Switzerland’s thermal springs with the highest mineral concentration bubble out at a temperature of 47 °C from 19 sulphurous springs in Baden. The town has been famous as a lively curative resort since Roman times, when Baden was known as "Aquae Helveticae". A bathing quarter with ostentatious buildings, to help offer relief to sufferers of rheumatism and circulatory diseases, was an early town feature on the shores of the river Limmat. Notable people such as Goethe, Nietzsche and Dürrenmatt sought out the Baden thermal springs in which to relax. Bathing is carried out in the public thermal baths nowadays, wellness packages being more common in the private baths. Today, the spa quarter with its numerous hotels is an oasis of tranquillity.

The lively small town, situated only 20 minutes from Zurich and the airport, has a diverse and rich cultural offering. International festivals and the Grand Casino rank among its highlights. The car-free old town with its historic defensive structures and municipal buildings, several theatres and notable museums constitute further cultural attractions. The Langmatt Foundation is one of Switzerland’s finest art collections – the industrialist families Brown and Boveri bequeathed valuable paintings and furniture dating from the impressionist period. The young ones will feel right at home in the Swiss Children’s Museum: it has exhibits collected from a 300-year-association with the world of children.

The golden-coloured Power Tower, which the Basle architects Diener & Diener designed for the ABB and Alstom Groups, rises not far from the spa park with its ancient trees and the Grand Casino. Former industrial sites are being reinvigorated with urban features and attractions. Today, the nearby former ABB site is home to an experience centre with a multiplex cinema, café and convention facilities.

• Villa Langmatt Museum – important private collection of French impressionists.
  
• Swiss Children’s Museum – documents the historical and current developments to do with families, childhood and games.
  
• Baden thermal baths – relaxation and health in Switzerland’s most mineral-rich thermal spring water.
  
• Lenzburg Castle – the historical museum of Aargau canton and the oldest and most important hilltop castle in Switzerland.
  
• Königsfelden Convent – with its unique glass windows, founded after the murder of the German King Albrecht I by his widow.
  
• Wettingen Cistercian Abbey – Switzerland’s best-preserved Cistercian monastery. Cloister with some of the best stained glass from the 13th to 17th century.
  
• Limmat cultural trail for industry – a hiking trail to buildings between Wettingen and Brugg that reflect important industrial history.
  
• Vindonissa Museum – the museum in Brugg presents finds from the Roman fort of Vindonissa.
  
• Belvédère Baden – beautiful panoramic views across the old town of Baden.

“Badenfahrt” – a gigantic folk festival in remembrance of the Protestant Zurich citizens who travelled to lively Catholic Baden to take the spa waters (every ten years).