"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.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
