What to do and see in Heidelberg, Germany: The Best Places and Tips

July 14, 2017 Phylicia Berquist

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. Altstadt (Old Town)

Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany +49 9861 4090
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Altstadt (Old Town)

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 i s - Dallas, Texas

Very beautiful town. It will take 15minutes to walk to the bridge from.mid town. It was good walk. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops around the bridge. Food was also great. Nice view.

2. Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg)

Schloss Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany +49 6221 654429
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
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4.5 based on 6 reviews

Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg)

Construction on this regal castle, the symbolic heart of the city, began in the early 1300s.

Reviewed By remly_ml - Stuttgart, Germany

It's a beautiful City of Heidelberg! It was interesting and amazing to know how Heidelberg was planned and built, together with the castle, in the 13th century.
Heidelberg is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. Take the Cable Car to make your Tour complete.. amazing!

3. Philosophers' Way (Philosophenweg)

Philosophenweg, 69120 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
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5%
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

Philosophers' Way (Philosophenweg)

This famous path along the Neckar River has been frequented by numerous famous philosophers throughout history.

Reviewed By Rebecca S

We took this hike all the way to the monastery at the very top of the mountain. The whole thing there and back was 4 hours of hiking. It was February but still a wonderful hike. Highly recommended. Definitely a highlight of our trip in Heidelberg.

Auf dem Heiligenberg 1, 69121 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Excellent
58%
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4.5 based on 237 reviews

Thingstatte

Reviewed By D3an_M0riarty - Oensingen, Switzerland

This is a open-air theatre built by the Nazis, modeled after an ancient Greek thater. When you walk up the stairs you get a somewhat eerie feeling. If you close your eyes you can almost see the swastika flags and high-ranking Nazis gathering some 80yrs ago. The place is about a 15-20min drive from the City. From the car park it's about an easy 5min walk.

5. Carl Theodor Old Bridge (Alte Brucke)

Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany +49 6221 5844444
Excellent
51%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

Carl Theodor Old Bridge (Alte Brucke)

This beautiful 18th-century bridge connects the two sides of the Neckar River.

Reviewed By QuickWhitTravel - Washington DC, District of Columbia

This is a stunning bridge with views of both sides of the river. Gorgeous for photo opportunities, and leads you right to the climb for the Philosophers’ way trail!

6. University Library (Universitatsbibliothek)

Ploeck 107-109, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany +49 4962 21542380
Excellent
53%
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4.5 based on 156 reviews

University Library (Universitatsbibliothek)

Reviewed By Ellen C - Northborough, Massachusetts

Although this library is excellent architecturally, it also houses many rare and precious books, some of which are on display on the second floor. Take a few minutes to find this gem. Then push hard on the door, because the door is tight to keep the fragile manuscripts in temperature controlled darkness, illuminated only when you enter. Fascinating.

Merianstr. 2 | Close to Old University, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany +49 4962 219008
Excellent
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4.5 based on 159 reviews

Jesuitenkirche

Reviewed By Barbara10sep - London, United Kingdom

Lovely church with superb singing of the mass on Sunday morning a great atmosphere. Very friendly and relaxed but still spiritual

8. Heiligenberg

69121 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
Excellent
48%
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4.5 based on 279 reviews

Heiligenberg

Reviewed By Talley H

My visit to Heiligenberg was a surprise and did not disappoint. We ended our visit to Heidelberg here. It was nearly tourist free and had a wonderful few of the city and surrounding forest. I would consider this a hidden treasure.

9. German Pharmacy Museum

Schlosshof 1 | Heidelberg Castle, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany +49 4906 22125880
Excellent
43%
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40%
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14%
Poor
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4 based on 783 reviews

German Pharmacy Museum

This intriguing museum explores the history of medicine in Heidelberg.

Reviewed By TheOldMacs - Canberra, Australia

A very interesting museum, with a number of very old apothecary shop displays rebuilt inside the museum itself. It is interesting to read what the different draws and containers were used for, and how the various stores were set out to provide the most effective displays. Well worth a visit, but give yourself plenty of time to explore - we ran out of time to do this place justice.

10. Old Heidelberg University (Alte Universitat)

Grabengasse 1-3, 69117 Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany +49 6221 542152
Excellent
47%
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4.5 based on 199 reviews

Old Heidelberg University (Alte Universitat)

Founded in 1368, this famous university is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious.

Reviewed By jedrus7 - Wroclaw, Poland

University museum is very small, only three rooms, which cover the whole history of university, I expected a bit more, especially about giants who worked there, e.g. Max Weber, almost nothing about this famous sociologist.

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