Baden-Baden Things to Do Tips by Ujamaflip Top 5 Page for this destination

Enjoy concerts at the Festspielhaus

The Festspielhaus first opened its doors in April 1998. With 2500 seats it is the second largest opera house and concert hall in Europe. The Festspielhaus is the only privately funded opera house in Europe.

The bulding was constructed around the historical train station, and the two architectural styles where combined under the leadership of Viennese architect Wilhelm Holzbauer. The acoustics of the Festspielhaus are considered to be among the best in the world.

I was fortunate enough to attend a concert of Bach's Matthias Passion, and it truly was a magnificent excperience. This was only one of 80 classical concerts presented per year, in addition to the operas, ballets and other concerts.

The Festspielhaus also houses the Restaurant Aida. Tours of the house are available on certain days throughout the year, the duration is around 60 minutes, and the cost 5Eur.

Address: Beim Alten Bahnhof 2

Other Contact: info@festspielhaus.de

Phone: +49 (7221) 3013 101

Website: http://www.festspielhaus.de

Kurhaus Concert Shell

The Concert Shell sits opposite the Kurhaus (Casino), and during the summer is host to many concerts. During the warm summer weekend evenings it is really pleasant to wander around the collonades to the accompaniment of a jazz, classical, or ethnic band.

Address: Collonades, Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden Theatre

Baden-Baden Stadt Theatre was built between 1860 and 1862, in the late baroque style of the Paris Opera House, and the interior is no less impressive than the exterior. A permanent ensemble cast is in residence at the Theatre,

Phone: +49 (0)7221-932751

Relax in Caracalla Therma

Caracalla Therma is one of the two main spa's in Baden-Baden, the other being Fredrichsbad. Fed by one of the hottest thermal springs in Germany at 68C, the therme offers state of the art facilities spread over more than 3000 square metres.

Hours can be spent at the bath indulging in whirlpools, relaxing jets, waterfalls, hot and cold baths, seven different types of (unisex) saunas set in a Romanesque environment, and an aromatic steam bath.

Of special note is the outdoor pool. During the cold winter months it is particularly enjoyable to sit in the hot outdoor bath, watching the moon fade in and out from the steam, whilst your entire body is warm except for the tip of your nose!

Parking is available near the bath, opening hours are 8am until 10pm weekly. Admission is 12Eur for two hours.

Phone: +49(0)7221-275940

Website: http://www.caracalla.de/

The Colonnades

In front of the Kurhaus are two rows of shops and boutiques, the Colonnades. These house very expensive, exclusive shops, and it is nice to stroll through the Colonnades and window shop. During Christmas, this is the home of Baden-Baden`s Christkindelsmarkt, and is a particularly beautiful location with the backdrop of the Kurhaus and the Colonnades lit up with thousands of lights.

The Christmas Market in Baden Baden lasts from 25th November until 22nd December.

Address: In front of the Kurhaus

A Wander Down the Main Street

Baden-Baden is full of exclusive boutiques, gift shops, and other shops. Generally the prices tend to be a little high, with the products being aimed either at unsuspecting tourists, or rich locals. Nevertheless, it is a pleasant stroll through the winding cobbled streets and alley ways, and even more enjoyable to sit outside, enjoying a coffee, and watching the world passing by.

Try your luck in the Casino

Baden-Baden Casino is situated in the Kurhaus. The Kurhaus was converted from a Promenade House into a "Conversation House" between 1821 and 1824 by Freidrich Weinbrenner. Upon completion, a license was issued for a Casino to be operated on the premises, and it now makes up the right wing of the building.

The casino is the largest and oldest in Germany, and one of the most renouned and magnificent in the world.

Minimum bets are 5Eur, maximum 10,000Eur, but if you prefer to keep your money in your pocket you can always take a guided tour. Tours of the Casino are available daily from 9:30am until 11:30 between April and September, and from 10:00am until 11:30 between October and March. Prior arrangement should be made for tours in English, French and Russian.

Address: Kaiserallee 1, im Kurhaus

Phone: +49 7221-30240

Website: http://www.casino-baden-baden.de/

Drink Healing water in the Trinkhalle

The old Trinkhalle building stands by the Casino. The building construction began in 1839, by Freidrich Huebsch, and was completed in 1942. The building was built as a place to drink mineral cures, and even today healing water from the Fredrichsquelle and Nuremberg are served to visitors.

Additionally the building now houses a tourist information room, a ticket agency, a cafe, and a souvenir shop. The building is surrounded by pleasant gardens, and has a bust of Keiser Wilhelm 1st standing in front.

Open daily from 10am until 6:30pm

Address: Kaiserallee 3

Directions: Park in Kurhaus garage, when facing the Casino turn right.