Location: Heidelberg
Top Things to do in Heidelberg
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg
Home to the oldest university in Germany, Heidelberg was hit hard during 17th-century wars and rebuilt in the 18th century with baroque buildings. For a pleasant walk, stroll through the historic city center's Gothic streets. Be sure to take in Heidelberg Castle, the symbolic heart of the city; Alte Brucke, a beautiful 18th-century bridge; and the Student Jail. Built as long ago as the 16th century, it was used to keep mischievous students off the streets for three days to a month at a time. And they say Penn State is the number-one party school!
Restaurants in Heidelberg
1. Alte Universitaet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Founded in 1368, this famous university is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious.
Reviewed By tawv - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Heidelberg University is one of the oldest in Germany (est. 1385). Especially worthwhile are the Great Hall and the spectacular library next door.
2. Philosopher’s Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,754 reviews
This famous path along the Neckar River has been frequented by numerous famous philosophers throughout history.
Reviewed By AzzurroTiffany
Nice walk in the wonderful nature surrounding the city; different paths for different levels of exercise/panoramic spots, it fills your eyes with beauty in all seasons and weather conditions.
3. Old Bridge (Karl Theodor Bridge)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,030 reviews
This beautiful 18th-century bridge connects the two sides of the Neckar River.
Reviewed By meenakshimuthusamy - Chennai District, India
The place is good and nice view.Very beautiful and interesting to see again and again.Very calm place and good time always to spend a day to see places.
4. Heiligenberg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By Tappy4349 - Kolkata (Calcutta), India
This beautiful town had a lot to offer. The streets were all ups and downs with narrow alleys and small cafes all around. The hilly town has lush greenery everywhere. We could enjoy a short walk here.
5. Thingstatte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
Reviewed By newhorizonrw - Kigali, Rwanda
Did a great hike to reach this stadium along with friends. The history was very information for me especially that i love history and archeology. Boosted my understanding of past events with facts that are tangible and visual, loved it so much.
6. Market Square (Marktplatz)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 854 reviews
Reviewed By tinylass - Sheffield, United Kingdom
The Christmas Market took over the square and made it look lovely with all the fairy lights and market stalls lit up. Quite busy but worth the visit.
7. King's Throne (Konigstuhl)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By LRSkier2 - Little Rock, United States
Great view of all the area from above. Enjoy a cold beverage or hot coffee and a snack from the vista. Walk over and observe the para gliding jumpers from here as well.
8. University Library (Universitatsbibliothek)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By tawv - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
You can feel the knowledge that is contained inside this building! Well reconstructed (they were still doing renovations), beautiful, immense and with nice details.
9. Altstadt (Old Town)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,152 reviews
The Old Town of Heidelberg starts from Sofienstrasse and brings you to the castle. In the middle there is the University Area (the oldest university in Germany), the main shopping street (Hauptstrasse) and it includes to famous Karl-Theodor-Bridge / the Old bridge.
Reviewed By Mairwen1
Exploring the Old Town makes the best day trip. It is such a beautiful city and it is very easy to walk between all of the main sights in this area. TIPS: 1. TRAIN - My most important tip if you’re arriving by train is to make sure that you get off at Heidelberg Alstadt station. This will place you right at the Old Town. Don’t do what we did and leap off at Heidelberg Hbf (Central Station). We had to walk about 30 minutes to get to Alstadt. Mostly we could walk along the river which was at least a pleasant walk. 2. PLANNING AHEAD - although everything is close together, there is too much to see in only one day so I’d recommend deciding what you’ll see and what you’ll skip before you go. 3. TIMING - We arrived at around 11am and left around 4pm. We had enough time to look at the Old Bridge, walk through Kornmarkt and Marktplatz squares, catch a cable car to the Schloss (castle) and walk the Philosophers Path in the afternoon. 4. KING’S THRONE FUNICULAR - If you are planning to catch the funicular train up to King’s Throne (Königstuhl), be aware that there can be a long wait at the mid-section station so I’d recommend asking at the ticket desk before you buy the ticket. We’d planned to go but changed our mind when they warned us to expect a 2 hour wait at the second funicular. Instead we opted to get the funicular to the castle only. 5. VISIT CASTLE IN THE MORNING - The queue to the castle can be long too. It took us about 30 - 40 minutes to queue for tickets and get the cable car. From memory, we got there around midday. When we came down a few hours later, the queue had snaked out the door and around the building so I'd suggest doing this earlier in the day. 5. HIGHLIGHTS – The highlight was definitely the Schloss (Castle). The views over the town and river were outstanding, the castle (although in ruins) is very picturesque and the grounds are beautiful. The castle ticket also includes the Apothecary Museum (surprisingly interesting) and the Tun (world’s largest wine keg).
10. Leinpfad
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