Car Rental Wiesbaden

Driving in Wiesbaden is a pleasant and convenient way to tour the city. The local highway network is extensive and well laid-out with all the main sights clearly signposted. It’s a good idea to plan your route before setting off, especially if you’re navigating the one way system.

Parking in the city is pretty straightforward. There are large parking lots in and around the center, including an underground parking lot in front of the Kurhaus spa house. You should have little trouble finding a spot close to the main downtown stores, restaurants and cultural attractions.

Wiesbaden also makes an excellent starting point for exploring the historic towns of the Rhine Valley. Just 25 minutes’ drive from the center, in the neighboring state of Rhineland-Palatinate, is the cathedral city of Mainz. Famous for its half-timbered houses and medieval buildings, it’s also home to a host of beautiful old churches and its thousand-year-old cathedral.

Some 45 miles south along the Rhine is the charming old town of Worms, famous for its spectacular 11^th-century Cathedral of St Peter. Frankfurt, one of Germany’s largest cities, is 25 miles to the east and reached via the A66.

In Germany, you’ll be driving on the right. The speed limit on highways – called the autobahn – is 130km/h (around 80mph). Some parts in more rural areas have no speed limit – these stretches are indicated by a circular white sign with five black lines through it. On main routes the limit is around 60mph and in urban areas it drops to 30mph.

There’s much to admire in Wiesbaden, from neoclassical architecture to impressive cultural credentials. However you plan to spend your time here, be sure to experience the famous thermal baths that gave the city its name.

Cultural celebrations

The Kurhaus was once the city’s most popular spa house, frequented by the Kaiser himself. Today, the opulent interior houses a major convention center as well as a casino and sophisticated restaurant.

Tucked behind this grandiose columned structure is the leafy Kurpark, a 19^th-century English-style landscaped park which is perfect for a walk on a summer afternoon. In front of the Kurhaus is the Bowling Green, a flat stretch of lawn flanked by an elegant colonnade. 

Standing opposite is the Hessian State Theatre, crowned with angels and cherubs. This magnificent venue hosts opera, ballet and classical concerts. Every May it’s at the center of the Internationale Maifestspiele Wiesbaden – one of the world’s most prestigious opera and theater festivals.

You can’t miss the distinctive rust-red spires of the neo-Gothic Market Church (Marktkirche) soaring against the skyline. This sandstone church, built in the mid-19th century, stands facing the town hall on Schloßplatz and is as impressive inside as it is out. Listen out for the traditional glockenspiel, filling the air with a medley of 45 bronze bells every 15 minutes.

At the other end of Wilhelmstrasse is the Museum Wiesbaden, the city’s impressive art gallery. It features paintings from the 12th to 19th centuries, as well as modern installations, sculptures and artwork. The main attraction here is the colorful collection of works by the Russian expressionist Alexei Jawlensky.

Shopping in style

As you might expect of one of Germany’s wealthiest cities, Wiesbaden has an impressive array of high-end stores and boutiques. The sweeping Wilhelmstrasse runs for over half a mile, lined with historic buildings housing design emporia, galleries, restaurants and cafes. Head to Taunusstrasse – known locally as the ‘Antiques Mile’ – to explore prestigious antique stores.

Get the best views in town

Two miles north of the city center is the Neroberg hill, which affords superb views of the Rhine Valley and across to the city of Mainz on the opposite side of the river.

You can drive to the top or jump on board the funicular railway. This open-sided carriage offers a scenic route as you ascend, and is one of just a few in the world which still uses water ballasts to propel it along.

It first opened in 1888 and carries you 500 yards up the steep slope in just three minutes. From the top it’s a short walk to the gilded onion domes of the 19^th-century Russian Orthodox church.

Relax in a thermal bath

After a hard day’s shopping and sightseeing, treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation at the city’s thermal baths. The luxurious Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme is one of the best in Germany and has an indoor swimming pool, a sudatorium (vaulted sweat-room) and tepidarium (warm bath), as well as a Finnish sauna and a Russian steam bath.

Wiesbaden is a city that offers so many experiences, from a relaxing spa break to a fascinating cultural experience. Discover the best of the city and beyond when you rent a car from Hertz.