Written by Celine Fournier, Elsa Holm, Felix Schmidt, Finn Weber, Sandrine Simon
16/09/2025
Kirandeep Singh Walia, Pexels
Heidelberg, Germany, is a captivating city nestled by the Neckar River, renowned for its majestic castle ruins, Germany's oldest university, and a beautifully preserved Old Town. This picturesque destination offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it ideal for those seeking charming architecture, scenic river views, and engaging walks.
For socializing, the Altstadt (Old Town) serves as a central hub with its bustling Hauptstrasse (main street), filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, which can be quite lively. The Market Square also hosts numerous cafes. Students and visitors often gather at Neckarwiese Park in the Neuenheim district for a relaxed riverside atmosphere, especially during warmer months. The city also features a vibrant nightlife with various bars.
Top 7 Things to do in Heidelberg
Exploring Heidelberg involves visiting historical landmarks, enjoying panoramic views, and experiencing the lively atmosphere of its Old Town and riverfront.
1. Heidelberg Castle and Funicular
Perched above the Old Town, the Heidelberg Castle ruins present a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Exploring the courtyard, the Great Tun (the world's largest wine barrel), and the German Apothecary Museum provides a deep dive into its rich history. From the castle grounds, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Heidelberg, the Neckar River, and the surrounding valley. Guided tours are available for those wishing to learn more about its tumultuous past.
Cost: A palace ticket costs €11.00 for adults and €5.50 for reduced admission, which includes a round trip on the funicular railway, access to the courtyard, the Great Tun, and the German Apothecary Museum. Guided tours incur an additional fee of €6.00 for adults and €3.00 for reduced rates. An audioguide is available for an extra €6.00.
Transport: The funicular railway (Heidelberg Bergbahn) departs from Kornmarkt in the Old Town, taking you directly to the castle. Walking up from Kornmarkt typically takes 45-60 minutes.
2. Philosopher's Walk (Philosophenweg)
This scenic pathway winds along the northern bank of the Neckar River, offering stunning panoramic views of Heidelberg's Old Town, the iconic Old Bridge, and the majestic castle. It is a tranquil, approximately 2-kilometer-long trail, historically favored by university professors and philosophers who sought inspiration from its peaceful surroundings. The path is adorned with lush gardens and vineyards, creating a serene atmosphere for a leisurely stroll.
Cost: Free to access.
Transport: From the Old Town, one can cross the Old Bridge and ascend the steep Schlangenweg (Snake Path) directly to the Philosophers' Walk, which involves numerous steps and takes around 20 minutes. Alternatively, public bus lines 30, 31, or 32 from Bismarckplatz or Universitätsplatz stop at Thibautstraße, requiring a walk across the Theodor-Heuss-Brücke before reaching the path.
3. Old Bridge (Alte Brücke / Karl Theodor Bridge)
The Old Bridge, an iconic 18th-century sandstone arch bridge, gracefully spans the Neckar River, connecting the Old Town with the Neuenheim district. It provides picturesque views of the river, the Old Town, and the castle. Visitors often engage in the tradition of touching the 'Brückenaffe' (Bridge Monkey) statue for good luck. The medieval bridge gate at the Old Town end further enhances its historical appeal. The bridge is primarily for pedestrians and cyclists.
Cost: Free to cross.
Transport: The Old Bridge is easily accessible on foot from any part of the Old Town. Bus stops are conveniently located on both sides of the river.
4. Heidelberg Old Town (Altstadt)
The Altstadt, with its enchanting cobblestone streets and beautiful Baroque architecture, forms the vibrant heart of Heidelberg. It is a bustling area filled with a diverse array of shops, inviting cafes, and traditional restaurants. The Hauptstrasse, one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, offers extensive opportunities for strolling and browsing. Key historical sites like the Marktplatz (Market Square), where the City Hall and the Church of the Holy Spirit are located, provide a truly authentic German cultural experience.
Cost: Exploring the Old Town is free; costs for shopping and dining vary.
Transport: The Altstadt is Heidelberg's central district and is exceptionally walkable, with many attractions in close proximity. Public transport, including buses and trams, connects to central hubs like Bismarckplatz.
5. Student Prison (Studentenkarzer)
This unique historical site, part of Heidelberg University, served as a jail for misbehaving students from the 18th century until 1914. While incarcerated for minor offenses, students were still permitted to attend their lectures. The prison walls are famously covered in a rich tapestry of graffiti, drawings, and writings left by former inmates, offering a humorous and insightful glimpse into student life from centuries past.
Cost: A combined ticket for the University Museum, Alte Aula, and the Student Prison costs €3.00 for adults, with a reduced rate of €2.50. A special ticket for the Karzer alone is €4.00, or €3.50 reduced, if the museum is closed. Access is free with the Heidelberg Card.
Transport: Located at Augustinergasse 2 within the Old Town, the Student Prison is easily reachable on foot from the central areas.
6. Jesuit Church (Jesuitenkirche)
The Jesuit Church stands as a striking Baroque masterpiece in the heart of Heidelberg's Old Town. Constructed between 1712 and 1759, its grand façade and luminous interior, characterized by high ceilings and ornate altars, establish it as a significant architectural landmark. The church is also renowned for its exceptional acoustics and frequently hosts classical music concerts, including organ recitals.
Cost: Entrance to the church is free, though donations are gratefully accepted for its upkeep.
Transport: Situated at Merianstraße 2, close to University Square (Universitätsplatz) in the Old Town, the Jesuit Church is conveniently accessible by foot.
7. Neckar River Cruise
A sightseeing cruise on the Neckar River offers a unique perspective of Heidelberg's charm. From the comfort of the boat, one can relax and admire iconic sights such as the Old Bridge and Heidelberg Castle, viewing them from a different vantage point. Various cruise options are available, ranging from short panorama tours to longer excursions that showcase picturesque castles and the scenic countryside.
Cost: A 50-minute circular sightseeing cruise typically costs around €26 per adult, with some tours including a drink. Children aged 6-15 often qualify for half-price tickets, while those under 6 may travel for free. The Heidelberg Card may offer discounts.
Transport: Cruises depart from various central piers, including the Stadthalle pier and a pier near the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke), all easily accessible from the Old Town on foot or by public transport.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
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