We chose the Friedrichsbad Roman-Irish baths over the Caracalla Spa as we prefer a peaceful and…read morecooler temp adult only environment (Caracalla allows children on the first floor where the cooler temperature baths are, mainly hot 90 degree Celsius saunas on the adult only 2nd floor). Friedrichsbad is 39 euro and had no time limit (recommended 3 hours, we skipped a few of the hotter saunas and the colder pools/plunge so were done in about 2.5 hours). Swimsuits are required on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On Sunday when we went, no swimsuits are allowed. The staff checking us in was informative, explaining the gradual warm up and cool down style of Roman-Irish baths. It was a calming and relaxing experience, our favorites were the hottest pool (room 9), the next cooler small whirlpool bath (room 10), and the coolest large whirlpool bath (room 11). By the time we left at 8:30pm, staffing was slimmer so we didn't get wrapped in hot towels to end our experience, but I still went into the relaxation room and got a warm towel on my own and it was a pleasant way to end the day.

What an experience. I've never done anything quite like this, and I'm eager to try it again…read more The baths do a nice job of combining luxury and the historical character of the original building and experience. You start off in a changing room, then move progressively though saunas, steam rooms, and thermal baths that get progressively warmer to raise your body temperature, then progressively cooler (culminating in a dunk in very cold water) to bring it back down. Along the way, you are scrubbed with a stiff brush to exfoliate your whole body. Some words to the wise. First, like many German baths, this is a coed nude bath, so be prepared for that. Second, it is not the same as the gentle pampering people may expect elsewhere. You're largely on your own in the baths, spas, and saunas, but the staff can be very businesslike as you move through the processes. Don't take it personally - they do a lot of turnover each day, and generally leave it to you to navigate the process - and you will leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, and invigorated!