48 hours in Baden-Baden… It feels like the old-world luxury and refined relaxation. This spa town, nestled at the edge of the Black Forest, has long been a retreat for artists, aristocrats, and anyone seeking wellness and indulgence. Whether you’re here for the thermal baths, the cultural attractions, or the sheer elegance of it all, 48 hours in Baden-Baden will be an unforgettable experience filled with history, natural beauty, and a touch of decadence.
Start your morning with breakfast at Café König, a legendary patisserie where the coffee is strong and the pastries are impossibly delicate. Choose from a selection of buttery croissants, Black Forest gâteau, or a traditional German pretzel with creamy butter. Once you’ve had your fill, take a stroll down the Lichtentaler Allee, a serene park lined with elegant villas, blooming flowerbeds, and century-old trees. This picturesque promenade sets the perfect tone for a day of leisure, with sculptures, bridges, and benches inviting you to slow down and take in the beauty of your surroundings.
Next, immerse yourself in the thermal waters that have drawn visitors here for centuries. The Friedrichsbad is a Roman-Irish bathhouse where you can experience a 17-step bathing ritual that combines hot steam, mineral-rich pools, and cooling showers in a setting that looks straight out of a 19th-century painting. If you prefer a more modern experience, Caracalla Spa offers multiple pools, saunas, and whirlpools in a sleek setting, with both indoor and outdoor bathing areas allowing you to soak while surrounded by the crisp air of the Black Forest.
For lunch, head to the Weinstube Baldreit, a charming, tucked-away restaurant serving traditional Baden cuisine. Try the käsespätzle (cheesy noodles) or a hearty Black Forest trout dish, paired with a crisp local Riesling. If you’re in the mood for a more casual bite, the Marktplatz area has several cafés offering delicious flammkuchen, a thin, crispy flatbread topped with cream, onions, and bacon.
In the afternoon, indulge in a bit of culture at the Museum Frieder Burda, which houses an impressive collection of modern art in a striking contemporary building designed by architect Richard Meier. Alternatively, visit the Fabergé Museum for a glimpse of exquisite craftsmanship in the form of dazzling jewelled eggs and intricate objets d’art. If classical music is more your speed, check the schedule for a performance at the Festspielhaus, one of the largest opera houses in Europe, where world-class performances grace the stage throughout the year.
As the evening sets in, try your luck at the Casino Baden-Baden, often regarded as one of the most beautiful casinos in the world. Even if you don’t gamble, a guided tour of the opulent, Belle Époque-style interiors is well worth it. The red velvet, gold detailing, and chandeliers evoke the glamour of a bygone era. After the casino, enjoy dinner at Le Jardin de France, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exquisite French-German fusion dishes, or opt for Rizzi WineBistro, a stylish venue with excellent wines and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. End the night with a drink at the Bernstein Club, where you can sip cocktails in an elegant setting, or take a moonlit walk along the riverbanks for a more tranquil end to the evening.
The next morning, start with a scenic drive or a gentle hike up Merkur Mountain. Take the Merkurbergbahn funicular railway to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the Black Forest and the town below. If you’re feeling adventurous, paragliding from the top is a thrilling way to see Baden-Baden from the sky. Alternatively, explore the nearby Geroldsau Waterfall, a short hike through lush forest that rewards you with a beautiful cascade and the soothing sounds of nature.
For lunch, stop by the charming Café Lumen, which offers fresh seasonal dishes with a focus on regional ingredients. Their homemade soups and fresh-baked bread are a comforting delight. After lunch, spend your final hours wandering the boutiques of Sophienstraße, where you can pick up elegant souvenirs like fine chocolates, silk scarves, or a bottle of local schnapps. If you’re a fan of antique shopping, several small galleries and specialty shops in the old town offer unique finds, from vintage jewellery to porcelain treasures.
Before you leave, take one last stroll through the old town, perhaps stopping for a final coffee at a sun-drenched terrace. Walk through the Kurhaus gardens, where flowers bloom in perfect symmetry, and stop by the Trinkhalle to sip on the mineral-rich thermal waters. As you bid farewell to Baden-Baden, the lingering scent of pine and thermal waters, the memory of grand façades, and the sense of unhurried elegance will stay with you—until you inevitably return to this timeless sanctuary of wellness and charm.
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