Things To Do
in Bad Homburg

Bad Homburg vor der Höhe is a refined spa town just north of Frankfurt, renowned for its thermal springs, elegant Kurpark, and grand architecture. The town blends historic villas, a stately castle, and a lively cultural calendar, from cinema to classical concerts at the Kursaal. Visitors come to wander tree-lined avenues, soak in wellness traditions, and enjoy a serene base for exploring the Rhine-Man region.

Easy rail and road links from Frankfurt make it a convenient, relaxing escape year-round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Bad Homburg's historic center, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of the Kurhaus and the surrounding gardens. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional German pastries and coffee. Take your time to explore the quaint shops and boutiques that line the streets.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Bad Homburg Castle, where you can learn about its rich history and take in the stunning views from the tower. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the adjacent Castle Park, which is perfect for a picnic or simply relaxing among nature. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Russian Orthodox Church, a hidden gem with its striking architecture.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to enjoy authentic German cuisine, perhaps trying the famous schnitzel or sausages. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beautifully illuminated paths of the Kurpark, where you can listen to the sounds of live music and relax by the fountains. End your evening with a nightcap at a cozy bar, soaking in the atmosphere of this charming town.

day 2
Relaxing at the Spa
morning
:

Indulge in a luxurious morning at one of Bad Homburg’s renowned spa facilities, such as the Taunus Therme. Begin with a refreshing swim in the thermal pools, followed by a rejuvenating sauna session to unwind and relax your muscles. Enjoy a healthy breakfast at the spa café, focusing on fresh, organic ingredients to energize your day.

afternoon
:

After your spa treatments, pamper yourself with a massage or beauty treatment to fully embrace the wellness experience. Spend some time lounging by the pool or enjoying the various wellness amenities available. For lunch, savor light and nutritious dishes at the spa restaurant, emphasizing fresh and local produce.

evening
:

In the evening, take a gentle stroll through the picturesque gardens of the spa, allowing the tranquil atmosphere to wash over you. Dine at a nearby restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, perhaps tasting some seasonal specialties. Cap off your night with a soothing herbal tea back at your accommodation.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant)$40-60
Cup of coffee$3-5
🚆One-way public transport ticket$3-4
🏨Hotel room per night (mid-range)$120-180

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Accessible from Frankfurt with easy rail links
  • Elegant spa town atmosphere and green spaces
  • Rich cultural calendar and historic architecture
  • Safe, walkable town center with good dining options
  • Can be quiet at night for some travelers
  • Prices can be higher than other Hessian towns
  • Public transport frequency evenings may be limited on weekends
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Ich hätte gern…" - I would like…

Places to Visit in Bad Homburg

Visit one of these nice places.

Schloss Bad Homburg and Schlosspark

The castle and surrounding gardens offer elegant façades, water features, and a reflective lake for classic portraits.

Kurpark (Spa Park)

A formal 19th-century park with fountains, tree-lined avenues, and sculptural elements — ideal for wanderer photography.

Kaiser-Friedrich-Promenade architectures

Historic streets with stately villas and charming façades along a scenic promenade.

Culinary Guide

Food in Bad Homburg

Hessian and Rhine-Main flavors define Bad Homburg’s cuisine, with hearty dishes, regional breads, and seasonal produce paired with local apple wines.

Bad Homburg Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Rippchen mit Kraut

Slow-cooked pork ribs with sauerkraut, often served with mashed potatoes or dumplings at traditional taverns.

Must-Try!

Grüne Soße

Herb green sauce made with a mix of chervil, parsley, chives and other herbs, typically served with potatoes and eggs or meat.

Apfelwein (Apple Wine)

Traditional apple-wine beverage served in cider houses, best enjoyed with hearty local dishes.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Bad Homburger Wochenmarkt

Weekly market on Kaiser-Friedrich-Promenade offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, pretzels, and seasonal specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

Bad Homburg has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters. Spring and autumn are mild with changing colors; occasional rain can occur year-round. Winters are cold but usually not extreme, with snow possible but not frequent. The proximity to the Taunus mountains adds some local microclimate effects, especially on wind and precipitation.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Be punctual for appointments and trains; time is valued in social and business settings.

Greetings

Greet with a handshake and maintain polite eye contact; address people formally using Mr./Ms. and last name unless invited to use first names.

Quiet Conversation in Public

Keep voices moderate in public spaces; avoid loud conversations in transit and indoor venues.

Safety Guide

Safety

Bad Homburg is generally very safe for visitors; standard city precautions apply. Pickpocket awareness in crowded areas and at tourist sites is sensible, especially in markets or rail stations. Emergency number: 112; health care facilities and pharmacies are widely available in town.

Tipping in Bad Homburg

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany, rounding up the bill or leaving about 5-10% for good service is customary in restaurants; cash or card tips are fine.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Trees bloom along the Taunus foothills; expect mild days and fresh markets resuming full bloom.

Summer

Warm days are ideal for outdoor parks, patios, and lakeside strolls; expect occasional thunderstorms.

Autumn

Autumn colors in parks and hills; local harvest markets and apple wines become popular.

Winter

Cold days with festive lights; indoor spa baths and cultural events offer refuge; expect occasional snow.

Nightlife Guide

Bad Homburg at Night

The nightlife in Bad Homburg is refined and relaxed, centered on bars, wine taverns, and cafe culture. The town also features the historic Kursaal for occasional concerts and casino evenings, plus seasonal events and outdoor summer venues. Expect a calm scene compared to Frankfurt, with plenty of spaces for a quiet drink or a pre-dinner stroll.

Hiking in Bad Homburg

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Altkönig Trail (Hochtaunus)

Popular climb to the Altkönig peak with forest paths and rewarding views over the Taunus and Main valley.

Feldberg Summit Trail (Großer Feldberg)

A longer hike to the Feldberg summit, the highest point in the Taunus, offering panoramic vistas.

Taunus Nature Park trails

Extensive network of forest and hill trails suitable for day trips from Bad Homburg.

Airports

How to reach Bad Homburg by plane.

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Major international hub about 25-35 km from Bad Homburg; well-connected by S-Bahn, regional trains, and highway.

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN)

Secondary airport located about 120-140 km away, mainly serving low-cost carriers; reachable by rail and car with a longer transfer time.

Getting Around

Walkability

Bad Homburg is highly walkable in the town center, with pedestrian zones, parks, and the castle area all within easy reach on foot. Some hillside viewpoints require a short, mild climb. Bicycle lanes and good bus connections help cross-town travel.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of families, retirees, and professionals who commute to Frankfurt or work locally.

Students and academics

Proximity to Frankfurt means some students live in Bad Homburg and commute for classes.

International residents

A portion of expatriates and international visitors due to the region’s cosmopolitan nature.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Local clubs and school teams are active; you may catch matches in nearby Frankfurt or at municipal facilities.

Tennis

Several clubs offer public and member courts; great for a casual match after sightseeing.

Golf

Several courses in the Hochtaunus area including Bad Homburg's own Golf Club.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport is reliable, with S-Bahn and regional trains connecting Bad Homburg to Frankfurt; car traffic can be light to moderate, with congestion during peak hours near the city center. Parking is convenient around the Kurpark and shopping streets but can be limited in peak seasons.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Bad Homburg.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants label vegetarian options; ask for vegetable-forward dishes or pasta with seasonal vegetables; many places can adapt dishes upon request.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Germany provides comprehensive healthcare; visitors can access general practitioners and pharmacies; many doctors speak English, especially in tourist-friendly areas. For emergencies, dial 112; hospitals and clinics are concentrated in the town and nearby Frankfurt. Travel health insurance is recommended.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide