Germany's chicest city: an hour from Strasbourg and perfect for a getaway with friends.

Celebrating an event, fulfilling a dream, or simply spending a unique vacation outside of Spain is the perfect excuse for a girls-only getaway. So if you're thinking about this plan, we have one of the best places in Europe to disconnect from your routine, on a trip that's sure to be as fun as it is therapeutic. The destination: Baden-Baden , a German city with a well-preserved heritage and a unique atmosphere of tranquility and well-being. And you've probably already guessed what the highlight of the trip will be: enjoying its numerous spas, a tradition that dates back to Roman times.

Baden-Baden, the city of the good life

The first thing that catches your eye about this city is the unspoiled scenery that transports you back to the fabulous times of the Belle Époque, when Baden-Baden, with its thermal waters, was the epicenter of European summers . And yes, you're sure to fall in love with this city when it's time to relax in its therapeutic springs, but first, it's time to dive into its old town, with its stately cobbled streets that invite you to explore. enjoy a pleasant walk.

Among the narrow streets you will see numerous Baroque-style buildings, but among the places not to be missed are the Gothic chapel Stiftskirche , where the tomb of Prince Ludwig Wilhelm I is located, and two squares: the Market Square and the Jesuit Square.

Hohenbaden Castle

Built in the 12th century on the heights of Baden-Baden, this imposing fortress was the residence of the city's margraves during the Middle Ages. To reach the hill where the fortress stands, you have to take an easy hike (about two kilometers). It's worth taking a leisurely stroll among its ruins, enjoying the best panoramic views of Baden-Baden, the Black Forest, and the Rhine Valley from the top. Admission to the castle is free all year round.

There's another castle we also recommend: the New Castle (Neues Schloss). To reach what was also the residence of the margraves (German princes), you'll have to walk down Schlossstrasse , a beautiful street lined with pastel-colored houses , which is one of the most photogenic spots in the entire city. And although neither this medieval palace complex nor its gardens can be visited because they are privately owned, from the terrace outside you can enjoy a beautiful postcard view of Baden-Baden.

A visit to the opera house

It's a must-see for music and architecture lovers. With 2,500 seats, the Baden-Baden Festival Hall is not only one of the largest and most prestigious venues in Europe, but its impressive architecture is a draw for all visitors to the city. Inside, you can enjoy classical music, jazz, opera, and ballet concerts . Built on the site of the Grand Duchy's former railway station, its timeless, classic elegance is sure to impress.

The pleasure of immersing yourself in a space of well-being

No trip to Baden-Baden is complete without setting aside time to discover the spas of a city that was already a spa destination no less than 2,000 years ago. And if you have to choose, the Baths of Caracalla are the most famous for relaxation and replenishment. Within its 4,000 square meters of wellness, you'll find numerous pools, saunas, and countless relaxation areas.

And if you're still craving more water, next to these thermal baths is another of the city's most famous spas: the Friedrichsbad . It's located in a magnificent 170-year-old Romanesque-style building.