9 things to do in Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg, with its romantic old town, majestic castle ruins, and riverside charm, is one of Germany’s most picturesque and beloved cities. Nestled along the Neckar River, Heidelberg is surrounded by forested hills. It is famous for the gorgeous views over the river, the picturesque old town and the castle overlooking the entire city. Actually, Heidelberg is perfect for everybody who doesn’t like the big cities but still wants to get the city life vibe. Whether you’re wandering cobblestone streets, taking in sweeping views from the Philosopher’s Walk, or exploring one of the oldest universities in Europe, Heidelberg offers something for every kind of traveler. In this post, we’ll share the 9 best things to do in Heidelberg that capture the soul of this enchanting city.

1. One of first things to do in Heidelberg is to visit the Old Bridge

This is probably the typical image of the city. And you have most likely seen it before: the Old Bridge with the Old Town in the background. The Old Bridge really is a highlight of the city and walking across it is a must-do.

You can perfectly combine a visit to the bridge with a stroll through the Old Town. But when is the best time to visit the bridge? If you have the time, make sure to visit it multiple times. As it is located in the center, that should be no problem. The bridge is worth a visit both during the day and during the night. Especially when the lights are on, you get a totally new picture of it that should not be missed. Make sure to walk along the river for a while and enjoy the views of the lights and the city in the late evening. Those are the real Heidelberg moments for travellers.

2. Stroll through the historic Old Town

This is, of course, one of the best things to do in Heidelberg. Strolling through the picturesque Old Town can be done multiple times during your visit. Why? Because you simply can’t get enough. The stunning views of the old buildings, the shops and the cafés and the overall laid-back vibe are one of the many reasons why people love Heidelberg.

The old town is perfect for shopping or just sitting in a café or restaurant and watch the life in the streets. Especially during the evening, the small alleys seem to come to life and you can enjoy quite a fun time. But as well during the day, it is worth a stroll. Bring a shopping bag, search for some souvenirs or get yourself a coffee somewhere. The Old Town of Heidelberg is definitely the heart of the city and as well the most beautiful part.

3. Hike up to the Heidelberg Palace

The Heidelberg Palace is probably one of the favorite things to do for tourists in the city. It is located on a hill just above the city and offers some of the best views. You can perfectly walk up the hill from the Old Town or take the bus or the gondola. Walking is recommended though as it offers you some more insights into the local life and shows you some more views of the city.

The Heidelberg Palace is perfect for both tourists wanting to enter the building and travellers just admiring it from the outside. If you wish to see it from the inside, make sure to arrive somewhere in the morning and join a tour to get all the details of the Palace’s history. If you do not want to enter the Palace, it is best to visit the area in the late afternoon as it usually gets quieter. You can walk around the castle and sit at the wall and enjoy the views.

4. Go on a walk through the Schlossgarten and visit the Scheffel terrace

Two of the best things to do in Heidelberg are directly next to each other. After visiting the Palace you can continue your way to the Schlossgarten and the Scheffel terrace. Both are inviting you to see even more of the beautiful area and especially the terrace is a must-do. From here, you can overlook the city with the river and the bridges crossing.

If you are up for a walk, you can stroll through the garden for a little longer. What travellers love about Heidelberg is its closeness to nature. The area around the palace is a perfect example of how you can escape into the green if the city is a little too much. Plus, this is a perfect to do during the sunset time. You can enjoy the view over the city in daylight but also during the night, which is amazing as well. The sea of the city lights can be best seen from above and you can witness the magical last sun light over the Neckar valley.

5. Spend the night in an apartment by the river

There is no better place to spend your time in Heidelberg than by the riverside. There are quite a few hotels and apartments which offer stunning views over the town and the river. Even though they might be a little more expensive, it is worth it. You might want to check out AirBnB or an apartment with a kitchenette. Or, if you travel during the winter time, you might as well benefit from the much cheaper prices.

6. Have a picnic in a park or by the river

While eating out in a restaurant is nice, a picnic is even better. Grab your travel buddy and get some food and find your place by the river. There are quite a few spots where you can sit and enjoy the view of the city.

During a warm summer night, this is perfect, right? This is a popular activity of the many students going to university in Heidelberg. You’ll most likely notice the popular places as there are quite a few people during a warm evening.

Another good spot for a picnic is the Neckarwiese, which is kind of a small park. It is the largest green space in the city of Heidelberg and popular among the locals. During the summer, this is the place to be. Bring your food or even do a BBQ with some friends. If you are looking for some great things to do in Heidelberg which gives you a real view of the city, this is one of them.

7. Go on a walk along the Philosophenweg

Heidelberg is not only sightseeing and old buildings. It is as well nature and great views. One of the best views offers the Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg), which leads along the right bank of the Neckar. You start at the Heidelberg hill and follow the path along some beautiful homes and gardens. Make sure to bring something to eat to have a break with the views over the area.

And if you are up for even more of an adventure, you can explore the Heiligenberg, which is nearby. You see, Heidelberg really is a great mix of both city and nature activities. The Heiligenberg has a long history, which you will get to know during your trip.

8. Best things to do in Heidelberg for a rainy day: visit the museums

As every other bigger city, Heidelberg is home to some museums. If this is your thing or you need to find a great activity for a rainy day, then this might be one of the best things to do in Heidelberg. As Heidelberg has as a history, you can actually learn more about the past of the city.

Some interesting places are the Studentenkratzer, an old jail where students were held. Or the German pharmacy museum. You can as well visit the Church of the Holy Spirit. And even if you are not into museums or this kind of sightseeing, you might still want to check it out if you have some time left.

9. Enjoy a drink in a rooftop bar

And last but not least among the best things to do in Heidelberg: look out for a rooftop bar. This is not only a nice way to spend your evenings, but as well the gateway to gorgeous views over Heidelberg. Imagine a warm summer evening with a drink over the roofs of the historic Old Town.