Home to Germany’s Oldest University, Heidelberg is a historic town nestled in the Rhine-Neckar Region. Surrounded by hills and overlooked by the once-mighty Heidelberg Castle, this postcard-perfect town was one of the few cities in Germany which was spared from the bombing during World War II. This has resulted in much of the old town retaining its baroque charm with cobbled stone streets, beautiful houses and the 18th century Alte Brucke Bridge. The Ruprecht-Karls-Universität in Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most prestigious universities. It is twinned with Cambridge in England and the large student population gives Heidelberg a university town feel.
With easy access from the neighbouring cities of Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Manheim, Heidelberg fits well into any German itinerary. With so much to see and explore in the city as well as the neighbouring hills and countryside, you can very well spend a couple of days in this beautiful part of Germany. This is a guide for all that this town has to offer, including thing to see, do, and experience.
When to Visit?
Like most parts of Northern Europe, the best time to visit Heidelberg is in the summer months from June to September. Not only is the temperature milder during these months, but rainfall is also at its minimum. This offers plenty of sunshine and excellent weather for exploring the beautiful countryside. As is the case with any other popular destination, the peak season also brings in a lot of tourists. Popular sights like Heidelberg Castle can get extremely crowded during this time of the year.
April to May and October are shoulder seasons with moderate temperatures and rainfall. Far less crowded than the peak season, these months can at times offer sunny days with warm temperature if you get lucky. Winter usually runs from November to March. It occasionally snows during winter and is the lowest season for tourists. However, the snow-capped mountains and the desolate narrow alleyways add a special charm to this historic town.
Getting In
By Plane
The neighbouring international airports of Frankfurt and Stuttgart plus the regional airport of Mannheim provide easy connectivity to Heidelberg. While Frankfurt Airport offers direct high-speed train to Heidelberg, Stuttgart and Mannheim airports would require a transfer at their main railway stations.
From Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt am Main Airport is the primary airport catering to the Frankfurt Region and is the international gateway to Germany. It connects to major cities all over the world via direct flights. Lufthansa, Germany’s flag carrier, uses the Frankfurt Airport as its hub.
The Airport is served by two railway stations – Frankfurt Flughafen Regionalbahnhof (for regional trains) and Frankfurt Flughafen Fernbahnhof (for long-distance trains). Frankfurt Airport connects to Heidelberg via direct trains from the long-distance station. This station directly connects to Terminal 1 and provides high-speed rail services to major cities across Germany as well as to neighbouring Netherlands and Belgium.
Several direct daily ICE and IC trains (German high-speed trains) connect Frankfurt Airport’s long-distance station to Heidelberg station. The journey time is around 45 minutes and prices start at EUR 17.5 (~ 20.74 USD, 1523 INR) for a 2nd Class Super Savings Fare category ticket. Few of the trains might require a change at Manheim Station to a slower S-Bahn train. You can purchase tickets at the vending machine inside the station or from the counters. For further information, read the section on Train ticket guide below.
Frankfurt Airport Shuttles provide scheduled shuttle service connecting Frankfurt Airport and Heidelberg. Journey time is around 1 hour and fares start at 27 EUR (~ 32 USD, 2349 INR) per person one way. Check their website linked above for details on schedule and ticketing options.
By Train
Most long-distance trains in Germany are operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB), which is the state-owned National Railway operator. DB provides high-speed ICE (Inter City Express), IC (Inter City), and Regional train services connecting cities across Germany as well as in neighbouring countries. ICE trains reach speeds over 300 kilometres per hour. This makes them an excellent option to travel across Germany in a fast and efficient manner. IC are intermediate speed trains and are cheaper compared to ICE trains. There are several regional and rural routes as well across Germany. Deutsche Bahn as well as several private operators serve these routes. Check the Deutsche Bahn website for the latest schedules for all trains.
From Frankfurt
Several direct ICE and IC trains connect Frankfurt Main Station with Heidelberg Station every day. The journey time is under an hour and fares start at 17.5 EUR (~ 20.74 USD, 1523 INR) for a 2nd Class Super Savings Fare category ticket. Note that Frankfurt (Main) is the city centre station and not the airport station discussed in the section above.
From Mannheim
From Mannheim, it’s easier and cheaper to take the S-Bahn or Regional Bahn trains which cater to the local area. These trains are more frequent but are slower. S-Bahn and Regional Bahn tickets from Mannheim to Heidelberg cost 6.1 EUR (~ 7.22 USD, 531 INR) per person and the journey time is under 20 minutes. These tickets are valid on any train on the day of travel.
From Stuttgart
From Stuttgart, several direct ICE and IC services connect to Heidelberg daily. The journey time is around 1 hour 10 minutes and fares start at 17.5 EUR (~ 20.74 USD, 1523 INR) for a 2nd Class Super Savings Fare category ticket in ICE.
From other cities in Germany
Heidelberg also connects directly with other major cities in Germany via the excellent Deutsche Bahn network. From Munich, there are a few direct ICE connections to Heidelberg. However, most require a change of trains at either Frankfurt or Stuttgart. Fares start at 29.9 EUR (~ 35.39 USD, 2603 INR) for a 2nd Class Super Savings Fare category ticket. Journey time is around 3 hours 30 minutes for the direct journey. From Cologne too, there are a few direct IC and ICE trains connecting to Heidelberg. Fares start 27.9 EUR (~ 33.02 USD, 2430 INR) for a 2nd Class Super Savings Fare category ticket in ICE.
Ticket Guide
Tickets can be booked online on the Deutsche Bahn website, using an online travel agent like Rail Europe or Train Line, at the station ticket office, or using automated ticket vending machines. You need not necessarily buy tickets in advance. However, reserving a ticket at least 2 weeks before your date of travel lets you get the cheapest of deals. Super Savings Fare and Savings Fare ticket categories usually get sold out before the date of departure.
Deutsche Bahn website supports all major international credit cards. Navigation of the site is available in multiple languages including English. Tickets in the Super Savings Fare category are restricted to a particular train – selected at the time of purchase. The Savings Fare category allows cancellations up to a day before the date of travel while the Super Savings Fare category does not. Flexpreis, on the other hand, allows travel on any train on the selected date of travel and without any reservation for trains in the DB Network.
Seat reservations in any class cost around 4 EUR (~ 4.74 USD, 348 INR) extra. Additionally, you may either chose to download your ticket or show it in the Deutsche Bahn App. Tickets sent via Post cost an additional fee. BahnCard is a Travel Card issued by Deutsche Bahn which offers discounts ranging from 25% up to 100%. They are valid for a period of 3 months to 12 months. Click the link above for further info.
For more information, including train passes in Germany, refer to Seat61, my favourite website for travel information across the world.
By Bus
FlixBus is the leading bus operator in Germany offering direct connections to Heidelberg from several neighbouring cities.
From Frankfurt, direct buses connect both the Airport as well as the Central Bus Station with Heidelberg several times a day. Fares start at 5.99 EUR (~ 7.09 USD, 522 INR) per person and journey time can be anywhere between 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours. Several direct buses connect Stuttgart City Centre and Airport with Heidelberg. Fares start at 4.99 EUR (~ 5.91 USD, 435 INR) per person and journey time can be anywhere between 1 hour to 2 hours.
From Berlin’s Central Bus Station, there are several direct bus services for Heidelberg. This makes for an excellent option since no direct trains connect Berlin to Heidelberg. Journey time varies between 8 to 10 hours and fares start at 19.99 EUR (~ 23.67 USD, 1742 INR) per person.
Munich’s Central Bus Station connects to Heidelberg via multiple direct bus services daily. The journey time varies from 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours and fares start at 15.99 EUR (~ 18.93 USD, 1393 INR) per person.
All reservations can be made via FlixBus’s website linked above. You may also choose to use online travel agents like Bus Bud to book your tickets.
By Road
German Highways, also known as Autobahn, are famous the world over for being the only highway system anywhere which do not have any speed limit. However, this is true only for certain sections of the highways. Nonetheless, it is a pleasure driving in these highways which are some of the best roads in the world. Autobahn A5 directly connects Heidelberg with Frankfurt and other cities like Karlsruhe in the south, providing easy access to the city for anyone planning to take the road. The city has limited and expensive parking. Check Tourism Heidelberg website for further information.
Getting Around
By Public Transport – Bus and Tram
Heidelberg has an efficient public transport system comprising of buses and trams. Bismarktplatz in the centre of town is the hub for all public transport. Single journey tickets can be purchased onboard the bus or tram or from one of the ticket vending machines. Passes can be purchased from the ticket counters. Public transport in Heidelberg is operated by Rhine-Neckar Transportation, and its website contains route maps, schedules, fare information, and online ticket booking options. There’s even a night bus service in Heidelberg called the Moonliners. Bus routes 5, 21, 32, and 33 connect the Heidelberg Station with Bismarktplatz providing easy connectivity for visiting tourists. Tickets from the station to the city centre costs 1.7 EUR (~ 2 USD, 148 INR) for an adult.
Heidelberger Bergbahnen
Heidelberg’s Funicular is one of the most popular attractions in town offering spectacular views over the Rhine Valley. It is divided into two stages. The first part is the Lower Railway which is a modern funicular running from Kornmarkt in Old Town to Molkenkur Station via Heidelberg Castle. The second part is one of Germany’s oldest funicular system with wooden carriages. It runs from Molkenkur Station to the top of Königstuhl at a height of 550 metres.
Round trip tickets for the Lower Funicular combined with entry to the Castle costs 8 EUR (~ 9.47 USD, 697 INR) per adult. Round trip tickets for the Upper Funicular costs 7 EUR (~ 8.29 USD, 610 INR) per adult from Molkenkur Station to Königstuhl. Additionally, a combined round trip ticket for both funiculars including entry to the Castle is also available for 12 EUR (~ 14.21 USD, 1046 INR) per adult. The latest schedule for both funiculars is available in the official website linked above.
By Taxi
Taxi are plenty in Heidelberg and the main taxi ranks are at the Heidelberg Station, Bismarktplatz, Neckarmünzplatz, and University Square. They are all available 24*7 and can be pre-booked. Taxizentrale Heidelberg is a recommended taxi operator in Heidelberg.
By Bike
Heidelberg is a biker friendly city, given its small size and large student population. There are several dedicated bike lanes and many places to rent a bike from. VRN NextBike has several automated stations for bike rental across the city. Rates start at 1 EUR (~ 1.18 USD, 87 INR) for every 15 mins capped to a maximum of 12 EUR (~ 14.21 USD, 1046 INR) per day. They also have monthly and annual rental options. Check out their website for a list of all locations where you can rent a bike from.
Walking in Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a fairly compact city to walk. The narrow streets in the centre of the town and the riverside are best explored by walking. Heidelberg also offers several hiking trails in the Heiligenberg and Königstuhl mountains. The official website – Heidelberg.de offers further information about trails around the city.
Things to See in Heidelberg
Schloss Heidelberg
Heidelberg’s most popular attraction, Schloss Heidelberg (Castle Heidelberg in German) receives well over a million tourists each year. Although in ruins, the impressive castle dominates over the city and includes in its attractions the Castle Gardens, the Heidelberg Tun, the interiors of the Castle and the German Apothecary (Pharmacy) Museum. Access is via the Heidelberg Funicular as described in the section above.
German Pharmacy (Apothecary) Museum
This is a museum dedicated to the history of Pharmacology and is located inside the Heidelberg Castle Grounds. It has exhibits in the field of medicine dating from prehistoric times uptill the 21st century. Its entry is included in the ticket for the Castle.
Heidelberg Tun
This is another must-see attraction within the Heidelberg Castle. It is supposedly the world’s’ largest wine barrel and is contained within the cellars of the Castle. Constructed in 1751, the barrel in its present form can hold over 200,000 litres of wine.
- Location: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg Germany
- Hours: Palace, Pharmacy Museum – Daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, Palace Gardens – During daylight hours. Entry to the Palace with tours only.
- Tours: 1st of April to 31st of October – Monday to Friday every hour from 11:15 AM to 4:15 PM, Saturdays and Sundays every hour from 10:15 AM to 4:15 PM. 1st of November to 31st of March – Monday to Friday every hour from 11:15 AM to 4:15 PM (no tour at 1:15 PM), Saturdays and Sundays every hour from 11:15 AM to 4:15 PM.
- Website / German Pharmacy Museum
- Ticket: Palace – 8 EUR (~ 9.47 USD, 697 INR) per person. This ticket also includes entry to the Funicular, Great Tun, German Apothecary Museum apart from the Palace. Guided tours – 6 EUR (~ 7.1 USD, 523 INR) per adult additional. Audio Guides – 5 EUR (~ 5.92 USD, 436 INR) per person.
Philosopher’s Walk
This is a famous path along the northern bank of the Neckar River and it offers splendid views of the Old Town and the Heidelberg Castle in the background. It was frequented by the professors and philosophers from the university and perhaps drew inspiration from the surrounding forests, hence the name. An interesting thing worth noting about the Philosopher’s Way is that it has a more temperate climate distinct from the valley below it. As such, the flora in the forests surrounding the path is more Mediterranean. Philosopher’s Garden is a great example of this climate on display with a myriad of exotic vegetation. A relatively easy walk from the centre of town, the path and the gardens make for a great day out, away from the hordes of tourists.
- Location: Philosophenweg, 69120 Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg Germany
- Hours: Always open
- Website
- Ticket: Free to enter for all
Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge)
One of Heidelberg’s most photographed icons, the 18th Old Bridge, as it is popularly known, connects the Old Town with the northern side of Heidelberg. The bridge consists of 9 red sandstone arches across the River Neckar. Unlike its name, the Old Bridge in its current form is relatively new. While it was preceded by several wooden and stone bridges, the famous red sandstone bridge that we see today was built in 1947 post World War II. It is flanked on the Old Town end by the Brückentor gate. This too is a replica of an older gate.
Starting off from one of the central squares in Old Town, walk across this pedestrian-only bridge and explore the other side of the town including the Philosopher’s Walk. Very popular with tourists, this is a must-see when in Heidelberg.
Market Square (Marktplatz)
The Market Square in Heidelberg, or Marktplatz as it is called in German, is centrally located in the Old Town. A statue of Hercules with a fountain marks the centre of the square. It is symbolic of the heroic residents who rebuilt the city after it was destroyed in the early 18th century.
The square is home to several outdoor cafes during the summer months and hosts an open-air market twice a week. This is also where Heidelberg’s famous Christmas Market takes place. Worth a visit for a quick meal or for a leisurely break between sightseeing.
Also read: The 10 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe
Student Jail (Studentenkarzer)
This is an interesting little museum located at the back of the Old University in Augustinergasse. This served as a prison for students who were involved in minor offences from the late 18th century to early 20th century. Crimes worthy of imprisonment included included disturbance of peace, excessive drinking, and getting into fights with others. Prison sentences ranged from a few days up to 3 weeks. Students were allowed to attend class during the time. Check out the graffitis drawn by students during their time in the prison which are still preserved.
- Location: Augustinergasse 2, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg Germany
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 11 AM to 4 PM, Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM, Closed on Sundays.
- Website
- Ticket: 3 EUR (~ 3.55 USD, 261 INR) for an adult. This ticket also includes entry to the University Museum and the Old Assembly Hall.
King’s Throne (Konigstuhl)
Konigstuhl is the highest mountain in the Kleiner Odenwald region around Heidelberg. This is also the last station for the Heidelberg Upper Funicular. Konigstuhl, or King’s Throne as it is popularly known, offers excellent views over the town of Heidelberg, the Neckar valley, the Rhine plains, and as far as Alsace on a clear day. It also has numerous hiking trails around the forests surrounding it and one may choose to hike all the way from the centre of Old Town. Also worth checking out is the Engine Room of the historic Funicular Railway. Check out the website linked below for further information on the walking trails around this area.
- Location: 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg Germany
- Hours: Always open. However, outside the operating hours of the funicular railway, one has to hike all the way up.
- Website
- Ticket: Free for all
Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggeistkirche)
The Church of the Holy Spirit is located in the centre of Old Town near the Marktplatz. It is one of Heidelberg’s oldest churches and was built from the late 14th century to early 16th century. It was home to one of Germany’s most important libraries during the Renaissance – the Bibliotheca Palatina.
Heiliggeistkirche is also known for the organ performances and concerts it holds – both scheduled and on special occasions. A half an hour Organ Recital is performed every Friday, Sunday, and on holidays at 5:15 PM. A one hour Church Concert is performed every Saturday at 6:15 PM. Tickets are available at Kirchenmusik Heidelberg.
- Location: Marktpl., 69115 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg Germany
- Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Sundays from 12:30 PM to 5 PM.
- Website
- Ticket: Free for all. Concerts extra.
University Library
This ornately decorated building in the Old Town houses the main library for Heidelberg University. The red sandstone building was built in the early 1900s. It offers access to the university’s large collection of books and other reading material to students and visitors alike. However, what is worth checking out is the Codex Manesse. This is a medieval collection of handwritten and illustrated songs from the 14th century. A must-visit for history buffs. However, do note that the Codex Manesse might not be on display at all times.
- Location: Ploeck 107-109, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg Germany
- Hours: For non-university visitors – Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 6 PM, Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
- Website
- Ticket: Free for all.
Body Worlds Museum
The Body Worlds Museum in Heidelberg is a unique exhibition going beyond the anatomy of the human body and into the realm of happiness and the underlying psychology behind it. The exhibits themselves might not cater to visitors of all tastes, given the way they are put on display (in flesh and skeletons). None the less, this museum can be a great respite if you are tired with all the usual historical sights around town.
- Location: Poststrasse 36/5 Altes Hallenbad, 69115 Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg Germany
- Hours: Daily from 9 AM to 6 PM
- Website
- Ticket: Adults for 17 EUR (~ 19.9 USD, 1463 INR). Multi-lingual Audio Guide for 3.5 EUR (~ 4.1 USD, 301 INR).
Things to Do in Heidelberg
Apart from the sights listed above, Heidelberg offers plenty of things to do and tours to participate in. Below are my favourite ones.
Walking Tours
Given the fairly compact city centre and the narrow medieval streets, walking is a great way to explore this historic city and a walking tour helps you get a great overview of all the city has to offer.
Heidelberg Free Walking Tour
The Heidelberg Free Walking Tour is a student-led walking tour in Heidelberg. This highly-rated group tour operates every Wednesday to Sunday starting at 2:30 PM led by an English speaking guide. The Spanish tour runs on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 2:30 PM. Areas covered in this 2-hour tour include the Old Town, the University Square, and the neighbouring Rhine Valley area. The tours are completely free to join and you may tip the guide at the end of the tour. Tours are conducted in English, Spanish, and German. They also offer customised private tours in other languages as well. Check the website linked above for further information. Highly recommended for people on a day trip to Heidelberg.
Private Walking Tour of The Old Town
Palatina Zeitreisen offers a 1.5 hour ‘Walking Tour of The Old Town‘ in Heidelberg. This is a private walking tour around the Old Town area of Heidelberg. The tour is priced at 90 EUR (~ 105.71 USD, 7767 INR) per group in German and 100 EUR (~ 117.45 USD, 8630 INR) per group in English or other foreign languages. This tour is recommended for visitors who are part of a large group and would want a tour only for their group. Palatina Zeitreisen also offers costume tours as well as tours of the Heidelberg Castle. Check the website linked for further information.
Segway Tours
For people who are not willing to be part of any walking tour or want to explore more in a lesser amount of time, Segways make for a great option. All you need to do is stand upright on the motorized vehicle and follow the instructions of the guide while he or she tours you around the city.
StadtSafari Segway Tours
StadtSafari offers multiple segway tours in and around Heidelberg. Their signature offering is the ‘All in 360 °‘ tour which covers the city of Heidelberg and the neighbouring Neckar Valley region. Tours are conducted from February to March starting at 9:30 AM, 12:30, PM, and 3:30 PM. Each tour lasts for 2.5 hours and is priced at 69 EUR (~ 81 USD, 5958 INR) per person as part of a group. ‘
In the footsteps of the Romans‘ is another popular tour which focusses on the plethora of Roman sites in and around Heidelberg. This tour too runs from February to March starting at 9:30 AM, 1 PM, and 3:30 PM. Each tour lasts for 3 hours and is priced at 69 EUR (~ 81 USD, 5958 INR) per person as part of a group. Additionally, StadtSafari offers several other specialised and themed segway tours. Check out their website for further details.
Tours on the River Neckar
The River Neckar skirts through the Neckar Valley and the town of Heidelberg and offers plenty of activities for visitors to do. I can personally recommend the following things listed below.
Kayak Tour Heidelberg
Paddle Tours offer 2-hour Kayaking tours on the Neckar River in Heidelberg. This is a great alternate way of experiencing the city. You do not need any prior experience to kayak and they have options for both single and double kayaks. Prices start at 49 EUR (~ 57.54 USD, 4231.20 INR) per person for a scheduled group tour. Private tours can also be arranged at a time of your convenience. Please check Paddle Tours website for the latest published tour schedule.
Stand Up Paddling (SUP) Course
Coco SUP offers a variety of Stand Up Paddling courses and events as well as courses on Yoga. The beginners course on SUP is a 1.5 hour guided tutorial which includes the SUP board and paddle and is conducted on the Neckar river. Prices start at 59 EUR (~ 69.39 USD, 5095 INR) per person when part of a join-in group. Coco SUP offers courses in both English and German. You need to be reasonably fit and an able swimmer to be part of this activity. Check out their website for the latest course schedule.
Neckar / Rhine Cruises
Weisse Flotte Heidelberg offers scheduled cruises on the Neckar River. The Rhine Neckar Cruise has several scheduled services every day starting and ending in Heidelberg. The boat goes all the way up to Worms via Mannheim and offers great vistas of the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park. They also do a scheduled Castle Cruise starting from Heidelberg and going up to Neckarsteinach and seasonal Fireworks Cruises. Detailed schedules and updated prices are available on the Weisse Flotte Heidelberg website.
Where to Eat and Drink?
Heidelberg offers a wide variety of options to drink and dine – from traditional German taverns to high-end fine dining establishments. Given the large student crowd living here, there are plenty of student-friendly bars and parties across town. Below are some of my favourite places to eat and drink in Heidelberg. Here I have focussed mostly on places serving traditional German food and beer.
Schnitzelbank
If you are a fan of Schnitzels, you cannot do better than the Schnitzelbank in Heidelberg. This German speciality restaurant is known for serving traditional local fare and drinks. The portions are large for the price and the service is excellent. However, do not forget to make a reservation as the place can get quite busy during the holidays and the tourist season.
- Location: Bauamtsgasse 7, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg Germany
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 5 PM to 11 PM, Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 11 PM.
- Website
- Price: Schnitzels from 14.9 EUR (~ 17.45 USD, 1282 INR).
Palmbrau Gasse
Palmbrau Gasse is a highly rated restaurant and bar serving typical German and regional specialities and freshly tapped beer. The Pork Knuckles here are to die for and a must-try. Also do try the Schnitzels served by Palmbrau Gasse along with freshly brewed German beer. The restaurant is located conveniently in the centre of Old Town and is highly recommended.
- Location: Hauptstr. 185, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg Germany
- Hours: Wednesday to Friday from 4 PM until late, Saturdays and Sundays from Noon until late, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- Website
- Price: Viennese Schnitzel from 15.9 EUR (~ 18.62 USD, 1368 INR), Heidelberger Schloss-Pfanne – a local steak dish from 22.9 EUR (~ 26.82 USD, 1971 INR).
My Currywurst
My Currywurst is an award-winning fast food restaurant serving Currywursts in a wide range of meats and with a variety of sides. They even have a vegan sausage in their menu. The food here is delicious and cheap, and make for a great place to grab a bite on-the-go. However, service can be a bit slow at times.
- Location: Hauptstr. 166, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg Germany
- Hours: Monday to Thursday & Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 AM to 4 PM.
- Website
- Price: Currywurst from 3.5 EUR (~ 4.1 USD, 301 INR).
Destille
This bar is a Heidelberg icon. Located in the heart of the Old Town, Destille has a lot of character with plenty of art decorating its walls and a very vocal crowd filling in every evening. Grab a pint of D.A.B beer and join the locals for a game of dice. However, do note that this is a smoker friendly bar. So you can expect it to be filled with smoke at all times.
- Location: Untere Str. 16, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg Germany
- Hours: Monday to Thursday from 1:30 PM to 1 AM, Fridays from 1:30 PM to 4 AM, Saturdays from Noon to 4 AM, Sundays from 1:30 PM to Midnight.
- Website
- Price: Beer on tap starts at 1.9 EUR (~ 2.22 USD, 163 INR).
Weinloch
Located only a short distance away from Destille, Weinloch is another highly recommended bar in Heidelberg. It has a great atmosphere and caters mostly to the locals. While its food and the wine list is nothing to write home about, Weinloch has an extensive menu of beers to choose from. Recommended is the local classic – Heidelberger.
- Location: Untere Str. 19, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg Germany
- Hours:
- Website
- Price: A pint of Heidelberger costs 3.5 EUR (~ 2.93 USD, 215 INR).
Where to Stay?
Heidelberg offers a host of options when it comes to stays ranging from 16th townhouses turned hotels to trendy backpacker hostels. Below are my top recommended ones.
ArtHotel Heidelberg
ArtHotel Heidelberg is one of the top choices and the highest-rated hotel in town. This boutique 4-star hotel is located centrally in the Old Town. Housed in a 17th-century historical building, ArtHotel is known for its impeccable service and its attention to detail. Amenities in all rooms include a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and free wifi. The hotel also offers a concierge desk, a rooftop terrace, and paid on-premise parking.
- Address: Grabengasse 7, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg Germany
- Phone: +49 (0) 6221 65 00 60
- Website / Hotels.com
- Rate: XL Double Rooms start at 148 EUR (~ 173.31 USD, 12743 INR) per night. Breakfast additionally available for purchase.
Hotel Hollaender Hof
Located opposite the Old Bridge, Hotel Hollaender Hof is one of Heidelberg’s finest. Most rooms in this hotel offer great views of the Neckar River and the Old Bridge. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars and free wifi. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and has an onsite restaurant where you can purchase a buffet breakfast apart from other meals. Parking is available at a public garage nearby for an additional charge.
- Address: Neckarstaden 66, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg Germany
- Phone: +49 (0) 6221 60 50 0
- Website / Hotels.com
- Rate: Double Rooms start at 119 EUR (~ 139.35 USD, 10244 INR) per night.
Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg
An ornate 16th-century building turned hotel, Zum Ritter St. Georg is an attraction in itself. This iconic hotel is housed in Heidelberg’s oldest townhouse and some of the rooms offer a view of the Heiliggeistkirche and the Market Square. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars and free wifi. Parking is available in a public garage next door for an additional charge.
- Address: Hauptstr. 178, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg Germany
- Phone: +49 (0) 302 359 296 308
- Website / Hotels.com
- Rate: Standard Double Rooms start at 113 EUR (~ 132.32 USD, 9727 INR) per night. Breakfast additionally available for purchase.
Lotte – The Backpackers
Lotte is one of Heidelberg’s highest rated hostels. Centrally located in the Old Town in an old mansion, it makes for a great inexpensive stay for backpackers. Lotte offers shared as well as private rooms, a common kitchen for guests to use, a common living room, free wifi, anytime refreshments and cereals, and private lockers in the dorm rooms. Highly rated and recommended for budget travellers.
- Address: Burgweg 3, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg Germany
- Phone: +49 (0) 6221 735 0 725
- Website / HostelWorld.com
- Rate: A bed in a 5-bed mixed dorm starts at 25 EUR (~ 29.21 USD, 2149 INR) per person.
Sight Pins
Below is a map with pins for all the sights discussed above in this article.
Conclusion
Germany is dotted with many quaint little picturesque towns – from the Bavarian Alps to the Black Forest to the Rhine Valley. Heidelberg is one such gem in the Rhine Neckar region. With so much to see and experience, it deserves a place in every German Itinerary.
Do let me know if you have any comments, suggestions, or feedback in the comment section below. You can also reach out to me by filling in the form in the Contact page. Finally, if you have enjoyed reading this article, please consider sharing it on your favourite social media handle.
Out of a billowy upheaval of vivid green foliage …rises the huge ruin of Heidelberg Castle, with empty window arches, ivy-mailed battlements, moldering towers—the Lear of inanimate nature—deserted, discrowned, beaten by the storms, but royal still, and beautiful.
– Tramp Abroad
15 comments
I love the idea of the student jail – it would be handy these days too!
I loved the concept as well. One of a kind!
We loved Heidelberg – I have been there twice. The first time was back in the later 1990s and I remember we discovered a great German restaurant towards the end of the touristy Fussgaengerzone that served tons of yummy food for low prices. It was very unusual for a German restaurant where individual portions are typically much smaller than in the US.
We still have the wine glasses that we purchased together with the wine inside the castle.
That was very insightful Rudy. Thank you.
Wow, this is such a thorough guide! Heidelberg looks like an amazing place with a lot to do and see. The castle is gorgeous, I would definitely want to see that if I ever visit.
It indeed is an amazing place. Worth including in any itinerary for Germany along with the more famous destinations like the Black Forest and Bavaria.
You’ve really covered all there is to know about the city! I always tell people how underrated Germany is – I live in Bavaria so a visit to Heidelberg may be on the cards soon! Will check back on your guide when I visit there.
I have to say that I envy you. Bavaria is truly beautiful beyond words. The Bavarians Alps are as picturesque as any place in Austria or Switzerland, if not more. And Heidelberg is only a flixbus ride away from Munich.
Hey Soham,
Loved reading your very well written blog post on Heidelberg which is one of the place in my Germany bucket list. Would love to drive on Autobahn someday and walk on Philisopher’s Way.
Very informative and detailed one.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Himanshu. Driving on the Autobahn is truly an automobile enthusiast dream come true. Did you know that in spite of having no speed limits in many of its sections, German Autobahns are some of the safest roads in the world.
What an amazing adventure in Germany! We have been to the country several times but sadly haven’t been to Heidelberg yet. But man oh man, I feel like we are definitely needing to go soon because I have a weird love of Funiculars! I dont know if it is just saying the word Funicular or the fact that it is a train/elevator/inclinator all rolled up into one but I just love riding them like a little kid!
But overall Heidelberg looks awesome. It kind of reminds me of Salzburg with a Castle overlooking the river and town below and the fact that you need a funicular to get to both castles makes it even more similar. I love the views you captured from the Philosopher’s walk too. What a great vantage point!
This is one of the few places in Germany I have actually been! I loooved that castle – Heidelberg is such a beautiful town!
When I visited I was with a friend, and although neither of us is vegetarian, we felt like we’d eaten too much meat over the last few days. So we ordered a sausage salad in Heidelberg. We both imagined a salad, with a bit of sausage on top. Instead we received a giant plate of sausage meat, with a sprinkling of cheese and a teeny bit of watercress. The German idea of a salad still makes me smile to remember that!
Heidelberg looks beautiful! A visit to the Schloss Heidelberg would be a must. And I would love to take a ride on the funicular and take a walking tour of the city.
I actually think I’m in love with this place! The castle and the walks are just stunning, but the student prison is terrifying! I’m very glad that isn’t a thing anymore, although I probably would be more motivated to finish my studies
I cannot wait to visit Heidelberg. It’s such a charming town and has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Philosopher’s Walk is right up my alley and I know my kids will be excited to see the castle.