Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | What to do in Baden-Baden in Germany? This city is a historic and beautiful spa town that offers a wonderful and somewhat exclusive holiday feeling. Here are our best tips for things to see and do!
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Baden-Baden in Germany
Baden-Baden is a city that is different from many other German cities we have visited, which is why it was interesting to come here. The city's history dates back to the Roman Empire, when the first baths were built. Later, the city became a very popular health resort, where the rich came to bathe in thermal water.
Still today, the city offers beautiful buildings and a slightly luxurious feel, where it is surrounded by mountains and lovely greenery. Since 2021, Baden-Baden has also been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of ”The Great Spa Towns of Europe”, along with ten other historic spa towns in Europe.
Baden-Baden is located in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg in south-west Germany.
What to do in Baden-Baden?
So what can you see and do in Baden-Baden? In this old spa town you can of course take advantage of the thermal waters, but there are also many other things to see and do. We've compiled our top tips in the following list.
1. Strolling in the Old Town
Just off the pedestrian and bathing districts, Baden-Baden's historic old town is located between the New Palace (Neues Schloss), the Stiftskirche church, the Market Square and Friedrichsbad. Here the atmosphere is peaceful and you can stroll through charming cobbled alleys.
2. walk along Lichtentaler Allee
The Lichtentaler Allee offers fantastic greenery in the centre of the city. Here you can stroll along water, fountains, statues and a variety of trees and flowers.
3. Visit the rose gardens
Baden-Baden has no less than two rose gardens. The Gönneranlage offers over 11,000 rose plants in around 300 different varieties, along with statues, a fountain and beautifully shaped hedges. The Rosengarten auf dem Beutig displays even more roses, including new rose varieties.
4. admire the drinking hall
”The ”Trinkhalle” is undoubtedly one of the most impressive buildings in Baden-Baden. Here you will be greeted by a 90-meter-long colonnade, with 16 columns, reminiscent of the city’s spa history.
The name of the building (dryckeshall) has to do with the fact that people once drank the thermal well water here, to improve their health. Today, the water is not recommended for drinking, but only for bathing.
5. try your luck at the casino Baden-Baden
The casino in Baden-Baden, one of the oldest in Germany, was described by Marlene Dietrich as 'the most beautiful casino in the world'. If you're not interested in gambling, guided tours are also organised here.
6. Shopping and coffee
Baden-Baden is a town that invites you to enjoy both coffee and shopping. The outdoor cafés are densely packed, as are the shops on the shopping streets. It is worth mentioning that there is a relatively large focus on exclusive shopping and designer clothes.
7. Nude bathing in Friedrichsbad
Friedrichsbad is a traditional Roman-Irish bath from 1877, which is especially famous for its textile-free bathing. You go through 17 different stations with hot air baths, steam baths, thermal pools and relaxation. Nowadays there are also special textile days, when swimwear is mandatory.
READ MORE: Nude Baths in Germany - Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden
8. swimming in the Caracalla spa
Those who prefer a more modern thermal bath can choose the Caracalla Therme. The bathing area is swimwear-friendly and has both indoor and outdoor thermal pools. The separate sauna area, however, is textile-free.
9. Fascinated by the Roman baths ruins
In the car park under Friedrichsbad are the remains of an old Roman bathhouse. The ruins are displayed in a neat little museum.
10. See golden eggs at the Fabergé Museum
The Fabergé Museum in Baden-Baden is a privately owned museum showcasing objects made by the Russian jewelry company Fabergé. Opened in 2009 by Russian art collector Alexander Ivanov, the museum displays an impressive collection of Fabergé objects.
11. Visit the Russian church
The Russian Church in Baden-Baden was built between 1880 and 1882, by Vladimir Potemkin and Bernhard Belzer. The interior of the church is richly decorated with frescoes, but was unfortunately not open when we were here.
The area around the church is also nice, with lovely green areas, rippling water and trees with huge trunks.
12. Travelling through the city by horse and carriage
Want to feel the vibes of the spa life of the past? Then book an exclusive horse and carriage ride through the city.
13. Experience the "Paradise Cascade" fountain
"Paradies Cascade" is an ornamental garden, the centrepiece of which is a long and stunningly beautiful multi-storey fountain. We got here by bike from the city centre, but be prepared for some steep climbs.
14. Take a ride on the Merkur Bergbahn mountain railway
A nice little excursion you can do in Baden-Baden is to take a ride on the Merkur Bergbahn mountain railway. The line first opened in 1913 and goes all the way up to the top of Mount Merkur, at 668.3 metres above sea level.
At the top you can enjoy beautiful nature and wonderful views. There is also an observation tower, a restaurant and a playground.
15. Discover the ruins of Altes Schloss Hohenbaden
On the outskirts of Baden-Baden is the ruin of the old castle, "Altes Schloss Hohenbaden". We took the motorhome here, and were greeted by a really impressive ruin, where you can walk around for a while.
The castle has a history dating back to the 12th century, and is reminiscent of the Margraviate of Baden, which was a territory of the Holy Roman Empire.
16. Take an excursion to Schloss Rastatt and Schloss Favorite.
At a relatively short distance from Baden-Baden you will find two fantastic castles, namely Schloss Rastatt and Schloss Favorite. Schloss Rastatt is a baroque castle from the early 18th century, and Schloss Favorite is a summer residence just outside the city. Both castles are wonderfully decorated and well worth a visit.
READ MORE: Rastatt Castle in Germany - 18th century baroque castle
READ MORE: Castle Favorite in Rastatt - exclusive German summer palace
More things to do in Baden-Baden
If you have more time in Baden-Baden, there is of course even more to discover. Here are some more attractions and experiences that may be worth adding to your visit.
See modern art at Museum Frieder Burda
On Lichtentaler Allee is the Museum Frieder Burda, an art museum focusing on modern and contemporary art. The modern museum building, designed by the American architect Richard Meier, is also worth checking out.
Go to a concert in the Festspielhaus
Festspielhaus Baden-Baden is one of Europe's major opera and concert halls and offers an extensive program including classical music, opera and ballet.
Visit Brahms House
The composer Johannes Brahms spent several summers in Baden-Baden. The house where he lived during these stays has been preserved and today serves as a small museum about the composer and his time in the city.
Hike on the Panoramaweg
If you want to combine sightseeing with nature, you can set off on the Panoramaweg around Baden-Baden. The 45-kilometer trail is divided into stages and you can also see the Geroldsauer Wasserfall waterfall.
Where can you live or stay with your campervan?
There are of course many different hotels and other accommodation options in Baden-Baden to choose from. When we visited Baden-Baden, we first parked in a regular parking lot at Tennis hall and cycled from there into the city centre.
We also stayed overnight at Motorhome site Baden-Baden on Hubertusstrasse, which is a special parking area for motorhomes with service, but with a longer distance to the center.
Things to do in Baden-Baden - on film
Here you can also watch a film from Baden-Baden.
More to see and do in Germany
Do you want to continue your journey in Germany? Here you will find more tips and reports:
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Baden-Baden
What is there to see and do in Baden-Baden?
In Baden-Baden you can bathe in thermal baths, stroll along Lichtentaler Allee, visit the historic casino and discover the beautiful old spa town. Other attractions include Friedrichsbad, Trinkhalle, the rose gardens, Museum Frieder Burda and the ruins of Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.
What is Baden-Baden famous for?
Baden-Baden is best known as a historic spa town with hot thermal springs, elegant buildings and a famous casino. During the 19th century, the city became an exclusive meeting place for Europe's aristocracy and cultural elite and is today part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site The Great Spa Towns of Europe.
Why is the city called Baden-Baden?
The city was originally called Baden, but over time it began to be called Baden in Baden to distinguish it from other places with the same name. This referred to Baden in the area and later the state of Baden. In 1931, Baden-Baden became the city's official name.
Is Baden-Baden on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
Yes. Since 2021, Baden-Baden has been included in the World Heritage The Great Spa Towns of Europe together with ten other historic spa towns in seven European countries.
What is the difference between Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Therme?
Friedrichsbad is a historic Roman-Irish bath from 1877 where visitors follow a traditional bathing ritual through 17 stations. Caracalla Therme is a more modern thermal bath with larger pool areas. Friedrichsbad is textile-free most days, while swimwear is used in the Caracalla bathing landscape.
How much time do you need in Baden-Baden?
A full day is enough to see several of the central sights and stroll through the spa districts. With two or three days you can also visit a thermal bath, go up to Merkur, see a museum and go on an excursion or hike in the surrounding area.
Can you visit Baden-Baden with a camper van?
Yes. There are special parking spaces for motorhomes in Baden-Baden and the surrounding area. The Reisemobilplatz Baden-Baden on Hubertusstrasse is an alternative, and from there you can continue to the city center.
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4000mil says:
I lived in Karlsruhe-93-94 and have been around a lot in this area. Also an excursion to Baden-Baden. Nice place and glad you went there!
12 June 2022 - 7:38
Helena says:
Then I understand that you have been to Baden-Baden! Yes, it was fun to come here! Reminded us a bit of Karlovy Vary 🙂
12 June 2022 - 15:51
bmlarsreseblogg says:
Hann. Münden, Miltenberg and Baden-Baden; here we have three unknown gems that seem worth a visit. It only remains to plan a new trip to Germany and that never feels wrong.
We wish you a safe journey from the chaos at Arlanda airport....
12 June 2022 - 19:07
BP says:
So Baden-Baden is still somewhat upper class. It has always been that way. Not a half-timbered house in sight. Almost like a culture clash after all the nice towns with half-timbered houses that you have shown. And the casino is still there too...
12 June 2022 - 20:36
Jörgen Holm says:
It's great to go there by train from Sweden via Hamburg. Unfortunately, this convenient and eco-friendly option is often overlooked in travel writing - look ahead.
Thanks for all the tips about Baden-Baden, well written!
27 August 2022 - 17:44