🏛️Main Attractions
- ✓Heidelberg Castle
- ✓Heidelberg University
- ✓Philosopher's Path
- ✓Neckar River Cruise
- ✓Hauptstraße (Main Street)
- ✓Church of the Holy Spirit
- ✓Heidelberg Student Prison
- ✓Königstuhl Mountain
Heidelberg
Heidelberg
This beautiful university city on the Neckar River is famous for Heidelberg Castle and Germany's oldest university, and is a popular tourist destination with a romantic atmosphere.
🌐Other Cities in Germany
Recommended Hotels in Heidelberg
Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (20 properties)
🏨Recommended Hotels
- ★Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg
- ★Heidelberg Marriott Hotel
- ★Crowne Plaza Heidelberg City Centre
- ★Hotel Villa Marstall
- ★Qube Hotel Heidelberg
- ★Die Hirschgasse Heidelberg
- ★Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg
- ★Arthotel Heidelberg
- ★Star Inn Hotel Premium Heidelberg
- ★Lotte - The Backpackers
🍜Restaurants & Food
•Zum Roten Ochsen
€12-25Historic student tavern since 1703, traditional German cuisine and beer
•Zum Seppl
€10-22Traditional German restaurant, Swabian specialties, local atmosphere
•Weisser Schwan
€20-40Seasonal German cuisine, Neckar River views, romantic setting
•Herrenmühle
€18-35Regional Baden cuisine, converted mill building, wine selection
•Schnitzelbank
€12-24Cozy tavern, traditional schnitzel varieties, local beers
•Vetter's Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus
€12-26Brewery restaurant, house-brewed beers, hearty German food
🛍️ Shopping
- •Hauptstraßeshopping_street
Main pedestrian shopping street through Old Town. International brands, local boutiques, souvenir shops, bookstores. 1.6km long. University atmosphere. Baroque architecture backdrop.
- •Handschuhsheim Farmers Marketmarket
Traditional weekly market in charming village district. Fresh produce, flowers, crafts. Authentic local shopping experience. Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Tram 5 to Handschuhsheim.
- •Antiquarian Bookshopsspecialty
Several antiquarian bookshops along Hauptstraße and side streets. Rare books, academic texts, German literature. Reflects university town character. Great for unique finds.
- •University Square Areaneighborhood
Student-oriented shops, cafes, second-hand stores around Universitätsplatz. Young, affordable atmosphere. Good for student merchandise and local brands.
💡 Travel Tips
- • HeidelbergCARD (1-4 days, from €17) includes all public transport, castle entry, funicular, and discounts on tours and museums. Great value for 2+ days
- • Castle night illumination and fireworks: select Saturdays June-September (check schedule). View from Old Bridge or Philosopher's Walk. Romantic spectacle
- • Student Prison worth visiting for unique history. Combined ticket with University Museum saves money. Located in Old University building on Augustinergasse
- • Philosopher's Walk best in late afternoon for golden hour castle views. Moderate uphill. Wear comfortable shoes. Stunning photo opportunities
- • Heidelberg very touristy - visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid cruise ship crowds. Autumn colors beautiful, fewer tourists than summer
- • Main train station (Hauptbahnhof) 2km from Old Town. Take tram or bus to Bismarckplatz. Or 20-minute walk along Hauptstraße
- • Many restaurants on Hauptstraße are tourist traps. Explore side streets for authentic local dining. Steingasse has good options
🔗 Related Information
📋Quick Info
📅Best Season
April-October for pleasant weather, May-June and September for fewer crowds, December for Christmas market
💰Daily Budget
$60-120/day
👥Popular With
Romantic travelersCulture enthusiastsDay trippersHistory buffsPhotography lovers
🗓️Recommended Stay
1-2 days (or day trip from Frankfurt)
🌐Timezone
UTC+1 (CET)
💬Local Language
German
💱Currency
EUR (Euro)
📅Heidelberg 3-Day Itinerary
Recommended plan for efficient sightseeing
Castle & Old Town
🌅
Morning3h
🎭
Heidelberg Castle visit via funicular
💡 Buy combined ticket (€9) including funicular and castle entry. Arrive by 9:30am before tour groups. Explore Great Barrel, Pharmacy Museum, gardens. Don't miss terrace views.
☀️
Afternoon3h
🎭
Old Town walk and Student Prison
💡 Walk down from castle through Old Town. Visit Student Prison at Old University (€3). Explore Hauptstraße shops and cafes. Church of Holy Spirit in Marktplatz.
🌙
Evening2-3h
🍜
Old Bridge walk and dinner at historic tavern
💡 Walk to Old Bridge for sunset castle views. Rub Bridge Monkey for luck. Dinner at Zum Roten Ochsen or Zum Seppl. Traditional student atmosphere.
💡Tips
- •Heidelberg perfect as day trip from Frankfurt (1 hour train). Return trains run until midnight
- •Free walking tours depart daily from Marktplatz. Tips-based, good introduction
- •Sunday opening: most shops closed. Restaurants and attractions open. Plan accordingly
- •Castle ticket includes audio guide. Provides historical context for ruins
- •Photography: early morning on Old Bridge, late afternoon on Philosopher's Walk