Heidelberg Travel Guide: Tips, Sights, Nightlife, Cuisine

The ultimate travel guide for a stay in the romantic university town / Heidelberg Travel Guide: Tips, Sights, Nightlife, Cuisine

Do you want to escape your everyday life for a moment and spend a holiday in Germany? How often do you hear: “It’s far too rare to do a tour of discovery in your home country and home is the most beautiful place.” Well then, let’s go! Many surprises and picturesque travel destinations await you within Germany. From unique mountain worlds to historic old towns to magical coastal landscapes – the choice is yours.

The traditional university town of Heidelberg is undoubtedly one of the highlights. Breathtaking views from Heidelberg Castle and historic buildings in the picturesque old town give the city its unique ambience. So that you can experience an incomparable short break, you should not miss the following Heidelberg tips!

Map with the best Heidelberg tips

Arrival in Heidelberg

As soon as you have decided on a city trip to Heidelberg, it goes of course to the travel planning. First you should think about your journey to Heidelberg.

By car: Would you like to take your own car or would you rather take the train? Due to its location in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, the city is well connected to the motorway network and can be reached quickly via the A5 motorway. Book your rental car here.

By train: If you don’t have to rely on your car, you should consider taking the train. It is important to always keep an eye on the ticket prices, because if you book in advance you can get great savings with a little luck.

From Hamburg or Berlin you can reach the historic city by train within 5 hours. Here you will find a suitable train ticket.

By bus: But the numerous long-distance bus connections, such as Flixbus, also offer a real alternative. You can book tickets here.

By plane: You might also want to know whether Heidelberg has an airport? The city itself does not have its own airport. However, the international airport Frankfurt am Main is only 45 minutes away. You can find a suitable flight here.

Best travel time Heidelberg

When is the best time to travel to Heidelberg? As soon as you decide to go on a trip to southwest Germany, you can look forward to mild temperatures.

In principle, the best travel time can be limited to the months from June to September. However, you can experience a relaxed city trip especially in the spring and autumn months. Especially in the summer months it is not uncommon for the daytime temperatures to quickly crack the 30 °C mark.

In general, most precipitation falls in July and March is the driest month of the year in Heidelberg. But the city also shines in a special light during the colder months of the year. One of the top Heidelberg tips: The Heidelberg Christmas market in particular creates a romantic magic.

Sights in Heidelberg

Heidelberger Castle

The most famous sight in Heidelberg is without a doubt the venerable Heidelberg Castle. As soon as you approach the city, you can imagine the imposing and majestic ruins above the roofs of the city, on the slope of the Königstuhl.

The sandstone building is an annual attraction for numerous tourists and, in addition to breathtaking views of the old town and the Neckar, offers an exciting insight into past history. A walk through the Heidelberg Castle Gardens is also worthwhile – idyll and tranquility are guaranteed!

Especially at sunset you can expect a unique view of the city. Pack some provisions and enjoy the pure romance. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the Scheffel Terrace!

Old Bridge Heidelberg

The list of Heidelberg tips continues with the Old Bridge in Heidelberg. The beautiful link between the old town and the district of Neuenheim was built in 1788 from the so-called Neckartäler sandstone and is one of the top sights in the city.

During your walk across the Neckar, there are unique photo backdrops. How about a selfie with the bridge monkey, a plastic figure on the bridge?

The views of the old town with the historic Heidelberg Bridge Gate are particularly beautiful. When twilight slowly falls and a warm summer night awaits, you should find a place on the bridge with a beer in your hand and let the special atmosphere sink in.

Heidelberg old town

A vibrant life awaits you in the heart of the city, in Heidelberg’s old town. If you stroll through the district on the southern bank of the Neckar, you will literally be speechless.

Surrounded by wooded mountain slopes, the historic district is characterized by winding streets and influences from the Middle Ages and Baroque as well as charming and cozy atmospheres. During your stay you will immediately notice what makes Heidelberg so special and why the city can score with a high quality of life.

Old University – University of Heidelberg

Do you know where you can marvel at the oldest university in Germany? That’s right, in Heidelberg.

Accordingly, you should definitely find out more about the traditional educational institution during your vacation – it’s worth it!

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One of the top Heidelberg tips, the beautiful baroque Old University of Heidelberg, should not go unmentioned. A special excursion into the past awaits you on site with the old auditorium, the student prison, the university museum and the university library.

Other sights in Heidelberg

Heidelberg City Hall
Karlstor Heidelberg
Holy Spirit Church
Congress center Stadthalle Heidelberg
Deep Castle Heidelberg
Schwetzingen Castle

Viewpoints in Heidelberg

King chair

During your discovery tour, a trip to Heidelberg’s Königstuhl belongs on your to-do list. The almost 570 meter high mountain promises breathtaking views over the city and a change from the cultural program.

If you want to do sports, you should definitely plan a hike up the mountain. You can also perfectly combine a visit to the castle with the panorama on the Königstuhl.

It is worth taking a closer look at one of the Heidelberg tips, the so-called “ladder to heaven”. Of course, a hike is not a must and you can take an exciting ride on the Heidelberg mountain railway.

When you finally get to the top, you not only have the opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking panorama, but also to visit the fairytale paradise of Heidelberg with your family or to make a stopover at the Tinnunculus falconry.

Heiligenberg

Another vantage point worth mentioning in Heidelberg is the Heiligenberg, which is located on the other side of the Neckar, i.e. opposite the Königstuhl. From the approximately 440 meter high mountain you have a fantastic view of the surroundings and beautiful buildings in Heidelberg.

The areas also offer you the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Celts, Romans and the Middle Ages. Special highlights include the monastery ruins of St. Stephen and St. Michael.

You should also take enough time to explore the Heidelberg thing site. The open-air theater was built during the National Socialist period based on the model of ancient theaters.

Giant stone

Above Heidelberg’s old town you will find another vantage point – the giant stone. The rocky landscapes can be reached quickly by public transport from the city center.

If you’re looking for a thrill and are committed to climbing, then you’ve come to the right place at the Riesenstein. The popular bouldering and climbing area offers a little change from the city trip.

More vantage points in Heidelberg

Fox Roundel Lookout
bushel terrace
Gaisberg tower
Rothnasenhütte

Squares & Gardens in Heidelberg

Neckar meadow

If you need some rest and relaxation after a hard day of sightseeing, you should make your way to Heidelberg’s Neckarwiese. There it can be endured particularly well on hot summer days.

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The central recreational area for the locals blends beautifully into the backdrop of the Neckar, the old town and the surrounding hilly landscape. Whether it’s a relaxed picnic, romping around in the water playground, playing volleyball or going for a walk – each of you will get your money’s worth.

Grain market

In the middle of Heidelberg’s old town you will find the picturesque Kornmarkt. But why exactly should you pay the place a visit? Quite simply – you will find a special photo spot with a unique view of the city’s castle on site. A top Heidelberg tip.

Heidelberg marketplace

The Heidelberg market square is one of the oldest squares in the city and is an ideal starting point for a walk through the alleys of the old town. Surrounded by the Heidelberg town hall, the Heiliggeistkirche and colorful house facades, you should look for a place in the sun and let the fascinating ambience work on you.

Other squares & gardens in Heidelberg

Karlsplatz
Wieblinger Neckarwiese
Botanical Garden
philosophers garden
Heumarkt Heidelberg
Palace Garden Schwetzingen

Leisure activities in Heidelberg

Heidelberg Philosopher’s Walk

If you want to observe the city from a special perspective, you should explore the Heidelberg Philosophenweg. On a partly steep path you will be led from the district of Neuenheim to the Heiligenberg.

You can also expect exotic atmospheres and fantastic views that invite you to dream. Due to the special climatic conditions with mild temperatures, you can discover pine, lemon, bamboo or palm trees on the sunny slopes of the city.

In the midst of the special biodiversity, there are numerous seating options that invite you to linger and relax. One of the top Heidelberg tips will greet you there.

Heidelberg Zoo

By the way, the Heidelberg Zoo is an ideal destination for the youngest members of the family. With over 160 animal species and a unique learning concept, the park provides an exciting excursion into an enchanting animal world.

In addition, numerous live feedings and events ensure a varied program and promise an unforgettable day at the zoo. In addition, you should not miss the changing exhibitions, find out more about the Heidelberg Zoo School or use the interactive educational offer of the ExploHeidelberg.

Heidelberg mountain railways

It continues with the historic Heidelberg mountain railways, which are well worth seeing. Do you want to experience the city from a special perspective? Then there is no way around the two funicular railways.

First you go to the old town, more precisely to the Kornmarkt. Once there, you can find a cozy spot on the train towards the former Molenkur spa complex.

Then you make your way into one of the oldest funiculars in Germany and ride up the Königstuhl to observe breathtaking scenery.

student detention

The Heidelberg student prison is part of the Museum of History at Heidelberg University, is one of the top Heidelberg tips and promises an exciting insight into the past of student life.

From 1778 to 1914, students had to serve possible punishments, such as disturbances of the peace, in the former “student prison”. Can you imagine that?

One of the most popular sights in Heidelberg is mainly characterized by the numerous murals that many students created during the arrest.

Shopping in Heidelberg

What should not be missing from an unforgettable short trip? That’s right, in addition to sightseeing, full shopping bags are a welcome change.

You can look forward to one of the longest shopping streets in Europe in Heidelberg. The traffic-calmed main street meanders through the sea of ​​houses in the old town and inspires with numerous well-known fashion chains and cute boutiques.

If you embark on a discovery tour in the streets of the city, you will always discover small owner-managed shops and you will definitely find one or the other souvenir. But the districts of Bergheim and Neuenheim also have a few surprises in store for you.

Other leisure activities in Heidelberg

Thermal bath Heidelberg
German Pharmacy Museum
alla hopp! system
Rhine-Neckar passenger shipping
Jump Booth Heidelberg
Kurpfalzisches Museum Heidelberg

Excursions from Heidelberg

speyer

One of the oldest cities in Germany is Speyer, which is only a 30-minute drive from Heidelberg. Accordingly, it is definitely worth paying a visit to the excursion destination in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Whether the Speyer Cathedral, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the historical secular buildings, you can discover a lot in the city and experience an exciting stay.

Karlsruhe

If you have enough time, a trip to Karlsruhe is worthwhile. The so-called “Fan City” inspires with numerous architectural features. There is a wonderful atmosphere at the Karlsruhe Palace, for example.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Romantic and at the same time medieval scenery await you in the historic small town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Which one of you doesn’t immediately have pictures of the beautiful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets in your head? You can look forward to a unique history, an extraordinary flair and special sights.

Other destinations from Heidelberg

Ladenburg
Neckargmuend
German Wine Route
Castle Road

Nightlife in Heidelberg

The city on the Neckar is not only known for its beautiful sights, but is also a popular student city. Accordingly, you can look forward to a lively nightlife in Heidelberg.

In addition to rustic pubs, you have the opportunity to party in one or the other hip club until the early hours. One of the top Heidelberg tips is definitely Untere Straße.

Numerous pubs are lined up there and offer perfect conditions for an unforgettable evening.

Culinary in Heidelberg

If you stroll through the streets of Heidelberg, you will of course also want to take a break in one or the other restaurant. But where can you go for a good meal or drink a delicious coffee?

Of course, the list of Heidelberg tips should not leave this question unanswered. First you have to try the famous “Heidelberger Studtenkuss”, a confection made from nougat.

Popular cafés where you can let the relaxed scenery work its magic on you include: Konditorei Schafheutle, Café Nomad, Cafe Moro, coffee nerd or La Fée Bar Café.

And what would a hot summer day be without cooling off with a delicious ice cream? Here you should test the large selection at Schmelzpunkt or Gelato Go – it’s worth it.

Viticulture in and around Heidelberg is also an interesting topic, and it is worth putting a tasting of the delicious, regional products on your to-do list.

Your holiday with the Heidelberg tips

That’s it for the Heidelberg tips. If you have decided to stay in the beautiful Rhine-Neckar region, you are probably still looking for suitable accommodation, right? You should just click through my travel deals and get inspired. There you will definitely find a suitable bargain for you!

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