Things to do in Heidelberg
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Heidelberg
Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castlestands on the hillside, overlooking the Neckar River and the red-tiled roofs of the Old Town. This Elector's palace, which dates back to the 13th century, was destroyed by war and lightning strikes, and was later preserved in its ruined state; the dilapidated towers and palace walls create a unique, weathered charm. The complex features a variety of styles: the facade of the Friedrich Building is adorned with statues of past emperors, the Ottheinrich Building is a representative example of German Renaissance architecture and houses the Pharmacy Museum inside; the underground wine cellar contains a massive wine barrel with a capacity of over 200,000 liters, crafted in 1751, as well as a figure of the court jester Perkeo; in a corner of the garden stands the Elizabeth Gate, built in 1615. The large garden at the back is open and pleasant, featuring a bust of Goethe and the Goethe Bench; the Powder Tower, leaning against the rock wall, retains the sense of a ruin after its destruction.Heidelberg · 3.4 km from downtown
Heidelberger Altstadt
Heidelberger Altstadt is a historic district stretching along the river, with narrow, winding cobblestone alleys where most of the buildings along the streets retain their original, rustic charm. The main pedestrian street stretches for approx. 1.5 km, running through the entire old town, and is lined with shops and restaurants, showcasing a rich university town atmosphere and a sense of local life. The district is home to numerous cultural attractions: Heidelberg University (founded in 1386) is scattered throughout the area, complemented by the Market Square and the Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit, built in the late 14th century; the 'Student Kiss' chocolate, created at a historic cafe, adds a touch of romantic charm. Backed by ancient castle ruins, the 18th-century Old Bridge and the bronze monkey statue span theNeckar River. Standing on the riverbank or the hillside on the opposite side to look out, the Old Bridge, the river, and the ancient castle complement each other, creating an elegant and moving picture of the old city.Heidelberg · 2.6 km from downtown
Old Bridge Heidelberg
Old Bridge Heidelberg spans the Neckar River and is also known as the Karl Theodor Bridge. Bridges have been rebuilt here repeatedly since the Middle Ages. Early wooden bridges were often destroyed by war and by floating ice. Between 1786 and 1788, Elector Karl Theodor oversaw the construction of this nine-arch stone bridge built of red sandstone. At the bridgehead stand a medieval bridge gate and two white round towers. The towers were once used as prisons and are now highly recognizable landmarks. The bridge piers still bear the marks of past floods. The bridge is adorned with statues of the Elector and Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, and a hollow bronze monkey holding a small mirror stands at the bridgehead. From the bridge you can look out over the red-tiled Old Town and the hillside castle. After crossing the bridge, you can connect to the Philosophenweg. From the opposite bank, you can enjoy the classic view of the old bridge alongside the castle.Heidelberg · 3.2 km from downtown
Hauptstraße
The main street in the old town of Heidelberg is Haupt Street, which is parallel to the Neckar River. The area from Bismarck Square in the west to Karlsplatz in the east is a pedestrian area. With a total length of about 1.6 kilometers, it is the longest commercial pedestrian street in Europe. The main historical buildings and attractions in Heidelberg are also concentrated along the pedestrian street. This well-known avenue has many shops of different tastes: in addition to well-known brands, there are also handcrafted items in small galleries. There is also a Christmas market in December. There are plenty of restaurants and student pubs serving cheap meals - not just for students. Almost all international high-quality brands and styles are lined up on the street that is more than one kilometer long: about 3359 brands, 1569 industries and 8224 companies. It is a paradise for tourists who love shopping and shopping. At the west end of the pedestrian street, in the alley next to the Nordsee fast food restaurant, there is a wonderful staircase with a colorful figure drawn on it. In fact, this is the staircase leading to the German Packaging Museum (Deutsches Verpackungs-Museum), a small museum displaying various packaging and logo designs from the industrial age, including German and international brandsHeidelberg · 3.1 km from downtown
Schwetzingen Castle (Schloss)
The town of Schwetzingen is located 10 km west of Heidelberg. The Schwetzingen Castle (Schloss) within the town was developed from a medieval castle. The palace itself was influenced by the Renaissance and features a typical Baroque architectural style. The palace gardens were meticulously designed and built by Karl Theodor under the influence of the gardens at thePalace of Versailles. They are exquisite and elegant. Furthermore, during the cherry blossom season in late March and early April, the gardens are filled with a variety of flowers, offering countless beautiful views that are well worth capturing in photos.Schwetzingen · 7.5 km from Heidelberg
Barrel Building
Located in Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, the Barrel Building is a world-renowned spectacle. This giant wine barrel is not only one of the largest in the world, but also a vivid microcosm of German history and culture. Crafted from 130 massive oak trees, it rests on supports like a small mountain. With a capacity of approx. 220,000 liters, it holds the equivalent of hundreds of thousands of bottles of wine. Historically, local residents often paid their taxes in wine, which was then collected here. However, due to its immense size, the barrel was only filled to capacity two or three times in history. Today, it is no longer used as a storage container but has become a popular attraction for tourists from around the world, who can climb up to the top of the barrel via a steep staircase. It lies quietly in the ancient castle cellar, telling every visitor the story of Heidelberg's storied past and romantic legends.Heidelberg · 3.3 km from downtown
Rhine River
Rhine Riveroriginates in the Swiss Alps and flows through the heart of Western Europe, spanning over 1,200 km.Since the 19th-century Romantic era, this area has become a romantic icon in the works of poets and painters, with its scenery of ancient castles, vineyards, and riverside towns, connecting many historic cities along its banks. Its most essential section is concentrated in the Middle Rhine Valley: dozens of ancient castles and fortresses are scattered along the banks, the reefs at the river bends hold ancient legends and poems, and vineyards are layered among the steep slate slopes, forming a magnificent natural and cultural landscape of the valley. Both banks are accompanied by walking trails and cycling paths, with numerous wine towns distributed along the way. The "Rhine in Flames" fireworks event, presented in turn by several towns along the river, has continued for many years and is a characteristic cultural event long held in this area, showcasing the rich atmosphere of the river basin.Germersheim · 27.9 km from Heidelberg
Market Square (Marktplatz)
Heidelberg · 3.1 km from downtown
Luisenpark
Luisenpark is situated on the outskirts of Mannheim and is actually closer to Heidelberg than to downtown Mannheim. Luisenpark is recognized as one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. Upon entering the park, you'll see the Kutzerweiher pond, complete with geese, ducks, and other animals swimming about. If you're interested, you can rent a boat at the pier and glide across the lake. The park also features a botanical house and a butterfly house that are well worth a visit. You'll find families everywhere enjoying their leisure time, so why not take a moment to relax yourself?Mannheim · 15.6 km from Heidelberg
University Square
The University Square is the core of Heidelberg University. There are many university-related buildings, departments and the former residences of important scholars in history near the square. On the side of University Square, there is an old university built in the early 18th century and a new university built in the early 20th century. Various buildings around are worth seeing.Heidelberg · 2.8 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Heidelberg
Featured Cultural experiences in Heidelberg
View all Cultural experiences
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
FromAED 20.56
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 3,175.89
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 26.28AED 32.86
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 113.27AED 119.24
4.8/5
· 584 reviews· 60 bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
33 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 62.50AED 65.79
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 2,646.48
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 21.35AED 26.69
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 21.35AED 26.69
Featured Day tours in Heidelberg
View all Day tours
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 2,633.32
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 3,017.34
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 2,610.82
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 2,739.20
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 2,688.18
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 2,112.14
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 2,707.38
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 749.77
Featured Food & drink in Heidelberg
View all Food & drink
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 312.09AED 328.52
FromAED 29.82
5.0/5
· 9 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for today
FromAED 3,146.47
Featured Outdoor experiences in Heidelberg
View all Outdoor experiences
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 269.51AED 283.7
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 581.99AED 612.63
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 1,152.27AED 1,212.92
4.3/5
· 3 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 1,152.27AED 1,212.92
4.4/5
· 16 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 52.73AED 55.51
Free things to do in Heidelberg
Heidelberger Altstadt
Heidelberg · 2.6 km from downtownOld Bridge Heidelberg
Heidelberg · 3.2 km from downtown
Heidelberg University
Heidelberg · 2.8 km from downtown
Philosophenweg
Heidelberg · 2.7 km from downtownHauptstraße
Heidelberg · 3.1 km from downtownRhine River
Germersheim · 27.9 km from HeidelbergUniversity Square
Heidelberg · 2.8 km from downtown
Brass Monkey Statue
Heidelberg · 3.1 km from downtown
Konigstuhl
Heidelberg · 4 km from downtown
Bismarckplatz
Heidelberg · 1.9 km from downtown
More ways to travel from Heidelberg
Private Tours in Heidelberg
View More Private Tours in Heidelberg
Group Tours in Heidelberg
View More Group Tours in Heidelberg
What travelers say about Heidelberg
LaGa27 December 2024
5.0
The Heidelberg Palace is a must see when visiting Heidelberg. To get there 🥾: you can take a cablecar from the old town. However, I would recommend to skip the queue and just enjoy the around 15min walk up. You will pass by beautiful old villas on the way. What to do 🏰: In my opinion the outside appearance of the castle is more beautiful than the inside. So it’s not worth to spend the entrance fee for a ticket inside. The garden around the castle is free to enter and has great views.
Heidelberg Castle
翱翔的大鲨鱼15 August 2020
4.0
The old town of Heidelberg was not destroyed on a large scale during World War II. You can still see the old times. During the Holy Roman Empire, the princes of the empire built many towering castles and interesting cities. You must visit Heidelberg if you have the chance.
Heidelberger Altstadt
Beesc7 November 2023
5.0
historical bridge linking philosopher pathway and heidelberg oldtown, good view to the castle as well
Old Bridge Heidelberg
miss banzai3 September 2023
5.0
I love this pedestrian main street of Heidelberg which goes through the old town. It is filled with shops, breweries, Coffeeshop. It can be very busy since it is very touristic. Totally loved it
Hauptstraße
DeeHyun27 June 2022
5.0
The prettiest park I’ve been to in Germany. A nice walk is recommended. You will surely enjoy the beautiful flowers and the chirping birds.
Luisenpark
小鱼儿201519 March 2020
4.0
Heidelberg University Square is a relatively square place. The environment and area of the entire square are quite huge. The university square is also a gathering place for students. There are many shops that students like.
University Square
