What to do in Heidelberg

Activities, attractions and tours

Altstadt which includes a square or plaza, a city and a fountain
Altstadt which includes a square or plaza, a city and a fountain
Heidelberg Church of the Holy Spirit featuring a city and heritage elements
Kurpfälzisches Museum featuring a park
Heidelberg Castle which includes a city, views and heritage elements

Heidelberg Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Heidelberg has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Heidelberg is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Heidelberg to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Heidelberg Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Heidelberg.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Heidelberg attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Top places to visit

1. Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg) is imperious, mystical and romantic all at the same time. It stands over Heidelberg’s Old Town and the Neckar Valley on the lower slopes of Königstuhl hill. Enjoy views of the city and valley from the pristine garden, peruse a sculpture collection, see an enormous wine barrel and watch a spectacular light show. Heidelberg Castle dates back to the 1300s. Its many buildings showcase the evolution of German architecture.
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Heidelberg Castle featuring a small town or village, heritage architecture and tranquil scenes

2. Marktplatz

Marktplatz (Market Square) is one of Heidelberg’s oldest squares and a landmark in the city’s Altstadt (Old Town). Like a time capsule in the heart of the city, Marktplatz shows a glimpse of Heidelberg’s historic heart. Take a seat at one of the cafés that spill out onto the pavement and explore the square’s heritage highlights.
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Heidelberg

3. University of Heidelberg Old Campus

Since 1386, the University of Heidelberg Old Campus has been welcoming students to the banks of the Necker. Today, the campus is home to the humanities departments of the modern university. Many of the university’s most idiosyncratic and best-known buildings are open to visitors anxious to get a taste of student life throughout the ages. Go on a walking tour along the streets of the Altstadt in search of these spots.
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University of Heidelberg Old Campus featuring heritage elements

4. Church of the Holy Spirit

The Church of the Holy Spirit (Heiliggiestkirche) dominates the skyline of Heidelberg’s pretty historic center. Admire the arresting façade, spot a set of intricate stained-glass windows and climb to the top of the tower for expansive city panoramas. Attend organ recitals, chamber music and choral performances. Although the Church of the Holy Spirit origination dates back to 1398, building work continued until 1544.
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Heidelberg Church of the Holy Spirit which includes a statue or sculpture, a fountain and heritage elements

5. Heidelberg University Library

Browse millions of tomes, ancient manuscripts and historical exhibitions at the Universitätsbibliothek (University Library Heidelberg). With historical documents related to the Baden and Palatinate territories of German and regular exhibitions, the Universitätsbibliothek plays a significant role in the city’s cultural life.
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Heidelberg University Library featuring heritage architecture

6. Karl Theodor Bridge

Go for a walk on Karl Theodor Bridge (also known as Old Bridge or Alte Brücke), which crosses the Neckar River from the edge of Heidelberg’s historic Old Town. Admire its classical stone design and artistic ornamentation. Appreciate uninterrupted views of the lush green Neckar Valley and some of the city’s finest monuments. Karl Theodor Bridge has long been an inspiration for artists and has had works written about it by well-known poets such as Friedrich Hölderlin.
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Karl Theodor Bridge which includes a city, a bridge and heritage elements

7. Neckarwiese

Bask in the sunshine and temperate climate of one of Germany’s warmest cities at the Neckarwiese. Local families, groups of friends and vacationers alike come to enjoy this stretch of greenery set on the north banks of the Neckar River. Find children’s play areas at Neckarwiese, go for walks along the riverfront and spot city landmarks.
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Neckarwiese which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a garden

Recommended things to do in Heidelberg

Number of things to do
79
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self Guided Walk Through Historic Heidelberg: CA $10
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Heidelberg

Discover the most popular places to visit in Heidelberg

Heidelberg Castle featuring a small town or village, heritage architecture and tranquil scenes

Heidelberg Castle

This ruined Renaissance castle stands majestically on a hilltop and presents incredible views of the Neckar Valley from its beautiful garden.

Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg

Marktplatz

Go for a stroll and view the pretty heritage streetscape around Heidelberg’s traditional market square, which is anchored by an impressive Gothic church.

Marktplatz
Japanische Zierkirsche

Heidelberg University Hospital

Though Heidelberg University Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Heidelberg while you are here.

Heidelberg University Hospital
University of Heidelberg Old Campus featuring heritage elements

University of Heidelberg Old Campus

With some of the city’s most historically and architecturally interesting sites, Germany’s oldest university forms the beating heart of the Heidelberg Altstadt.

University of Heidelberg Old Campus
Heidelberg Church of the Holy Spirit which includes a statue or sculpture, a fountain and heritage elements

Church of the Holy Spirit

Enjoy superb views of Heidelberg’s Old Town from the tower of this 14th-century church, which took nearly 150 years to build.

Church of the Holy Spirit
Universitätsbibliothek which includes heritage architecture and a city

Heidelberg University Library

Whether you come to study, read or simply take a walk around an impressive building, the principal library of the University of Heidelberg is a fascinating place to visit.

Heidelberg University Library
Karl Theodor Bridge which includes a city, a bridge and heritage elements

Karl Theodor Bridge

Heidelberg’s oldest bridge is an architecturally impressive landmark decorated with an imperious gateway, detailed sculptures and a curious monkey statue.

Karl Theodor Bridge
Neckarwiese which includes a bay or harbor

Neckarwiese

Pack a picnic to have on the green lawns, try boating activities and appreciate uninterrupted views of Heidelberg’s Old Town from this riverside park.

Neckarwiese
Kurpfälzisches Museum as well as a small group of people

Kurpfälzisches Museum

See the history of Heidelberg and the Palatinate region come to life through exhibitions of archaeological discoveries and an extensive art collection.

Kurpfälzisches Museum

Explore areas of Heidelberg

Altstadt showing a city and night scenes

Heidelberg City Centre

Historic sites, cafes, and shopping highlight some of the noteworthy features of Heidelberg City Centre. Make a stop by Kurpfälzisches Museum or Heidelberg University Library while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Heidelberg City Centre
Heidelberg Bergheim und Weststadt

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
Heidelberg

Weststadt

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

Weststadt
Neckarwiese showing a bay or harbor and a park

Neuenheim

Though “New” is in the name, this is one of the oldest districts of Heidelberg, with natural havens just across the river from the Altstadt.

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

Rohrbach

Get a feel for residential life in Heidelberg at a neighborhood set at the foot of forested hills, sprawling meadows and vineyards.

Rohrbach
aerial view of würzburg, germany

Kirchheim

3/5(1 area review)

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

Kirchheim

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Heidelberg

Friedrichsplatz showing a fountain, a sunset and a garden

Mannheim

Ausblick vom 366 km langen Neckartalradweg auf Neckargemünd

Neckargemuend

Ausblick vom 366 km langen Neckartalradweg

Edingen-Neckarhausen

Frequently asked questions

Is Heidelberg worth visiting?
Heidelberg has an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or regional cuisine, there's a lot here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Heidelberg?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Heidelberg Castle and MIRAMAR. Then, explore different areas of Heidelberg for a quick bite and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Heidelberg?
Don't go home without visiting Heidelberg Castle, rated the top tourist attraction in Heidelberg.
Is three days enough to stay in Heidelberg?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, such as Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg Zoo and Kurpfälzisches Museum. The average stay in Heidelberg is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Heidelberg City Centre isn't far away.
Is Heidelberg a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to do and see in Heidelberg. Several attractions, such as Heidelberg Castle and Heidelberg Zoo, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Heidelberg's neighbourhoods, Altstadt Heidelberg is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Bergheim is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Heidelberg with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes all the difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Heidelberg with kids.

What to do in Heidelberg for adults?
Deutsches Apotheken-Museum and Körperwelten Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Heidelberg. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Heidelberg?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Heidelberg is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Teltschik Tower is one sight that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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