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What to do in Heidelberg: 10 Things for first-time visitors
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
Heidelberg is located on the banks of the Neckar River and is known for its red-roofed Altstadt (Old Town), cobblestone streets, historic Heidelberg Castle, iconic Philosopher’s Walk, and its mesmerizing Old Town Bridge.
The city is also known for its vibrant vibe, thanks to its university. There's always some kind of university event happening. In this blog, we’ll guide you through all the things to do in Heidelberg.
How to Reach Heidelberg:
By Plane:
Heidelberg doesn’t have its own airport, but there are different airports nearby.
Frankfurt Airport:
The Frankfurt airport is located around 80 KM from Heidelberg, which is 1 hour by train.
Stuttgart Airport:
The Stuttgart airport is around 125 KM from Heidelberg, which is 1.5–2 hours by train or car.
Frankfurt-Hahn Airport:
The Hahn airport isn’t actually in Frankfurt, but it’s 140 KM from Heidelberg. There are budget airlines like Ryanair that operate to this airport. You can take a bus to Heidelberg - there’s no direct train.
By Train:
If you are living in Germany, it’s highly recommended to take a High-Speed train (ICE train), or you could also use a Deutschland ticket if you're traveling from a nearby German State.
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High-speed train tickets are more expensive than the bus, but if you book your trip in advance, you can get a cheaper ticket.
If you don't have a Deutschland ticket and you are planning a one-day trip within Baden-Württemberg state, then the Baden-Württemberg ticket is the best and cheapest way to travel within Baden-Württemberg state for a day.
By Bus:
You can also take a Flixbus. It's a cheaper option but takes more time than the train.
Where to stay in Heidelberg:
It mainly depends on your budget and preferences. Heidelberg offers a variety of accommodations, from high-end hotels to budget-friendly options.
If you're visiting for the first time, it's recommended to stay in the Old Town. However, you can also consider staying near the train station for convenience.
Are you also planning to do a day trip from Munich? Check out our blog on Best Day Trips from Munich, Germany.
Here are some hotel options:
Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg
Die Hirschgasse Heidelberg
Hotel Goldener Falke
Hotel Zur Alten Brücke
HIP Hotel
Qube Hotel Heidelberg
NH Heidelberg
Hotel Panorama
How many days to spend in Heidelberg?
Some people make the mistake of doing a day trip to Heidelberg. One day isn’t enough — you need at least 2-3 days to truly explore the city and enjoy the vibes.
Things to do in Heidelberg:
1. Schloss Heidelberg:
How to reach Schloss:
By Funicular:
You can take the Funicular Railway (Bergbahn) from the Old Town to Schloss Station. You can book the combined ticket either at the station or online.
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If you want to enjoy a panoramic view, you can also continue your ride to Königstuhl.
By Foot:
If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, I highly recommend taking the scenic hike to the castle. The route is a bit steep and takes around 20 minutes.
By Car:
Cars are not allowed directly up to the castle — you’ll need to park in a designated parking area. From there, you can either take the funicular or walk.
About Schloss Heidelberg:
Heidelberg Castle was owned by the House of Wittelsbach, who took control of the Palatinate region. The castle was constructed in 1303 and became famous for its location on the Königstuhl hillside, offering stunning views of the Neckar River and Heidelberg’s Old Town.
In the 16th century, the castle was transformed into a Renaissance palace, with major expansions including the Otto-Heinrich Building, the Friedrich Building, and the Elizabeth Gate. It was later destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and the War of the Palatine Succession.
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During the 18th and 19th centuries, Heidelberg Castle became a symbol of Romanticism. European artists, poets, and philosophers frequently visited the site, inspired by its haunting beauty and historical atmosphere.
Today, Heidelberg Castle reflects Germany’s rich history, art, and cultural identity. Its ruins tell a story of political power, architectural splendor, and the enduring beauty found in decay.
The castle courtyard features a blend of Gothic and Renaissance façades. It also houses the Pharmacy Museum, which showcases centuries of medical and alchemical history.
From the terrace, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Heidelberg’s Altstadt (Old Town) and the Neckar River.
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Prince Friedrich V built the Elizabeth Gate as a romantic gesture for his wife, Elizabeth Stuart.
2. Explore Heidelberg’s Altstadt:
Heidelberg’s Altstadt is totally magical - it has charming cobblestone streets, centuries old buildings, centuries-old buildings, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a university town and has a lively environment, with a blend of history and modern day.
You can take a stroll on Hauptstraße, which is one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe. There are different boutique shops, bookshops, and cozy cafes. There are also different shopping options. You can also visit the Church of the Holy Spirit.
3. Old Bridge (Alte Brücke):
One of the main landmarks of Heidelberg is its Old Bridge, officially known as the Karl Theodor Bridge. It was built in 1788 by Elector Karl Theodor.
From the bridge, you can enjoy beautiful views of Heidelberg Castle, the Philosopher’s Walk, and the Old Town skyline. With its nine graceful arches, the bridge is especially stunning at sunset, when the light reflects off the river and the surrounding landmarks.
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One of the fun facts is that at the southern end of the bridge, you can find the Bridge Monkey statue (Brückenaffe) and bronze mice hidden nearby.
4. Take a hike to Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk):
Heidelberg is known for its poets, philosophers, and professors. The Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk) is a scenic hillside trail where many of them once walked to find inspiration. From this peaceful path, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Heidelberg Castle, the Old Bridge, and the Altstadt (Old Town).
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Take a leisurely walk, pause on one of the benches, and soak in the beauty of the city from above.
5. Explore the University & Student Jail:
Heidelberg is also known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1386. You can visit the university and explore the famous Student Jail (Studentenkarzer), where misbehaving students were once held as a form of light punishment.
Today, its walls are covered in graffiti, drawings, and messages left by former students, making it a quirky and fascinating stop.
Tip: The Student Jail isn’t open every day, so be sure to check the opening hours in advance.
6. Relax in the Neckarwiese Park:
You can also enjoy a beautiful sunny day at the Neckarwiese, also known as the Neckar Meadow. This spacious riverside park stretches along the north bank of the Neckar River. It’s a popular spot not only for tourists but also for locals, who come here to picnic, sunbathe, or simply relax.
The park features scenic walking paths that offer stunning views of the Old Bridge, the river, and Heidelberg Castle. For a bit of adventure, you can also rent a paddle boat or kayak and enjoy a peaceful ride on the Neckar.
7. Kurpfälzisches Museum (Palatinate Museum of Heidelberg):
If you're interested in exploring history, art, and culture, consider visiting the Kurpfälzisches Museum, also known as the Palatinate Museum of Heidelberg. The museum features a diverse collection, including Roman and medieval artifacts, Renaissance and Baroque art, and even treasures from Heidelberg Castle.
Conveniently located on Hauptstraße in the Old Town, the museum typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore, making it a perfect cultural stop during your visit to Heidelberg.
8. Boat Tour on the Neckar River:
If you're in Heidelberg, one experience you simply can't miss is a boat cruise on the Neckar River. It's a relaxing way to take in the scenic landscape and see the city from a different perspective.
Several cruise options are available, with departures from the riverside near the Old Bridge.
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Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful views of the Old Town, the historic bridge, and Heidelberg Castle rising above the city.
For a longer adventure, you can also consider taking a cruise to Neckarsteinach, a charming town known for its “Four Castles” nestled in the hills above the river.
9. Experience Heidelberg at Night:
The city looks very magical at night. Take a stroll along the river, enjoy the music, and admire the beautiful view of Heidelberg Castle.
10. Heidelberg Fireworks:
The city also hosts fireworks every summer. You can watch the show near the Old Bridge, which is usually closed to traffic during the event. Other great viewing spots include the Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg) and the Neckarwiese (Neckar Meadow).
Are you also planning to do a day trip from Munich? Check out our blog on Best Day Trips from Munich, Germany.
Before the fireworks, a pre-fireworks festival takes place, with live music and vendors at Kornmarkt and Bismarckplatz.
It’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot. Bring snacks, a mat, and a blanket for a comfortable evening. Once the crowds have dispersed, enjoy a peaceful walk along the river.
Ending Note:
You can also plan some great day trips from Heidelberg, using it as a base to visit neighboring cities.
Mainz is known for its charming old town, impressive cathedral, and the Gutenberg Museum.
Mannheim is home to one of Europe’s largest baroque palaces.
Baden-Baden is a famous spa town where you can relax in its renowned thermal baths.
Würzburg is also well known for its baroque architecture and the UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence.
Strasbourg, France, is a French city located on the border, known for its iconic cathedral and fairytale-like old town. Check out our blog about Strasbourg.
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