A regional flavor of Swiss German is the main language in the region around Basel. Because the border to France is only a few kilometers away, most people also understand French. It is also no problem to find somebody that understands English.
Using the Public Transportation is very convenient Basel and Switzerland. You can use the train, bus, and tram to get around.
'''Munster Cathedral''' overlooking the Rhine. Free admission, wonderful views of Basel, beautiful old church. From the Munster Platz outside, go down the stairs to the river, where you can take a ferry across the Rhine for only chf 5.