Heidelberg is famous for being a college town in southwest Germany, with prestigious universities and romantic cityscape. It sits on the banks of the Neckar River and is surrounded by forested hills. The Old Town has many interesting museums and historical buildings like the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Karl Theodor Bridge, and a castle that mixes Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Besides its historical landmarks, Heidelberg is a lively place, thanks to the students that compose a quarter of its population. Shops, restaurants, and late-night bars can be found throughout the town centre. Labelled a “Romantic Town”, Heidelberg is a very pleasant place to spend a holiday.

What are the best things to do in Heidelberg?

  • 1

    Heidelberg Altstadt (Old Town)

    Walk around Heidelberg Altstadt

    Heidelberg Altstadt (Old Town)
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    Heidelberg Altstadt (Old Town) spreads around the Market Square and stretches along the Neckar River. Sat just below Heidelberg Schloss (castle) it hosts old and modern houses in a maze of narrow, cobblestoned streets. Boutiques and restaurants as well as attractions such as the Palatinate Museum and the Studentenkarzer (the students’ jail) give you many opportunities to stop, take photos, and learn more about Heidelberg.

    Location: Marktplatz, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

    Map
  • 2

    Schloss Heidelberg

    16th-century Renaissance castle in Heidelberg

    Schloss Heidelberg
    • History
    • Photo

    Nestled on the northern Königstuhl hillside, 80 metres above Heidelberg Old Town, Schloss Heidelberg (Heidelberg Castle) was originally built in the early 13th century. History took its toll on the castle which, even partially ruined, is still one of the most popular attractions in the town. You’ll find an onsite restaurant and the very interesting German Apothecary Museum there. The views of the Old Town from the Dicker Turm (Thick Tower) are breathtaking. You can get there with the funicular that climbs to the top of Königstuhl Hill.

    Location: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

    Map
  • 3

    Church of the Holy Spirit

    Get a sweeping view of the Old Town from the top of the steeple

    Church of the Holy Spirit
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    Known as Heiliggeistkirche in German, the Church of the Holy Spirit dominates Heidelberg Market Square. Built at the end of the 14th century on the site of a late-Romanesque basilica, this Gothic church is made of reddish sandstone and features tall arched columns and a ribbed ceiling. The highlights of the Church of the Holy Spirit are the tomb of King Rupert III and his wife Elisabeth, and the chance to climb to the top of the steeple. From up there, you’ll get a stunning view of the city.

    Location: Marktplatz, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

    Map
  • 4

    Market Square

    Take the pulse of Heidelberg in this lively square

    Market Square
    • History
    • Photo

    The Marktplatz (Market Square) is the heart of Heidelberg Old Town. Lined with restaurants and small shops, the square buzzes with activity, especially on the market days on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Bordered by the Church of the Holy Spirit on one side and by the Town Hall on the other, the Marktplatz is the perfect place to take the mood of the town before to starting to explore it. Just take a seat at one of the terraces, have a drink and watch life pass by.

    Location: Marktplatz, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

    Map
  • 5

    Hauptstrasse

    Heidelberg’s main shopping street

    Hauptstrasse
    • Food
    • Photo
    • Shoppers

    Hauptstrasse is an almost 2 km pedestrianised street that crosses Heidelberg Old Town from west to east. The main road of the Altstadt, it’s also the city’s main shopping street. Shoes, cosmetics, lingerie, fashion, and more – you’ll find almost everything on Hauptstrasse. There’s even a booth where you can take books for free, dropping off your old ones for the next visitor. Take a break at the Hotel Ritter, a stunning historical building that faces the south side of the Church of the Holy Spirit.

    Location: Hauptstraße, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

    Map
  • 6

    Karl Theodor Bridge

    Place a love padlock to the railing and throw the key in the river

    Karl Theodor Bridge
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    Commonly called the Old Bridge, Karl Theodor Bridge crosses the Neckar River in the northern part of the Old Town. One of the most notable landmarks of Heidelberg, it’s a 180-metre-long arched bridge built in sandstone in 1788. This picture-perfect pedestrianised bridge offers great views and photo opportunities of the Old Town. It’s also a place where you can lock a love padlock on the railing and throw the key in the river before enjoying a romantic stroll in the evening.

    Location: Am Hackteufel, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

    Map
  • 7

    Philosophenweg

    Take a breath a fresh air while you think big

    Philosophenweg
    • Couples
    • History
    • Photo

    The Philosophenweg (the Philosophers’ Walk) is a trail named after the university philosophy professors that used to walk it while they philosophised. Overlooking the Neckar River and the Old Town, the path starts 200 metres after you crossed the Old Bridge. Stretching along the river for around 1.5 km, the 1st section of the trail is not too physically demanding, although it becomes pretty steep after that. A pair of trainers, a bottle of water, and a camera are all that you need to enjoy this nature walk.

    Location: Philosophenweg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany

    Map
Stephan Audiger | Compulsive Traveller