Question about Excursion Choice
I will soon be able to book my excursions for my trip in May. One of the choices is staying in Strasbourg after sightseeing in the morning, or going to Baden Baden in the afternoon. Did anyone chose Baden Baden but wish they had stayed in Strasbourg? Thanks so much!
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Comments
Strasbourg is lovely. I'm glad I did not miss it.
Granted, it was winter (XMAS Mkt tour) so this is a bit of a different perspective, but Strasbourg was great, but Baden-Baden not so much. We thought Baden-Baden was way past its prime and not a very interesting place. The casino was just downright old, dark and depressing, not a unique glimpse into is gloried, opulent past. We did not go to the baths. It was decorated for the season, but downtown was very small and there was not much to see.
I have not been on this tour but have been to the Alsace region independently. The region is known for its Riesling and, my favorite, Gewürztraminer. If those wines interest you, have some bottles shipped home.
Strasbourg also has a lovely old town area which Tauck will probably take you to. Enjoy.
I second Alan's comments. I thought Baden Baden was a waste of time and spent an entire day in Strasbourg. In addition to wandering around, I took a boat ride all around the city.
We've been to both a few times. We are always underwhelmed with BadenBaden and truthfully never understand why it is even a stop along the Rhine when there are so many other amazing places (Strasbourg, Colmar, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, etc). There is a casino that some may enjoy. The town itself is underwhelming to us compared to so many other European towns. We've taken a few Rhine river cruises and I'm always disappointed when BadenBaden is a stop, but they miss ones like I mentioned above. Now, we actually look for cruises that don't stop in BadenBaden as we find it a waste of a day for us. I'd stay in Strasbourg, we love that town. So much to see, gorgeous architecture, an amazing cathedral, fantastic restaurants, wonderful places to walk and explore in town and along the water. Many do enjoy the hot springs & spa in BadenBaden - it is a highlight for many people - just depends on what your interests are.
We took a different Rhine cruise where both were offered on different days so we saw both. Unless you want to go to the spa, I'd give Baden Baden a miss. Strasbourg is lovely.
I would stay in Strasbourg. It is a charming town that needs more than half a day. I think Baden Baden was exciting several decades ago; today, not so much. For those who take the Rhine, Swiss Alps, and Amsterdam trip there is a stop in Karlsruhe. The only option is Baden Baden. I highly recommend going on your own to Stuttgart for the fabulous Mercedes Museum. I'm not particularly interested in cars but it was my husband's birthday. We hired a driver to take us directly to the museum and then took the train back.
The Mercedes Museum is fabulous! Even if you aren't into cars, the historical context is worth checking out.
THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT ADVICE! That was so helpful.