14 Fantastic Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany

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During our German road trip, Heidelberg was one of our final stops. We drove down from Frankfurt to Baden Baden in the Black Forest and spent a day in the gorgeous university town on the way down. It was the perfect stopping point and there were so many great things to do in Heidelberg.

The city is more or less what Cambridge is to the UK. It’s Germany’s prestigious university city, home to one of the oldest universities in the country, a wealth of other historical sites, and a beautiful old town. It’s honestly one of the most romantic cities in Germany. 

So, whether you are drawn in by the hilltop castle or the quaint charms of its cobbled streets, here are the top 14 top things to do in Heidelberg.

✅ Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s the best boat tour in Heidelberg, and the best hotel in town. Plus, to see the best of Heidelberg, I highly recommend hiring a car.

Where to Stay in Heidelberg

There are lots of great places to stay here from affordable apartments to fancier hotel rooms. If you’re planning on exploring for longer than just a day, here are some of the best places to stay in Heidelberg.

• £££ – Hotel Europaischer Hof Heidelberg – This delightful 5* hotel is loathed right in the centre of the town. The rooms are large and elegantly decorated with incredibly modern bathrooms. You’ll also find an indoor pool, spa and wellness centre, gym, and bar.
• ££ – BS Luxury Suites – Light and airy apartment suites overlooking the Neckar River. These are ideal if you want a home-from-home and enjoy the convenience of self-catering facilities. The apartments are honestly beautiful, modern, and incredibly charming.
• ££ – The Heidelberg Exzellenz Hotel – This hotel exudes a timeless charm with its framed window exterior and spacious rooms. It also offers a delicious buffet breakfast and is just a 5-minute walk from the town centre.
• £ – Leonardo Hotel Heidelberg – A budget option but no less comfortable. This 4* hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms with simple decor and a surprising amount of space. There’s also a breakfast buffet and an on-site gym.

✅ Discover more of the best places to stay in Heidelberg, here.

The Best Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany

So, whether you’re interested in exploring historic castle ruins or simply visiting a gorgeous university town, here are the 14 best things to do in Heidelberg, Germany.

1. Heidelberg Castle

Cost: €9 per adult

This castle was the reason we decided to stop in Heidelberg in the first place. We absolutely love exploring historical sites and castles and this one was particularly impressive.

The deep russet colour of the walls framed against the bright blue sky and the greenery in the castle grounds made it extra beautiful.

It’s completely fascinating. This place has seen it all – countless sieges, rebuilding efforts, and centuries of history. When you visit, make sure to explore the castle’s museum.

It’s filled with fascinating artefacts and exhibits that bring to life the stories of the people who once called this castle home. 

The castle’s gardens are also absolutely stunning. They were once considered a Renaissance masterpiece, and to this day, they continue to enchant people.

Plus, it even contains the world’s largest wine barrel, a true testament to the region’s rich wine culture. It was pretty insane standing next to a barrel of wine that was literally about 3 times taller than me!

All in all, this is easily one of the best things to do in Heidelberg and I wouldn’t blame you if you visited the town to visit the castle alone.

2. Explore the Old Town

Cost: Free

You can’t visit a gorgeous town like this and not explore the old town. The Old Town, or Altstadt, is its heart and soul. As you wander through its charming cobbled alleys and narrow streets you can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

Despite this, the Old Town of Heidelberg is a bustling hub of modern life, with quirky shops, cosy cafes, and lively taverns. This blend of old and new creates a wonderful atmosphere that perfectly captures the town’s timeless charm.

3. Walk Across the Karl Theodor Bridge

Cost: Free

Also known as the ‘Old Bridge of Heidelberg’, the Karl Theodor Bridge is a stone bridge that crosses the Neckar River, connecting the two sides of town. Constructed in 1788 during the era of Prince Elector Karl Theodor, the sandstone bridge has a kind of romantic elegance.

The bridge has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history. At the entrance on the city side, you can also see the impressive gate tower, which was part of the former city wall, and the famous bridge monkey, a bronze sculpture holding a mirror. 

4. Visit the Heidelberg University

Cost: Free to view.

As the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg University has a long-standing history of academic significance. Founded in 1386, it has been at the forefront of education and research for centuries and has also nurtured numerous Nobel laureates. 

The university’s main building, the Alte Universität, is beautiful in itself, with large halls and elaborately decorated rooms.

The highlight for many visitors is the University Library, which houses a collection of over three million books. This is another of the university’s most beautiful buildings and the Baroque craftsmanship is outstanding. 

5. Visit the Church of the Holy Spirit

Cost: Free

One of the most beautiful churches in Heidelberg, this is a must-see if you decide to visit the town. Its foundation was laid in the late 14th century and it has since stood proudly at the centre of the Market Square. 

Inside the church is fascinating. You’ll find a mixture of Gothic and Baroque architecture. Also, it once housed the Bibliotheca Palatina—Europe’s finest collection of manuscripts and books before they were transferred to the Vatican during the Thirty Years’ War.

You’ll also find a gorgeous high altar, captivating stained glass windows, and intricate wood carvings that decorate its choir.

The church also possesses a unique feature—a partition that once divided the space so that both Catholic and Protestant congregations could use it. While the physical barrier no longer exists, the spirit unity it represented continues to be celebrated here. 

6. Ride the Funicular Railway to King’s Seat

Cost: €10 per adult

If you love panoramic views and haven’t got enough from the castle, you’re going to love this! One of the best things to do in Heidelberg is to ascend to the King’s Seat (Königstuhl) via the funicular railway. Here, you’ll find spectacular views that are impossible to find anywhere else in town. 

One of Europe’s oldest funicular systems, it features two sections: the lower section, with its classic carriages, climbs from the Kornmarkt in the Old Town to the majestic Castle, while the upper section, with modern cars, continues from there up to the King’s Seat.

Reaching a height of about 568 meters above sea level, this unique journey will take you past the baroque rooftops to dense, leafy forest panoramas and finally, to the summit. 

The summit is the highest point of Heidelberg. You’ll also have a 360-degree view of the Neckar Valley and the Rhine Plain. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. It’s a beautiful view and a must-do in the city.

7. Walk the Philosophers’ Way

Cost: Free

Easily one of the best things to do in Heidelberg, this scenic walking path is a great way to see a little more of the university town. This trail on the northern bank of the Neckar River was once the walking route of professors and philosophers, it’s ideal for a peaceful afternoon walk.

Wander past historic villas and lush greenery is a great way to explore the surroundings. In springtime, the cherry blossoms along the path are an absolute delight and part of the reason why countless poets and philosophers found their inspiration here. 

Plus, if you love being outdoors and exploring stunning hiking trails, you really can’t go wrong with this!

8. Take a Boat Trip on The Neckar River

Cost: Between €18 and €50 per adult

I always think that a boat cruise is a great way to see a destination from a new angle. It’s also a great way to relax, enjoy the city, photograph the landmarks, and even learn a little. 

These cruises range from short sightseeing trips to longer journeys that allow you to soak in the landscapes. Choose a traditional cruise or hop aboard one of the solar-powered boats for a more environmentally friendly option. 

Whether you’re after a romantic evening under the stars or an educational tour with historical insights, this is one of the best things to do in Heidelberg. Many cruises also offer refreshments and food.

✅ Book a boat tour of the Neckar River, here!

9. Visit the German Pharmacy Museum

Cost: Included in the cost of the Heidelberg Castle

Located within the Castle complex, the pharmacy museum is a great way to learn about the history of pharmacy. This museum is great for those interested in medicine, but pretty fascinating for those who are interested in history or science too.

I really enjoyed examining the impressive collection of pharmaceutical instruments, jars, and books that show the evolution of medicine from the Middle Ages. 

All the laboratories and apothecaries have been reconstructed to look exactly as they did back then. You can see how alchemists and early pharmacists experimented with herbs, minerals, and animal products. You can even see antique prescriptions and rather fancy medicine jars. 

10. Shop at the Hauptstraße

Cost: Free (to wander)

If you’re a bit of a shopaholic, love looking for trinkets when you travel, or simply want to explore the longest pedestrian shopping street in Germany, I recommend a trip to Hauptstraße. With its charming boutiques and shops, it’s the perfect place to find souvenirs and soak up the lively local atmosphere.

The main shopping street stretches over 1.6 kilometres through the heart of Heidelberg. It’s lined with stunning historic buildings housing all sorts of shops, from fancy designer brands to traditional German crafts.

As well as shopping, you can relax at one of the sidewalk cafes or ice cream parlours, people-watch, and enjoy the vibrant street performances and music. And during seasonal festivals, the main street is filled with stalls and festive decorations.

So whether you’re in the mood for some serious shopping, a leisurely stroll, or simply sipping local Riesling in the evening, the Hauptstraße is one of the best places to visit in Heidelberg.

11. Discover the Student Jail

Cost: €6 per adult

For one of the more unique things to do in Heidelberg, head to the Student Jail. This curious attraction shows a very intriguing time in the history of academic discipline.

Can you believe that between the 18th and early 20th centuries, students at the University could actually end up in jail for minor offences like staying out past curfew, getting into duels, or just being too rowdy?

But here’s the interesting part: instead of being ashamed, many students actually took pride in their time behind bars, considering it a sort of honour among their peers. The walls of the jail are still covered in graffiti and paintings, left by these students who were proud of their confinement.

The Student Jail shows the more lighthearted side of university life and a stark contrast to the strict environment typically associated with higher learning.

11. Take a Day Trip to Baden-Baden

Cost: Train tickets are around €38 per adult

If you fancy exploring another gorgeous town that’s just a short 1-hour drive (or a 1-and-a-quarter-hour train), you absolutely have to take a trip to Baden Baden. This gorgeous spa town was our next stop on our West Germany road trip and I loved it just as much as Heidelberg. 

Baden-Baden, nestled on the edge of the Black Forest is known for its thermal baths, parks, and historic architecture.

Once there, participate in the timeless spa ritual at the Friedrichsbad Spa, stroll through the manicured gardens of Lichtentaler Allee, discover the beautiful Casino Baden-Baden, and explore the surrounding Black Forest region. I highly recommend Hohenbaden Castle.

Art lovers can marvel at the masterpieces within the Frieder Burda Museum, and foodies will find plenty of delightful cafes and restaurants offering scrumptious local cuisine.

Plus, if you visit during the winter months, don’t miss the Christmas markets here because they are pretty spectacular.

✅ Book trains to Baden-Baden from Heidelberg

12.  Take a Day Trip to Frankfurt

Cost: Train tickets are around €32 per adult

Frankfurt is a stark contrast to the quaint charm of Heidelberg. Famous for its futuristic skyline, home to some of Europe’s tallest skyscrapers, Frankfurt is a financial powerhouse. But, don’t think that means it doesn’t have charm. The city is the perfect combination of old and new. 

You can explore its rich culture at the Museumsufer, a cluster of museums located along the banks of the Main River, including art, history, film, and architecture.

History buffs will love Römerberg, Frankfurt’s old central square, which has been restored to its pre-World War II appearance, with timbered houses and cobblestone streets.

Also explore the majestic Goethe House, the birthplace of the famous German writer, and visit one of the largest collections of dinosaur bones in Europe at the Senckenberg Museum.

With high-speed trains and excellent road connections, getting to Frankfurt will take around an hour. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to experience the energy of urban Germany. We visited on our trip around Frankfurt, Cologne, and the Black Forest, and it was wonderful.

✅ Book trains to Frankfurt from Heidelberg

13. Visit the Christmas Markets

Cost: Free

If you’re visiting Germany during winter you truly are in for a treat. During the festive season, the historic university town is transformed into a wintery wonderland. You’ll find a collection of Christmas markets with enchanting stalls offering traditional crafts, regional delicacies, and hand-made gifts.

The Heidelberg Christmas markets are scattered across several squares in the Old Town, including Bismarckplatz, Anatomie Garten, University Square, and Kornmarkt.

Each market has its own personality, with the one at Kornmarkt overlooked by the illuminated castle, providing a particularly romantic setting. You’ll also find an ice rink there, ideal if you fancy getting your skate on!

Is Heidelberg worth visiting?

Yes, Heidelberg is 100% worth visiting. If you enjoy rich history, charming old towns, and beautiful hidden gems in Germany, you’ll most certainly love it here. 

Plus, as well as being a great place to visit on its own, it’s the perfect stop on a range of road trip itineraries. This is especially true if you’re visiting the southwest of Germany as many flights land at Frankfurt airport. So, if you’re driving down, it makes the perfect stopping point.

How many days do you need in Heidelberg?

If you only want to scratch the surface of the town and visit the historic castle, then you could easily see some of the top attractions in Heidelberg in one day.

However, if you fancy diving a little deeper into the town’s history, exploring more of the museums, and maybe doing several day trips, I’d recommend spending 2 or 3 days here.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany

Overall, this is a gorgeous town to visit and a must-see spot in southwestern Germany. There are lots of things to do in Heidelberg from exploring centuries-old historical sites to beautiful bridges.

It’s also a great spot for academics as you can explore the hallowed halls of the university and romantics will love the timeless charm of the old town.

Whether you’re stopping here on a road trip through southwestern Germany or simply visiting on its own, I hope you love your time in Heidelberg as much as I did.

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