Wiesbaden is often still an insider tip when it comes to city breaks in Germany. Yet the capital of Hesse has a lot to offer, especially for culture lovers! And best of all, most of the city’s sights can be explored on foot! Here are 8 spots and things you can visit in Wiesbaden.
Visit the Kurhaus and casino
The casino in Wiesbaden – officially the Spielbank Wiesbaden – is one of the most historic and famous gambling venues in Germany. People have been gambling on a grand scale in Wiesbaden since the 18th century.
And the location of the Wiesbaden casino could hardly be more spectacular: the imposing Kurhaus in classicist style invites you to dress up and try your luck at poker, roulette, and blackjack! The interior of the building is also a feast for the eyes, immediately transporting you to another era. Admission to the Kurhaus is free. However, you must have ID with you and be at least 18 years old to enter the casino.
By the way: During the Christmas season, one of Wiesbaden’s most beautiful Christmas trees lights up in the entrance hall, and you can not only skate a few laps on the ice rink in front of the Kurhaus, but also marvel at various events organized by “Wiesbaden On Ice”!
State Theater: Clear the stage!
Right to the left of the Kurhaus is another of Wiesbaden’s cultural institutions: the Hessian State Theater. World-class productions are presented here throughout the year – from children’s and youth theater to plays and musicals to opera. The performances during the International May Festival are particularly exciting.
But even if you don’t have time or feel like going to the theater, you should definitely pay a visit to the State Theater. Just take a look at the foyer! Here, golden balconies line the walls and the ceiling is covered with ornate frescoes. If you want a deeper insight, take a guided tour of the State Theater. In addition to the theater’s exciting history and its connection to Emperor Wilhelm II, you will gain a comprehensive impression of the day-to-day running of a theater, from set construction and the costume department to the rehearsal stage and the orchestra pit! Afterwards, you can get some fresh air in the adjacent spa gardens.
Biebrich Palace and a walk along the Rhine
Wiesbaden borders the Rhine to the south, where you can see not only Rhineland-Palatinate on the other side of the river in Mainz, but also the next state capital. On the Wiesbaden side, in the Biebrich district, the extensive park grounds of the palace and the Rhine promenade invite you to take a stroll. Today, Biebrich Palace is mainly used as a registry office and for other administrative purposes. But there is also a restaurant and a cinema inside the pretty Baroque complex.
If you have a little time and are feeling hungry, you can stroll towards Eltville on the banks of the Rhine and stop off at one of the various floating restaurants at Schierstein – a real holiday experience, especially in summer!
Relax like the Romans in the thermal baths
Wiesbaden is rich in hot thermal springs, which is why it was already established as a spa town in Roman times. However, Wiesbaden was particularly popular around 1900, when the city had more spa guests than any other German spa resort.
One thermal bath that has been preserved from this period is the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme, named after the emperor who himself spent a lot of time in Wiesbaden for spa treatments. The Art Nouveau baths, fed by one of Wiesbaden’s major springs, are still in full operation today. Here you can relax in the Irish-Roman bath with its elaborate mosaic tiles or sweat it out in one of the many saunas and steam baths in a historic setting. If you don’t feel like a sauna, you can get an impression of the architecture in the entrance area.
Architecture in Wiesbaden
Speaking of architecture: it’s really grand in Wiesbaden! It’s not just the Kurhaus, the theater, and the thermal baths that make an impression. The old town, with its winding alleys and houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, is also worth a visit. The Römertor and the Heidenmauer are still from Roman times and are the oldest buildings in the city. The Goldgasse right next door invites you to linger in the old town with its many restaurants and terraces.
Also cool: what was once the world’s largest cuckoo clock. The surrounding souvenir shops offer all kinds of typical German handicrafts. And if you stroll through the Poets’ Quarter, for example, you can admire the beautiful old buildings of Wiesbaden with their grand balconies.
Marvel at art in the Reinhardt-Ernst Museum
Concrete, glass, and a little bit of wow: the new Reinhard Ernst Museum in Wiesbaden is a temple of abstract art – and one that really makes an impression. With light-filled rooms and a collection ranging from Rothko to Yayoi Kusama, you feel like you’re in another world here.
No kitsch, no compromises, just art in its purest form. Anyone who loves colors and shapes will love it. And anyone who thinks abstract art is just wild splatter painting may be proven wrong here. Wiesbaden now officially has art with class – covering 2,000 square meters. And if you want more museums, the Hessian State Museum is right across the street, with permanent and special exhibitions on art and nature.
A trip to the countryside at Neroberg
North of the city, the Neroberg nestles against the state capital – at 245 meters, it is a rather tranquil mountain. Nevertheless, the view of the city from up here is well worth it, and those who enjoy a stroll in the countryside can take long or short walks in the forest and among the vineyards. A historic cable car takes you up to the summit, where you will find the Neroberg Temple and an impressive Russian Orthodox church. One of our favorite tips for Wiesbaden in summer! Especially at sunset.
Get a taste of culture at the Schlachthof
The former slaughterhouse, in a large red brick building just behind the train station, is a cultural institution in Wiesbaden! In summer, you can enjoy a refreshing drink and hearty food on the beautiful terrace. Inside, concerts, readings, and many other events take place throughout the year in an industrial setting. The entire neighborhood, including a skate park and a few small clubs, could be described as “Wiesbaden’s trendy district” – even if the area is admittedly quite small. But the Schlachthof Wiesbaden is always a good place for a convivial evening in Wiesbaden!
