When looking for a flat in Basel - we gave the relocation assistant one criteria - It MUST be within walking distance of Manor!!!
Manor is a department store of similar style/quality as Macy's (USA) or John Lewis (UK) BUT in the basement there is a grocery store/food hall that is simply amazing!! What's most amazing is it really can be your everyday place to shop - but in addition to your onions, potatoes, juice, milk, flour, cleaning supplies..... there is also an astounding selection of cheeses, meats, poultry, fish, fresh bakery for breads and cakes and a small café with pizzas, salads, stir-fry's (a bigger café is on the top floor).
There is a good selection of organic produce (labelled BIO), and most of the fruit and veg are local and very seasonal. In the US and UK I got used to having access to pretty much anything at any time of the year, so the seasonality was a bit strange at first but now I look forward to changes in produce as the year progresses.
Besides the cheese.... I mean food, there is a good selection of accessories (I LOVE tights and nearly passed out when I saw the selection), clothing for all the family, beautiful home goods, and a good selection of electronics. Prices are, well, Swiss but overall its not too bad and twice a year (Jan and July) there are really good sales.
Maybe being within walking distance wasn't such a good idea..... ;-) read more