The residential and business city of Basel is characterised by its internationality and immigration. People from around 160 countries live and work here. One in almost every two marriages is binational. Newcomers and residents should feel at home here and be able to develop and flourish in this urban diversity. That is why Basel-Stadt pursues an active policy of integration and anti-discrimination that covers all aspects of life.

Newcomers can benefit from a comprehensive network of advice centres and contacts. Of course, all those who seek personal success and wish to participate in the development of the canton with due regard for the constitution and democracy are welcome in Basel-Stadt. 

Switzerland has four national languages and multilingualism is actively promoted. Children learn French and English at school and many choose another foreign language. Around half of Basel’s inhabitants, and especially its young people, speak English. 

Typically swiss

An important aspect of personal integration is meeting people and making friends. Understanding the culture of Switzerland is enormously important for understanding what makes the Swiss "tick". The GGG, a non-profit association in Basel, offers regular "Typically Swiss!?" evenings that help foreigners to understand how Swiss people think and what values are important in Switzerland. 

Associations and clubs

Swiss people love associations and clubs and spend a large part of their free time on group activities. There are clubs and groups for almost everything, from neighbourhood associations and political groups to clubs for mountain biking, whistling and drumming to flamenco and paintballing. The easiest way to get to know Swiss people is through common interests, which you then enjoy or pursue together. 

Various internationally oriented organisations and associations help their members to settle in Basel. They play an important role in the social life of the international community.

Bookshops selling foreign language books are Bider&Tanner (English), Orell Füssli (English, French, Italian), Olymp & Hades (English, French) and Intercultural library for children and young people.

A neighbourhood association is a suitable place for neighbours and locals to get to know each other. There are 16 neighbourhood associations, i.e., they can be found in practically every district and municipality in the canton. Over 5,000 members organise events in their neighbourhoods – from farmers’ markets and Christmas markets to flea markets, public bookcases and workshops on topics that might interest people in the neighbourhood. These associations are also an important link to the authorities and the government. They actively participate in hearings and other forms of participation for residents. Neighbourhood associations are politically neutral and open to all. 

Basel is surrounded by countryside. Numerous recreation areas and the Rhine offer plenty of room for relaxation, get-togethers and exercise. Using public transport, there is always something new to discover in the Baselbieter Jura, in the Black Forest in Germany and in French Alsace. Showplaces of nature and history, cultural institutions, parties and festivals, sport clubs, clubs and organisations, but also a rich hospitality and colourful traditions in Basel leave little more to be desired for organising a leisure time full of variety and enjoying a fulfilling social life.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Enjoy a good meal! Have a party! Basel is a good place for gourmets. There is everything from regional specialties to haute cuisine. And it’s off to the club after the meal.

Mainstream Sports

Basel is a city that loves sport. No wonder, because the opportunities for recreational sports are limitless and the facilities excellent. In addition to the largest football stadium in Switzerland, a large, multi-purpose sports hall and a state-of-the-art ice hockey stadium, the St. Jakob sports centre also offers a multi-sport swimming pool complex, an athletics stadium and numerous sports and grass courts. The historic old town of Basel is also regularly turned into a sports arena: the traditional «Stadtlauf», in which thousands of men, women and children take part, is staged In the pre-Christmas period, and public sports event are regularly organised on the Barfüsserplatz. The car-free "slowUp" Movement and Experience Day also takes place every year in the Basel Region.