than the big chain candle stores.

If you are not paying attention when you walk by, you will never think there is a small but packed…read morewith all kinds of Russian goodies at this store. From Russian beer, beverage, cheese, dumplings and cookies, you can find just about everything including of course vodka! There are random other European items like Romanian wine, hand-made pasta from Italy and Thai Siracha sauce. Quite reasonably priced.

I loved visiting this place when I lived in CH. Not only did Hiob always seem to have something I…read morewanted to buy from furniture to dishware, and from postcards to art, the prices were so decently reasonable as to make me part with my francs for a bag full of plenty pretty much each & every visit. The women who work the register are friendly & efficient. Occasionally, they'd round down the total for no other reason than that they felt like it. I always found that an unexpectedly nice touch. If you're looking for 20th century art, furniture, household goods, books, textiles & more, then do visit Hiob. It will be worth your while. Trust me.

This store has many organic items and interesting toys. You walk around and a lot of things are…read moresomewhat unique. From travel gear, soothing sound track CD, tea, spices and toys. Good place to stop by especially with kids

I'll begin with full disclosure: I live about two blocks from the Zürcher Living Room. So color…read moreme spoiled! The Basler Living Room is as eye-catching and inviting as the Zürcher branch, if however, a bit cramped, and also boasts a super selection of gift ideas and plain ole pretty-yet-useful items for the home. For those of you hailing from No. America, a small selection of Dr. Bronner's soap and body lotion is available at Basler LR. I hadn't thought that Dr. Bronner's could be had in CH, so the sight of it here makes me pretty happy. I was also taken by the Frieda Kahlo-inspired jewelry assortment, nicely-scented European soap bars and brightly colored ceramic-ware from Italy sold at both shops, from what I recall. Both tourists in the Spalentor area and city dwellers alike might well enjoy a look-see in this cosy-n-cute shop. Zürcher sister store: http://www.yelp.com/biz/living-room-z%C3%BCrich

This review is for the bike shop near the SBB:…read morehttp://www.wenger-2-rad.ch/html3/index.php They're so awesome! No need to go to any other bike shop in Basel. In fact, these guys fixed the mistakes that another bike shop made on my bike (the one at Seveogelstrasse 83). They are courteous, prompt and very helpful.

Great NEW grocery store! Globus department store has levels for clothes, travel, Christmas. The…read morestaff is fantastic! Very expensive Swiss + Italian goods, foods, clothes! Review: 5+

Globus is a high-end department store with two levels of gourmet grocery. It reminds of the Food…read moreEmporium in New York. I sampled the tart and sweet red currants, and HKB bought a selection of chocolates here the last time he visited Basel. There is a bistro on the fourth floor and a self-serve cafeteria on the fifth floor.

Tucked away in Basel's downtown is La Cucina. This is a gorgeous shop, long and narrow in length,…read morewith much to see, touch and explore! I took as many pictures as I felt I could get away with, but only captured about half of the store's stock, it would seem. I was super impressed with their crazy array of cork stoppers for every size of jar, jug and bottle! Sadly, I didn't get a shot of 'em. La Cucina seemed to be a cookery shop with, perhaps, an eye toward Bed and Breakfast business. Among the cast iron ware and numerous baking tools, we saw signage (no smoking/WC) and industrial-sized (read: four foot long) stirring implements. The hubs thought the large spoons and such were meant to be for commercial use, but I thought that they might be used in making massive quantities of Glühwein during the holidays over an open fire, but what do I know? If one is tooling about Basel's Innenstadt, then a look-see in La Cucina is definitely a must.