Heidelberg : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

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Things to do at Heidelberg

Heidelberg captivates visitors with its storybook setting, historical sites and young student vibrancy. Here are the main highlights and best recommendations for things to do in this enchanted city:

Take in the splendid Heidelberg Castle, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city as well as the river.
Hike the picturesque Philosopher’s Walk for some beauty views as well as some solitude.
Meander through Old Town with its charming colorful façades and bustling town squares.
Cross the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke) and soak in the view of the scenery.
Visit the university library that is centuries old with its unique Great Hall.
Relax at a riverside café and watch the boats glide on the Neckar.

Visit local shops and eat the regional food specialties in cozy restaurants.

Place in Heidelberg

View from city heights

Old bridge in Heidelberg

Activities

Around Heidelberg, countless excursions await you, between green hills, mysterious castles and picturesque wine villages that reveal all the charm of the Neckar Valley.

When to go to Heidelberg

The ideal time to visit Heidelberg is generally in the mild and sunny months of April to October; this is when the city shows all its romantic charm. In Spring, the gardens and hills become spectacular with flowers, providing a tranquil environment away from the noise of visitors, with most of the prices low. In Summer, Heidelberg comes alive: the terraces fill up with locals and tourists, the festivals are in full swing, and the summer evenings by the neckar become pleasantly charmed. Summer is also the busiest time of year for tourists which can drive the prices of accommodation up. Autumn is golden and marvelous for walking the Philosophenweg and discovering wine in the surrounding area, with better value and less crowds. Winter brings about a fairytale atmosphere, with the Christmas market. Throughout the seasons, Heidelberg has a romantic and welcoming atmosphere with something to suit every budget.

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Global budget

A stay in Heidelberg is a great escape that can fit everyone’s tastes and budgets. For lodging options that fit your budget, there are charming inns beginning around €55 a night for two, or more luxurious hotels near €300 to indulge in an elegant interlude. Dining experiences can be as relaxed as a regional dish at a convivial brasserie for €10 - €20; or, for a few euros more for dinner for two you may have a a more demanding meal (around €55 - €80 on average, often with a glass of local wine or decent beer for €4 or €5). Activities are €13-80 (e.g., famous castle, museum, or leisurely cruise on Neckar). Public transport is inexpensive and accessible and you can easily get around; however it’s also great to walk in the city. Your stay can be molded with a daily budget anywhere from €52 to €338 per person and you can enjoy it all - romantic pleasures, cultural discoveries - and still achieve satisfaction.

One night in a hotel for 2 people

55€316€1000€

Meal in a cheap restaurant

10€20€50€

Local beer (33cl)

4€5€10€

Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

55€80€200€

Bottle of water

2€3€5€

Public transport single ticket

2€5€

Taxi ride (per km)

4.5€

Visits and activities

13€500€

Average overall budget for one person per day: from 52.00€ to 338.00€

Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

Your day starts in Bismarckplatz, which is the busiest part of Heidelberg. Then continue by walking along Hauptstraße, the main pedestrian street, which is the place lined with shops, cafés and pretty, coloured facades. Have a cup of coffee in the terrace of a café just before going to the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke). Go over it and you'll see this peculiar view of the old town and the castle which is at the peak of a hill.

After that, make the way up to Heidelberg Castle which is the city's most sought-after site. Go through the picturesque ruins of the castle and walk in the Palatinate Garden to catch the sight of Neckar and the red rooftops that is indeed panoramic.

You can go down the hill by using the funicular or walking, and then, take a chance to visit the Holy Spirit Church that is right in the middle of the old town. If you feel hungry, there is no better place than a wine tavern where you can choose from the various Baden dishes and enjoy them at leisure.

In the afternoon, venture into the Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Path) from which you get the most breathtaking vista of the city, as well as its neighboring hills. You may end the day by walking by the side of the river Neckar or sipping a beer in a biergarten overlooking the river and the city. Heidelberg is a small, leisurely city famous for its history, natural beauty and romance, making it a remarkable place to visit at every turn.

Practical information about Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a small city that one can comfortably visit walking, but there is a good bus and tram network in case a person needs to visit far districts or get on a hill. For those who are coming by train, the main station is just 15 minutes away from the historical center making the trip very easy and eco-friendly as well. Generally, most places accept cards, but it would be better just to carry a small amount of cash for bakeries, small markets, or traditional coffee shops. The city is a known weekend destination for Germans and people from other countries thus it might be wise to reserve your lodging and the main attractions beforehand. Heidelberg is a city that is truly safe and very welcoming, even after the sun has set, this is because of its vibrant student community. To those who have the feeling to prolong their visit, some options to think of are other local wine villages or taking a cycling tour down the Neckar valley. Last but not least, don't forget to have soft and comfortable shoes with you: Heidelberg with its cobbled streets, pathways built in an elevated position, and riverside walks is best enjoyed on foot.