Heidelberg

Travel Guide

Altstadt which includes a square or plaza, a city and a fountain
Heidelberg Church of the Holy Spirit showing a city and heritage elements
Kurpfälzisches Museum featuring a park
Heidelberg Castle showing views, heritage elements and a city
Altstadt featuring a bridge, a small town or village and a river or creek

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

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 Heidelberg University Library or Church of the Holy Spirit while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Heidelberg City Centre
Heidelberg which includes food

Bergheim

4.5/5(41 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 is one of the many great German towns, had one of the best beers i have ever had here.
#goldenhour

Weststadt

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

Weststadt
Neckarwiese showing a bay or harbor and a park

Neuenheim

5/5(15 area reviews)

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
Rohrbach which includes road cycling as well as an individual femail

Rohrbach

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

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

Ziegelhausen

Travelers like the riverfront in Ziegelhausen, and Stift Neuburg is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Ziegelhausen
Staycity Aparthotels, Heidelberg
Staycity Aparthotels, Heidelberg
Speyerer Straße 9, Heidelberg
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$74 nightly
The price is $79 total per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
$79 total
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (849 reviews)
"Very clean and quiet. <10 min walk to Heidelberg Hbf train station. Bed isn't super comfortable but you'll be too tired to care."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Staycity Aparthotels, Heidelberg
PLAZA Premium Heidelberg
PLAZA Premium Heidelberg
Sofienstraße 6, Heidelberg, BW
$132 nightly
The price is $141 total per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
$141 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (247 reviews)
"Very Good."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

PLAZA Premium Heidelberg
ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg
ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg
4.5 out of 5
Europaplatz 1, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg
$140 nightly
The price is $150 total per night from Jun 21 to Jun 22
$150 total
Jun 21 - Jun 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Heidelberg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Heidelberg Castle and Körperwelten ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (130 reviews)
"Great location and central with the train station. Very nice accommodations as well."

Reviewed on May 24, 2025

ATLANTIC 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.
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (93 reviews)
"Good location nice rooms"

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

BoardingWorld Heidelberg
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! (194 reviews)
Clean and beautiful
"Very clean hotel. Parking was easy to find. Overall great experience."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025

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! (196 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
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

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
148
5 - Excellent 73%
4 - Good
45
4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
9
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Visit the castle!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I can’t get enough this city! I have been going to Heidelberg since August 2016... this was my 10th trip to this gorgeous / precious city and I know I will be back again soon.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice smaller city well worth a visit. Exemplifies the best of Germany in many ways.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The winter markets are incredible. The castle was incredible and the views from there were breathtaking.

3/5 - Okay

Kathy

Typical big German city. Streets are hard to maneuver. Thank goodness for navigation.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Heidelberg is beautiful but once you get out of town there’s a lot of graffiti. The autobahn safe under repair so traffic was rarely “fast”

Cities near Heidelberg