Best Things To Do in Heidelberg, Germany

Are you looking for what to do in Heidelberg?

PLACES TO SEE

  • The old town: A charming baroque style town on the south bank of the river which is dominated by the castle’s ruins.
  • Heidelberg Castle: A gothic–renaissance style castle built first by the Prince Elector Ruprecht III. It is one of the places of Heidelberg that you must include in your itinerary planner.
  • The Altstadt and Hauptstrabe: The historical city centre and the main street at a stretch of one mile, known to be the longest shopping centres in Germany.
  • Philosophenweg: A walk located in the northern part of the town providing with the wonderful views of the castle and the town.
  • Heiliggeistkirche: One of the important churches of the city which once was a shelter to the Germany’s oldest library.

Guided Tours

  • Guided walking tour of the Old Town: Go around the old town with experienced travel guides informing you about the sightseeing places. Address: Marktplatz, Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
  • Evening Walking tour: A walking tour of the town centre with a professional tour guide. Address: Marktplatz, Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
  • CitySeg: A Segway ride around the city. Address: Bergheimer Strasse 91 | (im NH Hotel), 69115 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
  • Weisse Flotte: Cruise along the river Neckar on a pleasant day enjoying the scenic views of the town from the waters. Address: Neckarstaden 25, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany (Formerly Rhein-Neckar-Fahrgastschifffahrt GmbH)
  • Heidelberg City Bus Tour: Visit the castle and several other places to see, in the tour bus. Address: Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.

Below we have a list of things to do in Heidelberg and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Heidelberg getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Heidelberg with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Heidelberg

Here is the list of things to do in Heidelberg and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Heidelberg Castle

    4.6 (1840 Votes)
    Heidelberg Castle

    Landmark, Ancient Ruin, Castle, Historical Site

    A prime landmark, the castle ruins are one of the most important Renaissance structures of Heidelberg. The initial structure was raised as early as 1214 AD and had been destroyed several times by lightning since then. The first proper fortification was done by Rupert III when he became the king of Germany in 1401. But it was not until the 19th Century that Castle gained popularity. Count Graimb...Read more
  2. Carl Theodor Old Bridge

    River, Bridge, Walking Area, Ancient Ruin

    The old bridge of Heidelberg is officially known as the Carl Theodor Bridge after Prince Elector Carl Theodor. After a major flood destroyed the last wooden bridge in the city the Prince was prompted to build a more substantial stone bridge. The stone itself was taken from the Neckar valley. The bridge connects the old city to the banks of the river and of course gives one of the most stunning ...Read more
  3. Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg

    4.3 (578 Votes)
    Kulturbrauerei Heidelberg

    Brewery

    Today a hotel in old Heidelberg town, it is best known for its brewery. A friendly staff and great experience is an add-on the Renaissance ambience of the place. Proudly presents: Brewry Beer Garden Restaurant Zum Seppl
  4. Jesuiten Kirche

    4.6 (127 Votes)
    Jesuiten Kirche

    Church, Religious Site, Cathedral

    Just next to the Church of the Holy Ghost is the ornamental Jesuit Church. Still the Catholic Mother Church, it is one of the largest and most important church in Heidelberg. The original construction of the church (1712-1749) focused on Baroque architecture, however the tower based on neo-baroque style was added later in between (1868-1872). The treasure room houses precious religious relics.
  5. Student Prison
    Currently not in use, the student prison was opened in 1778 to serve as a punishing place for students who had committed minor offences like indiscipline, rule breaking, rowdy behaviour etc. Interestingly, in the years that followed it became more like a rite to passage into the University for Newcomers. However, it soon became more like a party for students who were confined here, and the orig...Read more
  6. Old Heidelberg University

    4.4 (196 Votes)
    Old Heidelberg University

    Library, Educational Site, Historical Site, University

    Old Heidelberg University (Alte Universitat) is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Founded in 1386, it has twelve faculties and offers degrees in the undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral levels. It has a German Excellence certificate and is one of the founding members of the Coimbra Group and the League of European Research Universities. The university lib...Read more
  7. King's Throne

    View Point, Adventure, Valley, Hill

    Literally meaning the ‘King’s Seat’, the mountain is a superb combination of spectacular views and hidden trails in the deep dark woods. 1700 ft. above Heidelberg, it is a popular hill-station with the locals. Königstuhl boasts of: The State Observatory of Heidelberg University Fairy tale themed park for children. Falcon breeding center Numerous nature trails for the hik...Read more
  8. Heiligenberg

    4.6 (96 Votes)
    Heiligenberg

    Tower, Monastery , Observation Deck, Fort

    Bang opposite the Heidelberg Castle, across the Neckar River, lies the Heiligenberg Mountain. The mountain is interspersed with history from different ages. The hill also sometimes referred as the Holy Mountain, was first inhabited by the Celts in 450 BC. The huge circular fortifications around the mountain is a reminder of the same. The Holy Mountain houses: Celtic fort: built by the Celts as...Read more
  9. Hotel Haus Zum Ritter St. Georg

    Hotel

    The oldest building to survive though all the war and other calamities, Haus zum Ritter St. Georg, stands tall and proud just opposite the Church of the Holy Spirit. Currently used as a hotel, it was built in 1592 by Charles Bélier, a Huguenot cloth merchant. Later the house of a Knight in 1595, it is said to be the only building that survived the fires 1635, 1689 and 1693 because it was...Read more
  10. Museum Of The Palatinate

    4.3 (67 Votes)
    Museum Of The Palatinate

    Art Museum, Museum

    This archaeological and art museum was founded in 1870 and houses the private collection of the art historian and artist Charles de Graimberg. The museum is divided into various sections: Art: Paintings: More than 7,000 water colors and drawings, from 15th to 20th century. Graphic arts: Around 13,000 printed graphics from middle ages to the modern times. Applied arts: A vast collection of...Read more
  11. Botanischer Garten Der Universitat Heidelberg

    Garden, Botanical Garden

    This fantastic Botanical Garden at Heidelberg was opened in 1593 and is currently maintained by the University of Heidelberg. A sanctuary for scientific research and conserving endangered species of plant origin, this place is one of the must visits during your trip to Heidelberg.
  12. Church Of The Holy Ghost

    Church, Religious Site, Cathedral

    The church is so named after the descent of the Holy Ghost and the twelve Apostles. One of the most famous churches in Heidelberg, the Church of the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost is built on the site of an ancient Roman basilica, standing tall right in the middle of the market place. The sky-touching steeple dominates the entire city, rising above all other buildings. Even though the church foundation...Read more
  13. Friedrich Ebert Memorial

    4.5 (89 Votes)
    Friedrich Ebert Memorial

    Memorial

    This memorial commemorates life and work of the German President Friedrich Ebert. President Friedrich Ebert born on 4 February 1871, belonged to a humble background and is best known for paving the way to Parliamentary Democracy in Germany at the end of World War I. He was elected as the first President of the German Democratic Head in 1919.
  14. Bent Bar

    Bar, Pubs, Entertainment

    After an exciting and yet tiring day of sightseeing Heidelberg, this is the place to hit! Probably one of the best bars in town, their cocktails are to die for. Sit back, relax and let the efficient staff help you towards a delicious evening.
  15. Monastery Of St. Michael

    Monastery

    On top of the Heiligenberg Mountain is the monastery of St. Michael, most of it in ruins. The monastery has been left abandoned since the 16th century. The monastery was dedicated to the archangel St. Michael and all the saints. In 1070 the relics of Abbot Friedrich von Hirsau were kept here and the monastery became a place for holy pilgrimage. Interestingly, during excavation some artefacts ha...Read more