Things To Do
in Riehen
Riehen is a tranquil Swiss municipality just outside Basel, famed for its lush parks and easy access to city culture. Its crown jewel is the Fondation Beyeler, a world-class modern art museum set in a peaceful, landscaped garden. The town blends village charm with cosmopolitan proximity, offering convenient trams to Basel and scenic walks along the Rhine.
Visitors can enjoy serene residential streets, farmers markets, and a gateway to the Basel region’s nature and cross-border experiences with France and Germany.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Riehen and settle into your accommodation. Take some time to freshen up and get acclimated to the picturesque surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling Swiss pastries and coffee.
After lunch, explore the nearby Fondation Beyeler, a renowned art museum showcasing modern classics. Wander through the museum’s beautiful gardens, which feature sculptures by renowned artists. Spend time appreciating the harmonious blend of nature and art before returning to your accommodations.
Dine at a charming restaurant in Riehen, savoring traditional Swiss fondue. Enjoy the quaint atmosphere and possibly interact with locals. End the evening with a peaceful stroll along the banks of the nearby Wiese River.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Then, embark on a walking tour of Riehen, appreciating the local architecture and quaint streets. Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding hills from vantage points in the town.
After a delightful lunch at a picnic spot in the local park, visit the Riehen Historical Museum to learn about the town’s rich heritage. Engage with interactive exhibits that tell stories of the local culture and history. Take your time to soak in the serene environment of the town.
For dinner, visit a local bistro renowned for its organic dishes. Enjoy a meal made from locally sourced ingredients and paired with Swiss wines. Afterward, relax at a nearby wine bar and sample regional wines.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🏨One-night stay in a mid-range hotel | $120-200 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $3-6 |
| 🚆Monthly public transport pass | $75-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to Basel’s culture, museums, and Rhine scenery
- Beautiful green spaces and walkable neighborhoods
- High-quality healthcare, infrastructure, and safety
- Costs are higher than many destinations; Switzerland is pricey
- Riehen can be quiet at night; more nightlife options are in Basel city center
- "Grüezi" - Hello (Swiss German)
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Riehen
Visit one of these nice places.
Renzo Piano's architecture with curated sculpture and seasonal garden displays; a prime spot for architectural and nature photography.
Striking red sandstone cathedral with towers, paired with Basel’s historic town hall and cobblestone lanes—great for sunrise or golden-hour shots.
Iconic riverfront scenes, bridges, and boats; ideal for reflections and street photography around the Basel harbor area.
Food in Riehen
Riehen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional flour soup served hot as a comforting Basel staple, often enjoyed during colder months at local eateries.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried potato dish popular across Switzerland; served as a side or main with eggs, cheese, or smoked salmon in Basel-area cafés.
A spicy, honey-wue biscuit loaded with nuts and candied peel; a quintessential Basel sweet enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Classic Swiss cheese dishes widely available in Basel restaurants, especially in cooler months and traditional bistros.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic market hall in Basel offering fresh produce, regional specialties, and ready-to-eat bites from several vendors.
Seasonal markets near central Basel where you can sample cheeses, breads, sausages, and Swiss pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite Grüezi when entering shops or meeting people; address adults with surnames unless invited to use first names.
Punctuality is valued in both business and social contexts; plan arrivals and meetings accordingly.
Keep a courteous tone in public spaces; Swiss etiquette emphasizes quiet, orderly behavior in public transport and eateries.
Safety
Tipping in Riehen
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are typically included; rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (5-10%) for good service is common but not obligatory.
Cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly popular in shops and cafés.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Trees and blossoms return along the Rhine; comfortable temperatures for outdoor patios and park strolls.
Warm days and long evenings; perfect for riverfront walks, outdoor markets, and al fresco dining; occasional rain showers possible.
Colorful foliage around parks and hillside viewpoints; ideal for scenic walks and photography in golden light.
Cool to cold, with occasional snow. Museums and cafés become cozy refuges; plan for shorter daylight hours.
Riehen at Night
Hiking in Riehen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Educational forest trail near Riehen with family-friendly paths and informative signs about local trees and wildlife.
Trail at the tri-border area (Switzerland–Germany–France) with river views and rolling landscapes, suitable for a day hike.
Easy riverside hike or bike route along the Rhine, with cafes and green spaces along the way.
Airports
How to reach Riehen by plane.
An international airport located near Basel, serving Switzerland, France, and Germany; easy to reach from Riehen via taxi or public transport, with rail connections to Basel.
Switzerland’s largest international airport, about 1.5–2 hours by train from Basel; offers extensive global connections and efficient rail links.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily German-speaking Swiss with a strong cultural identity and high standard of living.
Significant EU and international community, including cross-border workers from France and Germany.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular across Basel and Swiss towns; local clubs and stadiums are active, with matches occasionally visible in city districts.
Extensive cycling routes along the Rhine and through Basel’s parks; bike rental options are common in the city.
Winter sport played by local clubs; Basel hosts local teams and provides opportunities to watch matches in season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Riehen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Basel-area eateries offer vegetarian dishes; look for rösti with vegetables, cheese fondues without meat, and fresh market salads. When in doubt, ask for a vegetarian alternative or pescatarian options; many menus indicate veggie choices clearly.