Basel: Switzerland's Cultural Gem on the Rhine

• HelloHallo
  [hah-loh]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [owf vee-dur-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-kuh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-dih-gung]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gayt es deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und du?
  [goot oont doo]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [shprek-en zee eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-uh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [ikh merk-teh bit-teh dee shpy-zuh-kahr-teh zay-en]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh ess-uh kine flysh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh merk-teh bit-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh veg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsay]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen ar-tst]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verloren
  [ikh hah-beh meesh fer-loh-ren]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh been krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [ikh merk-teh ... cow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh shau-uh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kohstet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kern-en zee den prees zeng-ken]

• What time is it?Wie viel Uhr ist es?
  [vee feel oor ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist ine oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (10)
  [halb (10)]
• MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahk-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bent]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-gen]
• 1eins
  [ine-s]
• 2zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3drei
  [dry]
• 4vier
  [feer]
• 5fünf
  [fuhnf]
• 6sechs
  [zeks]
• 7sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8acht
  [ahkt]
• 9neun
  [noyn]
• 10zehn
  [tsen]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist i-nehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-dre-suh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?
  [kern-en zee meer (ouf der kar-teh) tsey-gen]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kommt der nehk-stuh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [i-ne fahr-kahr-teh (nahk)]

The origins of Basel date back to the Celtic settlement known as 'Basilia'. The Romans later established a military stronghold here in the 1st century BC. Basel's strategic location along the Rhine River made it a significant point for trade and defense. By the 4th century AD, the city had become a fortified Roman town, serving as a crucial link between the Mediterranean and the North Sea.

In the early Middle Ages, Basel became an important center for the Catholic Church. The city was granted to the Bishop of Basel in 999 AD by Emperor Otto III, marking the beginning of its prominence as an ecclesiastical center. The construction of Basel Minster, a beautiful Gothic cathedral, began in the 11th century. The city also grew economically and culturally, with the establishment of markets and guilds.

Founded in 1460 by Pope Pius II, the University of Basel is Switzerland's oldest university. It quickly became a hub for humanist scholars and played a vital role in the Renaissance and Reformation movements. Notable figures such as Erasmus of Rotterdam and Paracelsus were associated with the university, contributing to its reputation as a center of learning and innovation.

On October 18, 1356, Basel was struck by one of the most devastating earthquakes in European history. The earthquake destroyed much of the city, including significant portions of Basel Minster. The event profoundly impacted the city's architecture and led to substantial rebuilding efforts that shaped its medieval character.

From 1431 to 1449, Basel hosted the Council of Basel, one of the most significant ecclesiastical councils of the Catholic Church. The council aimed to address church reforms and resolve issues related to papal authority. Basel's role as the host city enhanced its standing as a center for religious and political dialogue.

Basel was significantly affected by the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. In 1529, the city's council officially adopted Protestantism, leading to the expulsion of the bishop and the secularization of church properties. Basel became a refuge for many Protestant reformers and intellectuals, further cementing its reputation as a center of religious and academic thought.

By the 19th century, Basel had become a major center for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Companies such as Novartis and Hoffmann-La Roche were founded here, contributing to Basel's economic growth and global significance. The city's focus on innovation and research in these industries continues to this day, making it a leading hub for science and technology.

Basel has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. The Kunstmuseum Basel, founded in 1661, is one of the oldest public art collections in the world. The city also hosts Art Basel, one of the most prestigious contemporary art fairs globally. Basel's commitment to culture is evident in its vibrant arts scene and numerous cultural events throughout the year.

Today, Basel is a thriving, cosmopolitan city known for its high quality of life. It is a key financial center and home to many international organizations, including the Bank for International Settlements. Basel's blend of historical charm and modern innovation makes it a unique destination for visitors from around the world.

Basel is well-connected by air, road, and rail. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg serves as the main international gateway, located approximately 6 kilometers from the city center. It is jointly operated by France and Switzerland. You can also reach Basel by train, with direct connections from major European cities such as Paris, Zurich, and Frankfurt. If you're driving, Basel is accessible via several major highways, including the A2 and A3 motorways.

Public transportation in Basel is efficient and comprehensive, comprising trams, buses, and trains. The Basel Card, provided by many hotels, offers free public transport within the city and discounts on various attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but can be more expensive. For a unique experience, consider renting a bike; the city's well-developed cycling infrastructure makes it easy to get around.

The official currency in Basel is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, or public transportation tickets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and many offer currency exchange services.

Basel is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like public transport hubs and tourist attractions. The neighborhoods of Kleinbasel and around the train station can be more prone to petty crime, so exercise extra caution in these areas.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Basel has excellent medical facilities, including the University Hospital Basel. Pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor issues, local pharmacies can offer assistance and advice.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs in places of worship. Silence your phone and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A polite nod or 'Grüezi' (hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like fondue or raclette. Don’t tip excessively; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is customary.

To experience Basel like a local, visit the weekly markets at Marktplatz or Matthäusmarkt for fresh produce and artisan goods. Explore Kleinbasel for its vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine. Don't miss a swim in the Rhine River during summer months, a popular local pastime. Additionally, take advantage of the Basel Card for free public transport and discounts on museums and attractions.