Heidelberg

Travel Guide
Heidelberg Church of the Holy Spirit featuring a city and heritage elements
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 center is full of gothic and romantic architecture, which surrounds beer gardens and cozy cafes. A winding, mile-long pedestrian street offers shopping and will take you to the triumphal arch, Karlstor, which was erected in honor of Prince Karl Theodor. 

From here, take the funicular railway up to Heidelberg Castle, which towers above the town center. 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

Heidelberg which includes food

Bergheim

4/5(5 area reviews)

Travelers choose Bergheim for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Heidelberg (West) Central Station Tram Stop or Heidelberg Seegarten Tram Stop and check out top sights like Körperwelten Museum.

Bergheim
Neckarwiese showing a bay or harbor and a park

Neuenheim

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

Neuenheim
Perfect view to Heidelberg from the Palace.

Bahnstadt

5/5(1 area review)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bahnstadt and surrounding area, you can visit Heidelberg Zoo and Neckarwiese.

Bahnstadt
Rohrbach which includes road cycling as well as an individual femail

Rohrbach

While there might not be top attractions in Rohrbach, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Heidelberg University Library and Neckarwiese.

Rohrbach
Der Fritz-Grunebaum-Sportpark in Heidelberg vor dem Rugby-Länderspiel Deutschland gegen Samoa am 14. Juli 2018.

Heidelberg-Kirchheim

3/5(1 area review)

Heidelberg-Kirchheim is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Neckarwiese and Heidelberg University Library while you're in town.

Heidelberg-Kirchheim
Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg
Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg
5 out of 5
Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 1, Heidelberg, BW
The price is CA $411 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $411
CA $439 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (303 reviews)
"This hotel is wonderful! I would definitely stay here again. Great location, very comfortable room. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg
NH Collection Heidelberg
NH Collection Heidelberg
4 out of 5
Bergheimer Str. 91, Heidelberg, BW
The price is CA $149 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $149
CA $159 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (113 reviews)
"The early morning noise from the construction next was very annoying for someone on vacation"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

NH Collection Heidelberg
Leonardo Hotel Heidelberg
Leonardo Hotel Heidelberg
Pleikartsfoerster Str. 101, Heidelberg, BW
The price is CA $86 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $86
CA $92 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (970 reviews)
"Amazing stay!"

Reviewed on Nov. 13, 2023

Leonardo Hotel 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.
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (160 reviews)
"Spacious and a great kitchenette."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Boardinghotel Heidelberg
SUYTES Business Studios
SUYTES Business Studios
Czernyring 40, Heidelberg, BW
Stay at this aparthotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Heidelberg Castle and Roadside Theater ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (168 reviews)
"Location was not central to main attractions but clean and comfortable and the kitchen for simple cooking is good."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

SUYTES Business Studios
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 Heidelberg Castle and Schatzkammer are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (38 reviews)
"The apartment was great, with everything you need and within walking distance to the city center in a very nice and quiet area. We’ll definitely come back with our family if we ever come back to Heidelberg!"

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

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

Things to do

Reviews of Heidelberg

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
22
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
10
" "4 - Good 30.303030303030305%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 3.0303030303030303%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Dec. 3, 2019

Uniquely German coty

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 26, 2019

This is one of our favourite places to visit!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jul. 16, 2019

I loved the city of Heidelberg. So beautiful

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
May 24, 2019

Beautiful old city - architecture is stunning, so much to see that I must return. Lotte-Hostel will definitely be on my list of 'must stay' - will recommend to all my friends.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
May 7, 2019

A nice feeling in the core with the combination of it being a student town and tourism.

5/5 - Excellent

Mimi
Apr. 26, 2019

Beatifull University town with lots of charm and life. Wort it to visit

Cities near Heidelberg