Things To Do in Wiesbaden
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Wiesbaden Attractions
The big, modern, and well-maintained Kaiser Friedrich Therme, Langgasse 38-40 (tel. 0611/1729660; www.wiesbaden.de), are famous within Germany for their ability to soothe the aches and pains of arthritis, gout, indigestion, and other ailments induced by age and everyday stress. The saunas and thermally heated swimming pools are open daily from 10am to 10pm (Fri and Sat until midnight). Admission costs 5€ per hour from May to August, going up to 6.50€ per hour from September to April. Remember that the venue here involves both men and women who mingle freely within the facilities. Tuesday, however, is reserved for women. Also pleasant is the surrounding park whose landscaping includes hundreds of seasonal flowers.
Wiesbaden Nightlife
"Rien ne va plus" is the call when the ball starts to roll on the gaming tables at the historic Spielbank Wiesbaden, Im Kurhaus, Kurhausplatz 1 (tel. 0611/536100; www.spielbank-wiesbaden.de; bus: 1, 8, or 16). Opened in 1771, this is where Fyodor Dostoyevsky blew his credit in 1865 and dictated The Gambler in record time to compensate. You'll find roulette, blackjack, and poker. To enter, you must present a passport or an identification card. You must be 18 to enter and gamble, and men must wear jackets and ties. The casino is open daily 3pm to 3am and admission is 2.50€.
Music and theater flourish in Wiesbaden throughout the year. For information on performances during your visit, check the Wiesbaden tourist office. For information about any of the conference and cultural facilities in the Kurhaus compound, including the casino and theater, call tel. 0611/17290.
Hessisches Staatstheater,Christian-Zais-Strasse 3 (tel. 0611/1321; www.staatstheater-wiesbaden.de; bus: 1), built in 1894 by Emperor Wilhelm II, is one of the most beautiful theaters in Germany. From September to June it presents a program of operettas, musicals, ballets, and plays. Tickets are 8€ to 50€.The important International May Festival features concerts, classical in-house drama productions, and a wide selection of guest performances by internationally renowned theater companies. For information and tickets, call tel. 0611/1321, or visit www.maifestspiele.de.
The sprawling and gentrified Park Café, Wilhelmstrasse 36 (tel. 0611/3413246; www.park-cafe-wiesbaden.de; bus: 1), incorporates a cafe, brasserie, and a nightclub. The cover ranges from 8€ to 12€, and it's open daily 9pm to 4am.
