Things to do in Wiesbaden – Live Like a Local


Things to Do in Wiesbaden

Are you looking for things to do with your family around Wiesbaden or places to visit near Wiesbaden whilst you are based here?

Look no further! We have tips, recommendations and information just for you, written by Americans living in Wiesbaden, as well as ex-pats and Wiesbaden locals to help you to get the very best of your time here.

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Wiesbaden is a city in the Southwest of Germany and capital of the federal state of Hesse. Wiesbaden is one of the oldest spa towns in Europe. The name Wiesbaden translates to “meadow baths” making reference to the hot springs.

Wiesbaden is a beautiful city and has much to offer you and your family whilst you are stationed here during your time in Europe.

There are many sights to enjoy such as:

  • The Schloßplatz (The Palace Square) is in the centre of the historic Old Town of Wiesbaden and is surrounded by many beautiful buildings such as the Old City Hall, the New Town Hall, Marktkirche. Standing in the middle of the square is the Markkbrunnen (Market Well) which was built in 1753.
  • Kurhaus and Theatres are a must see. The awe-inspiring Neo-Classical Kurhaus, or “spa house”, was built at the request of Kaiser Whelm II. Its famous casino is now in operation. Facing the Kurhaus is the Bowling Green and next to it is the Kurhaus Kolonnade which was built in 1839
  • St Bonifatius was the first church for the Catholic community after the reformation and was built between 1845 and 1849.
  • St Elizabeth’s Church is a Russian Orthadox church and was built between1847 to 1855 by architect Philipp Hoffmann.

There’s always something going on in Wiesbaden with events scheduled all year round like the International May Festival. Every May Wiesbaden hosts an arts festival presented by Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden every May since 1896 making it one of the most distinguished international theatre and music festivals in the world. If visiting Wiesbaden in May this is a must see as it offers something for everyone. Performances include plays, musicals, ballets, operas and concerts from a wide array of music and artistic circus acts.

If it’s mainly adults in your party and wine is your tipple of choice, then the ten day Rheingau Wine Festival will be right up your street. The Rheingau Wine Festival takes place in August around the Wiesbaden City Hall on the Palace Square. This wine festival has been going for around 30 years and usually has around 118 booths offering plenty of opportunity to get acquainted with some Rheingau Riesling wines and all their various flavours with a diversified musical programme throughout the day to keep everyone entertained whilst sampling some of the best wines on offer.

Each year between the end of November and 23rd December Wiesbaden hosts the Twinkling Star Market. There’s around 110 stalls decorated in an oriental style coloured blue and gold offering lots of Christmas style goods, arts and crafts as well as a nostalgic carrousels and a toy train. There’s also an enormous beautiful Christmas tree that stands over 28 metres high and a nativity scene with life-sized wooden figures.

During the summer, the Marktkriche and Kurhaus in Wiesbaden play home to the Rheingau Musik Festival (RMF) and have done since 1988. It’s mainly for classical music but other genres have been played more recently. The RMF has grown to be one of Germany’s most important festivals with around 140 events taking place every summer in many locations in Germany, with international orchestras, ensembles and soloists.

Whatever the reason for your visit to Wiesbaden, there is plenty sights to see and events going on around the beautiful city to keep everyone entertained.

Venturing Further Afield

There is a tremendous amount to see and do whilst you are living in this very beautiful region of Germany. But perhaps you want to venture a little further afield? Visit our other city and country pages to get tips and recommendations for things to do and places to visit in: