Kleinbasel

On the other side of the Rhine to Basel old town, Kleinbasel is characterised by diversity, creativity and art. Its cheap rents have enabled small independent businesses to set up shop, and the result is a range of eateries and boutiques that knock the socks off some of the tourist traps in better known central Basel. Most of them are members of REH4, an association of businesses including 44 shops, ateliers, cafes, restaurants, salons and galleries. Meanwhile, with immigrants making up around 50 per cent of the area’s population, Kleinbasel is buzzing and multicultural. In summer, residents line the south-facing riverbank to soak up the sun.