10 Things to do in Heidelberg Germany
We currently live in Heidelberg Germany – and it’s a beautiful town! When we tell people we live in Heidelberg, most haven’t heard of it – which surprises me as it’s such a beautiful place and I think it should be on the list of places everyone knows about and wants to visit!
Heidelberg is about an hour south of Frankfurt and is easily accessible from Frankfurt Airport by train or car. Famed for its beautiful Old Town, romantic ruins, and relatively mild climate, it is totally worth a visit!
Heidelberg is one of the few cities in Germany that survived WWII largely intact and preserving its magnificent Baroque architecture. It offers an original look into history that other cities had to rebuild to create.
With about 160,000 residents and home to Heidelberg University, Germany's oldest university, it is an energetic, vibrant city with an endless array of things to do – culture, music, theater, sports, and more.
Below you will find our list of 10 things to do in Heidelberg, as well as information about the best time to visit, where to eat, how to get there, and where to stay.
10 THINGS TO DO IN HEIDELBERG
Heidelberg is best explored by leaving time between visiting sites and nature to sit at outdoor cafés and restaurants to enjoy the atmosphere and watch life happen. The touristy part of Heidelberg, Altstadt or Old Town, is relatively compact so most of the sites are close together and could be done in a couple of days. But I’d recommend you add a day or two if you want a more leisurely visit with time to enjoy outdoor cafes, surrounding areas, and not be rushed.
1 – HEIDELBERG CASTLE (SCHLOSS HEIDELBERG)
The crown jewel of Heidelberg is the iconic, romantic castle perched 80 meters up the Königstuhl hillside above Old Town. With its stunning red sandstone and combination of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, it was the home of the Palatine prince-electors for centuries.
The original parts of the castle date back to before 1214. It was then expanded over the next few hundred years to become one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Its downfall came from invading French armies during the 17th-century Palatine Wars and two destructive lightning strikes (1537 and 1764 causing fires that ultimately destroyed parts of the structure).
The castle is breathtaking so it’s not a surprise that it attracts around one million visitors annually. When visiting the castle, be sure to see:
The castle courtyard and Scheffelterrasse – beautiful views of the different architectural styles and building phases, an amazing view of the city and river below, and a great place to catch a concert during their summer concert series.
The Palace Gardens – terraced gardens that offer panoramic views of the Old Town and Neckar River.
The German Pharmacy Museum (Deutsches Apotheker Museum) – details the history of medicine from the 16th to 19th centuries.
The Great Vat – one of the world’s largest wine barrels holding over 220,000 liters (58,000 gallons).
All of these areas can be seen with one general admission ticket. You can also buy a separate ticket for an inside, guided tour of the castle which lasts about an hour and provides inside views and history of the castle.
There are multiple ways to reach the castle… 1) climb up some steep stairs, 2) walk up a steep, cobblestone path, 3) take the historic Heidelberger Bergbahn funicular railway from the Kornmarkt, or 4) drive up the hill.
2 – SPEND A DAY ENJOYING THE ALTSTADT (OLD TOWN)
I recommend spending an entire day leisurely strolling the Hauptstraße (or Main Street - one of Europe’s longest pedestrian zones spanning 1.4 km through Old Town). It is a perfect mix of beautiful architecture, shopping, restaurants and cafes, and narrow cobblestone alleyways.
Start your morning with a coffee and breakfast at Café Shafheutle, Zeit Fur Brot or any of the other lovely cafes on the Hauptstraße. Enjoy the morning. Chat with a friend. Observe what’s happening as the day gets going in Old Town.
Spend an hour or two wandering through the shops. You can find everything from touristy knick knacks to clothes, Christmas decorations to luggage, and gummy bears to chocolates. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the beautiful historic sights. Don’t miss Hotel Ritter near the market square, a stunning Renaissance building that dates back to 1592.
For lunch, there are so many options. I’d recommend pizza from Restaurante Papi where you can watch all the action on Marketplatz, a vegan bowl at Earth Bowl, or German food from Weinstub Uniplatz.
After lunch, wander through more of the stores (don’t forget to get off the main street for more boutiques and specialty stores) and walk through the gorgeous old churches near the Hauptstraße – Heiliggeistkirche (largest one with views from the tower), Jesuitenkirche (ornate 1700s century Catholic church with chandeliers), Providenzkirche (oldest surviving organ and right next door to where we live; we can see it from our windows and hear the bells toll), and more.
As is typical in Germany, enjoy kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) in the afternoon. There are so many places to choose from, but some options would be Café Knosel, Café Gundel, and Café Schafheutle.
Visit the Heidelberger Studentenkuß (Student Kiss) store and buy some treats for yourself and to take back as gifts for family and friends. These famous handcrafted chocolates were invented in 1863 by chocolatier Fridolin Knösel as a discreet way for university students to flirt with young women from local finishing schools without alarming their strict chaperones. More info here.
Make sure you walk to the very end of the Hauptstraße and check out the Karlstor, an 18th-century triumphal arch that marks the edge of the pedestrian zone.
For dinner, there are lots of options, from casual grab and go places to cozy, traditional German weinstubes. You could try pasta from Trattoria Toscana, burgers from Heidelburger, or German food from Restaurants Sudpfanne or Nepomuk.
And don’t forget to get some gelato after dinner. There are SO many options, but our favorite is gelato go.
In the evening, pubs and bars come alive as students and locals gather for conversation and a drink. I’d recommend Amoroso if you are looking for a fun place to get a drink.
3 – CHECK OUT THE OLD BRIDGE (Alte Brucke) and BRIDGE MONKEY
The Old Bridge (Alte Brucke), officially called the Karl Theodor Bridge, is an iconic 18th-centry stone arch bridge built across the Neckar River. It’s entryway from Old Town features a medieval tower and from the bridge, you will have postcard-perfect views of the river and the castle.
To the left of the Old Bridge on the Old Town side, you’ll find the Bridge Monkey. Legend says that this bronze sculpture of a monkey holding a mirror brings luck and ensures your return to Heidelberg if you touch its fingers.
4 – VISIT UNIVERSITY MUSEUM, STUDENT KARZER and GREAT HALL
With one ticket, you can visit the Student Prison (Studentenkarzer), University Museum, and Great Hall (Alte Aula). These three historically connected sites are part of Heidelberg University and offer a glimpse into the rich history of Germany’s oldest university.
Student Prison (Studentenkarzer) – This was the University’s jail from 1823 to 1914. It’s a fascinating site where misbehaving scholars were incarcerated for minor infractions like dueling, public intoxication, or disturbing the peace. Imprisoned students left behind centuries of painted graffiti, silhouettes, and funny poetry on the walls.
University Museum - Details the rich history, founding, and cultural milestones of Heidelberg University since its establishment in 1386.
Great Hall (Alte Aula) – Don’t miss this gorgeous ceremonial hall upstairs from the University Museum. Designed in the neo-Renaissance style for the university's 500th anniversary in 1886, it is still used for academic ceremonies today.
5 – ENJOY TIME ON OR ALONG THE NECKAR RIVER
The Neckar is a great gathering place and offers a mix of sightseeing, relaxation and activity. You can enjoy panoramic views from the shoreline, a scenic boat ride, or getting active on the river.
On the Neuenheim side of the river is the Neckarwiese, a huge park that is a local gathering spot. There is open lawn space, a walking/biking path, parks, and cafes. It is the perfect place to have a picnic, stroll and enjoy the views, grab a drink and relax, or play some sand volleyball.
If you want to get on the river, there are several companies that offer sightseeing cruises and a place where you can rent a small boat. The sightseeing cruises vary from a couple of hours to a half day. Many are hop on hop off and go up the river where there are several castles. You can stay on and enjoy the view from the boat or hop off, go see the castles, have lunch, and get on another one for your return trip.
6 – WALK THE PHILOSOPHER’S WAY (Philosophenweg)
I love to climb the hill and walk the Philosopher’s Way on a nice day. The views of Old Town, the Neckar River and Heidelberg Castle never get old!
Philosopher’s Way is a scenic 2-kilometer trail above the city and the river. It got its name as it is said to be historically favored by university scholars and Romantic poets. The area has its own microclimate that makes it one of the warmest places in Germany. You will see bamboo, palm trees, lemon trees and beautiful flowers growing and blooming along the path.
The walk is flat and easy once you get up to it. The stairs from the Old Bridge up the hill are steep though, so be prepared! You can also reach it by walking up a road up from Neuenheim, which is also steep.
It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to walk the full loop from Old Town, up the hill, along the path, down the hill to Neuenheim, and back to Old Town.
7 – VISIT THINGSTATTE (and monastery ruins)
Further up the hill from Philosopher’s Way is the Thingstatte, a massive open-air amphitheater built in 1935. This theater was originally commissioned by the Third Reich for propaganda, rallies, and pseudo-religious ceremonies. The Thingstatte is a tiered, Roman-style amphitheater made of natural sandstone. It is now freely accessible to the public and worth the 45- to 60-minute hike up the hill! You can also get there by car.
While up there, you can also see the ruins of the medieval St Michael’s Monastery and Celtic wall.
8 – WANDER NEIGHBORHOODS ADJACENT TO OLD TOWN
Old Town is just one small area of Heidelberg. Get to know more of this wonderful town by wandering outside the tourist area and experiencing the mix of medieval history, modern urban living, and academic charm.
Neuenheim – Located just across the Old Bridge, it is known as an upscale, family friendly neighborhood. With a lively neighborhood square with a great farmer’s market and fun shops to explore, Neuenheim is worth a visit.
Weststadt – Known for its 19th century architecture, tree-lined streets, and boutique shopping, it is an elegant, quiet and upscale neighborhood.
Rohrbach – Sometimes called the city’s "wine village," it features local vineyards and a quieter, traditional village feel.
Bergheim – Serving as the bridge between Old Town and the newer developments, it hosts major university institutes, the Klinikum (university hospital), and corporate spaces.
9 – SPEND SOME TIME AT A MUSEUM (and the Zoo)
If you are a museum lover, Heidelberg has options for you! From world-renowned medical and science museums to fascinating local history and art collections, there is something for everyone.
Palatinate Museum (Kurpfälzisches Museum): Covers local archaeology (including the famous prehistoric Heidelberg jaw fossil), paintings, and the cultural history of the Electoral Palatinate region.
The Prinzhorn Collection (Sammlung Prinzhorn): An internationally acclaimed museum showcasing artwork created by patients with mental illnesses in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Carl Bosch Museum: Dedicated to the life and Nobel Prize-winning work of the Heidelberg-born chemist and engineer, highlights the history of chemistry and technology.
Body Worlds Museum: This permanent exhibition focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and longevity of the human body using authentic “plastinated” specimens.
German Packaging Museum (Deutsches Verpackungs-Museum): A quirky look at the history of brand design and packaging throughout the decades.
German Pharmacy Museum (Deutsches Apotheker-Museum): In the famous Heidelberg Castle, it traces the history of pharmacy, featuring ancient alchemy laboratories and historical medicine chests.
Student Prison (Studentenkarzer): A wonderfully preserved history of Heidelberg University’s student jail used between 1778 and 1914.
Heidelberg University Museum: Offers a glimpse into the 600-year history of Germany's oldest university.
Heidelberg Zoo: Located in the city, the Heidelberg Zoo spans 10.2 hectares and houses over 2,500 animals across about 155 species. It features major attractions like Asian elephants, gorillas, Sumatra tigers, and Berber lions. The zoo is highly focused on species conservation and education.
10 – GET OUT OF HEIDELBERG AND SEE THE SURROUNDING AREA
Without going far, you can visit some other towns to learn more about the local area and see some amazing sites. There are lots of options and just covering a few below.
Baden Baden – We love Baden Baden! It’s about an hour south of Heidelberg. This wonderful spa town is at the edge of the Black Forest and is famous for its ancient Roman thermal springs (Friederichsbad), magnificent casino, hiking, castle ruins, and beautiful parks.
German Wine Route - Heidelberg is surrounded by wine growing regions producing primarily Reisling. About an hour away is the 85-kilometer German Wine Route. Visit Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Bad Durkheim, and taste some great German wines.
Neckarstein – Take a boat up the river to Neckarstein which is known for the four medieval castles built there between 1180 and 1260.
Schwetzingen – A quick 15-minute car ride away is Schwetzingen, which has the beautiful Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens. I’ve been here 5 or 6 times and it’s totally worth the trip!
Speyer – We’ve been to Speyer 4 or 5 times... It’s a quick 30-minute train ride and has a beautiful cathedral, great restaurants, a lovely park and trail along the Rhein River.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Any time is a great time to be in Heidelberg.
Spring and fall (April to May, September to October) – Great for comfortable sightseeing weather, beautiful seasonal foliage, and fewer tourists.
Summer (June to August) – Lots of great outdoor events like the Heidelberg Castle Festival. But August can be hot and very crowded.
Winter (late November to December) – Perfect for enjoying the magic of the Heidelberg Christmas markets which are spread throughout the historic squares of town.
No matter what time of year one visits, there are all kinds of amazing things to do and see.
HEIDELBERG AT CHRISTMAS… Heidelberg has a great Christmas market. There is some shopping but, more than anything, it’s about gathering with friends and family and enjoying the holiday season together in a gorgeous, festive environment.
See my post on Heidelberg’s Christmas market here (COMING SOON – in the meantime, send me a message with any questions you have about the Heidelberg Christmas market or others nearby – we’ve been to LOTS of them).
CHECK OUT THIS BLOG POST FOR TIPS ON WHERE TO EAT… Dining in Heidelberg: Some of our favorites in the Altstadt
GETTING TO AND AROUND HEIDELBERG
Heidelberg is easily accessible by train or car. It is about 1 hour from Frankfurt Central Station or Frankfurt Airport. It is also roughly 1 hour from Stuttgart and 3.5 hours from Munich.
Once there, the city center is very compact and highly walkable.
While you can see most of the major tourist attractions in one day, we’d recommend at least 2 full days to enjoy the ambiance and see some of Heidelberg outside the Old Town.
WHERE TO STAY IN HEIDELBERG
On our trips to Heidelberg before we lived here, we stayed at the Marriott and the Hilton many, many times and the ATLANTIC once.
Heidelberg Hilton - 244-room, upscale hotel located in Weststadt and near Old Town. Includes member Executive Lounge, 24/7 fitness center, and event space. Underground self-parking is available. It became our hotel of choice when traveling to Heidelberg.
Heidelberg Marriott – 383-room riverfront property on the banks of the Neckar River farther away from Old Town but still walkable (or 5-minute tram ride). Includes steakhouse restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, and event space. Underground self-parking is available.
ATLANTIC Hotel – 310-room newer high-rise hotel located in the Bahnstadt district, just 5 minutes from the main train station which means quick access to Old Town via tram. Includes a really good on-site restaurant on the top floor with great views, fitness center, spa, sauna, steam room, and event space.
There are many, many, many more hotel options in Heidelberg, and specifically in Old Town, as well.