Heidelberg Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Heidelberg
Heidelberg Church of the Holy Spirit featuring a city and heritage elements
Heidelberg
Heidelberg Castle featuring heritage elements, views and a city
Heidelberg

A romantic Baroque town, Heidelberg is a popular destination right on the River Neckar and hosts one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Nestled in a valley of the Odenwald Mountains, Heidelberg has some of the warmest weather Germany has to offer. The city is a popular destination for tourists wanting to enjoy the romantic scenery around the town, discover the history or just go for a pleasant walk along the Neckar River.

Founded in the fifth century, Heidelberg has an impressive history. The town centre is full of gothic and romantic architecture, which surrounds beer gardens and cosy cafes. A winding, mile-long pedestrian street offers shopping and will take you to the triumphal arch, Karlstor, which was erected in honour of Prince Karl Theodor.

From here, take the funicular railway up to Heidelberg Castle, which towers above the town centre. This famous structure was a Renaissance masterpiece, rebuilt on several occasions, before fires and wars took its toll on the original structures. Now, Heidelberg Castle is an architectural wonder with facades from various historical eras. It is the town's trademark, and considered one of the most important Romantic ruins in the world.

The castle is also home to a beautiful Renaissance garden spread across several terraces on the Königsstuhl Mountain. Before the destruction of the castle and its surroundings, this garden was considered the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Hike there today to enjoy breathtaking views of Heidelberg town and the Old Stone Bridge.

Many of the town’s old structures survived the heavy bombings of the Second World War, though after the war it was occupied by American troops. To this day, Heidelberg is the headquarters for the US military in Europe, which gives the town a large and noticeable American population.

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a trip to Heidelberg without visiting Heidelberg University, one of the oldest universities in Europe. Wander the ancient halls where famous scientists like Jürgen Habermas and Karl-Otto Apel did much of their thinking. The university attracts new students every year, ensuring that this old, romantic town also has a youthful side, from stylish bars to annual music festivals.

Where to stay in Heidelberg

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Heidelberg City Centre

Historical sites, cafes and shopping are some highlights of Heidelberg City Centre. Make a stop by Heidelberg Student Jail or Heidelberg University Library while you're exploring.

Heidelberg City Centre
Heidelberg which includes food

Bergheim

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Bergheim. If sightseeing is on the list, Körperwelten Museum is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Heidelberg (West) Central Station Tram Stop or Heidelberg Seegarten Tram Stop to see more of the area.

Bergheim
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Weststadt

Weststadt is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Neckar Valley-Odenwald Nature Park and Schatzkammer.

Weststadt
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Neuenheim

Unique features of Neuenheim include the river views and historical sites. Make a stop by Neckarwiese or Philosophenweg while you're exploring the area.

Neuenheim
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Kirchheim

Visitors to Kirchheim enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Roadside Theater is worth a stop.

Kirchheim
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Handschuhsheim

You'll enjoy the breweries and churches in Handschuhsheim. You might want to make time for a stop at Thingstätte or Neckar Valley-Odenwald Nature Park.

Handschuhsheim
ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg

ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg

4.5 out of 5
Europaplatz 1, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
The price is AU$228 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$228
per night
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Marktplatz and Heidelberg ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (218 reviews)
"Overall a very nice hotel - staff made my wife and friend pay city Tax for two nights, two people each. Even though we only stayed one night and I paid the city tax the night before. After a bit of complaining and a couple front desk people refunds were made -- but, it was very sad to see this type ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg
PLAZA Premium Heidelberg

PLAZA Premium Heidelberg

Sofienstraße 6, Heidelberg, BW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$187 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
AU$187
per night
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Stay at this hotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (325 reviews)
"great central area, and parking surprisingly doable. the entrance to checkin a bit hidden as it blends in with the rest of the building a little to well."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

PLAZA Premium Heidelberg
NH Collection Heidelberg

NH Collection Heidelberg

4.5 out of 5
Bergheimer Str. 91, Heidelberg, BW
The price is AU$202 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$202
per night
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (416 reviews)
"Great location.Large clean rooms with comfortable bed etc. Good facilities and helpful friendly staff. Icing on the cake i thought it was good value."

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2025

NH Collection Heidelberg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Candlewood Suites Heidelberg by IHG

Candlewood Suites Heidelberg by IHG

Felix-Wankel-Straße 4, Heidelberg
Stay at this aparthotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, a snack bar/deli, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Marktplatz and Heidelberg Castle are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
"We had a last minute need for a room and this worked perfect. Even had a little kitchen. Clean and modern design."

Reviewed on 22 July 2025

Candlewood Suites Heidelberg by IHG
Boardinghotel Heidelberg

Boardinghotel Heidelberg

Haberstraße 15, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Heidelberg Castle ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (203 reviews)
Clean and beautiful
"Very clean hotel. Parking was easy to find. Overall great experience."

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

Boardinghotel Heidelberg
BoardingWorld Heidelberg

BoardingWorld Heidelberg

Rohrbacher Str. 32, Heidelberg, BW
Stay at this aparthotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Marktplatz and Heidelberg Castle are ...
7.8/10 Good! (104 reviews)
Highly recommended, has all you need.
"The Boarding House Heidelberg is the perfect location for you to stay and explore the delightful city. The apartment was spacious with great decor, spotlessly clean, crisp white linen and a large comfortable bed. Only criticism would be the terrible pillows - suggest much better ones needed. The ..."

Reviewed on 8 July 2025

BoardingWorld Heidelberg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Heidelberg

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Spectacular view from the castle

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Best European city we’ve been to so far!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A relaxed, friendly city with beautiful living history for everyone to experience and enjoy. Loved our time in Heidelberg

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really relaxing experience with great local culture and great shopping and dining options

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love love Heidelberg everyone should visit this amazing place

5/5 - Excellent

somekiwi

Old town is awesome, great freindly pepole. Loved it.

Cities near Heidelberg

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