Comix Shop has done a lot more than just sell comic books in its 25 years- though it does a lot of that. Come for comics-events, competitions, and special exhibitions (7 Theaterstrasse, tel: 061 271 6686).

Annual Christmas markets spring up in most of the cities around Basel. Basel's markets (22 November-23 December) at Petersplatz and Barfuesserplatz are the most elaborate, Colmar's (23 November-31 December) the quaintest, and Freiburg in Breisgau (26 November - 23 December) has the best deals.

Flea-market lovers should try the Sunday market at Erlenmatt, or the tamer (and pricier) Saturday market at Petersplatz. The Wednesday and Thursday markets at Barfuesserplatz feature more handmade good and collectibles.

Since 1973, the Basel Wine Fair has been northern Switzerland's top wine event. This year, with over 150 wine dealers and more the 4500 vintages, any one who fancies a taste (or a purchase for the cellar) can stroll the stands for only CHF 12 entry (from 3pm till 9pm, 27 October to 4 November at Messeplatz).