If there’s one place that truly embodies relaxation, luxury, and nature — it’s Baden-Baden. Nestled at the edge of Germany’s Black Forest, this little spa town has been a haven for wellness seekers and wanderers for centuries.

We spent a couple of days soaking, strolling, and eating our way through Baden-Baden — and honestly, it’s one of those places that leaves you both relaxed and inspired.

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting — and all the best things to do while you’re there.

Q U I C K G U I D E

📍 Location: Southwestern Germany, near the French border, on the edge of the Black Forest.

✨ Why Visit:

Famous for its thermal spas like Caracalla Therme and Friedrichsbad
Home to the glamorous Casino Baden-Baden, often called Europe’s most beautiful casino
A charming Old Town filled with cafés, boutiques, and gorgeous 19th-century architecture
The Lichtentaler Allee, a riverside park perfect for long, peaceful walks

We wanted a mix of nature, culture, and downtime, and Baden-Baden delivered all three — in serious style.

🚆 Getting There:

By Train: From Frankfurt in under two hours. A taxi to the centre costs about €30, or take the local bus (€6 day pass).
By Car: Perfect if you love scenic drives through the Black Forest.

💶 Costs:

It’s not cheap, but think affordable luxury — mid-range stays and cafés balance out the fancy side.
A 2-hour spa session at Caracalla costs around €23, which is a steal for the experience.

🕒 How Long to Stay:

2–3 days hits the sweet spot for exploring, relaxing, and living slow.

🎒 What to Pack:

Swimsuit (you’ll regret forgetting it!)
Comfortable shoes for forest trails and cobblestone strolls

Best Time to Visit:

Summer is great for outdoor walks and hikes, but expect more tourists.
Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Where to Stay ion Baden Baden:

🏰 Luxury: Maison Messmer – Elegant 5‑star hotel with spa, central location near Kurpark and Old Town.
🏡 Mid‑Range: Hotel Beek by Anna – Comfortable 3‑star, great value, walking distance to spas and the Old Town.
💰 Budget: Maria-Viktoria Apartment
Cosy Apartment near city centre fully furnished, perfect for travellers on a budget.

Once you are ready to travel Baden Baden, here is a two day detailed itinerary you simply cant miss

T H E B E S T T H I N G S T O D O I N B A D E N B A D E N

1. Soak in the Famous Thermal Baths

Baden-Baden’s spa culture dates back to Roman times — and trust us, this is where you’ll want to spend half your trip.

🧖‍♀️ Caracalla Therme:
This is the modern spa — think massive indoor and outdoor pools, bubbling jacuzzis, saunas, and steam rooms. Floating in the warm mineral-rich water while gazing at the Black Forest hills? Absolute heaven.
💡 Tip: Go in the morning to beat the crowds.

🏛️ Friedrichsbad:
A totally different vibe — old-world elegance meets Roman-Irish bathing ritual. It’s more traditional, and yes, there are some nude zones, but it’s all part of the authentic experience.

2. Explore the Old Town

The Altstadt (Old Town) is picture-perfect — narrow cobbled streets, pastel buildings, and cozy cafés at every corner.

We spent hours wandering, popping into boutique shops, and people-watching with a cappuccino in hand.
Don’t miss:

Stiftskirche, a beautiful old church in the town centre
Marktplatz, lined with shops and little wine bars
Museum Frieder Burda, an art museum with contemporary works surrounded by park views

3. Visit the Trinkhalle (Pump Room)

Just a short stroll from the Old Town sits the elegant Trinkhalle, or Pump Room — one of Baden-Baden’s most iconic landmarks.

This 19th-century colonnade was once a social hub where visitors would “take the waters” believed to have healing powers. Today, it’s a stunning place to walk through, admire frescoed ceilings, and snap a few photos.

Inside, you’ll find the Tourist Information Center, perfect for picking up maps and tips for hikes around the Black Forest. Step outside and you’re right by the Kurhaus gardens — a gorgeous spot that connects beautifully to Lichtentaler Allee.

💡 Tip: Visit early morning or around sunset for softer light and fewer crowds — it’s one of the most photogenic spots in town.

4. Stroll Through Lichtentaler Allee

This riverside park is straight out of a fairy tale. Stretching for 2.5 kilometers, it’s filled with flowers, bridges, and sculptures — perfect for a morning walk or a lazy afternoon.

💡 Local favourite: Stop at Café König for cake and coffee right off the Allee — their pastries are incredible.

4. Visit the Casino Baden-Baden

Even if you’re not into gambling, you’ve got to see this place. The Casino Baden-Baden is dripping with elegance — gold chandeliers, velvet chairs, and that “old European glamour” vibe.

Entry to the main gaming hall costs €5, and you’ll need your passport.
Dress code: Formal (men need a jacket — you can rent one there for €10).

And hey, we even won €65 on the slots. Beginner’s luck? Maybe. But it made the night even better.

5. Take the Merkur Mountain Funicular

For a dose of nature and sweeping views, hop on the Merkurbergbahn — Germany’s longest and steepest funicular railway.

*View of Baden Baden Tow from the Merkurbergbahn*

At the top, you’ll find:

Hiking trails for all levels
A viewing tower with panoramic views of the Black Forest
A small café perfect for a snack or beer with a view

💡 Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and spend an hour or two at the summit.

6. Try the Real Black Forest Cake

You can’t come to the Black Forest and not try its most famous dessert!
We grabbed a slice in town expecting a sweet treat — and got hit with a boozy punch instead (the authentic version uses cherry schnapps).

*Black Forest Cake and Pistachio Ice Cream*

It wasn’t quite what we expected, but it’s tradition — and hey, there’s always pistachio gelato to follow it up.

7. Unwind at Gönneranlage Park

This rose garden is one of Baden-Baden’s prettiest hidden gems. When we visited, the roses were in full bloom — rows of colour and a fountain centrepiece that made it feel like something out of a romantic film.

It’s the perfect spot for quiet photos, reading, or just sitting with an ice cream and doing absolutely nothing (which is kind of the whole point of Baden-Baden).

8. Eat and Drink Like Locals

Baden-Baden might be small, but it packs serious flavour.
Our favourites:

Löwenbräu Baden-Baden – hearty German food and local beer in a cozy setting
La Gondola – Italian classics with great pasta and wine
Lifestyle Restaurant – near Caracalla, great for seafood pasta and people-watching

💡 Don’t skip the local wines. The Baden region produces some of Germany’s best whites.

What we loved most about Baden-Baden is its balance — it’s elegant without being pretentious, peaceful without being boring. Whether we were hiking, soaking, or just wandering, everything moved at an easy pace that made time slow down in the best way.

*Outside Merkur Mountain Observation Tower*

If you’re planning a trip through the Black Forest or just looking for a relaxing weekend in Germany, Baden-Baden deserves a spot on your list.

Pack your swimsuit, a good book, and your appetite — this spa town has a way of recharging you from the inside out.