Things to do in Heidelberg

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

Heidelberg Attractions

Whether you'd prefer to hit the shops or sample local cuisine, you'll find plenty of fun activities in Heidelberg. This city boasts many exciting attractions that'll keep your to-do list full and your feet on the go. No matter your interests, this place has something up its sleeve for you.

If you're ready to hit the streets of Heidelberg, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have an expert show you some of the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {91 fun activities in Heidelberg fun activities in Heidelberg} are also worth a look.

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Heidelberg must see attractions

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 which includes heritage architecture, tranquil scenes and a small town or village

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. 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, night scenes and heritage elements

5. 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 showing a statue or sculpture, a square or plaza and a fountain

6. 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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Universitätsbibliothek which includes heritage architecture and a city

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 bay or harbor

Recommended things to do in Heidelberg

Number of things to do
91
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self Guided Walk Through Historic Heidelberg: $7
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Heidelberg

Free Things to Do in Heidelberg

A vacation in Heidelberg doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You can leave your wallet behind if you check out:

Maerchen Paradies - Make this place your first port of call if it's fun you're chasing during your escape.

Neue Universitaet - If you're a fan of modern-style architecture, add this landmark to your must-see list.

Heidelberg University Library - If you like delving into bygone eras, this is one attraction you ought to visit.

Dokumentations - Und Kulturzentrum der Deutschen Sinti und Roma - Spend some time here and discover the significance of this place to the local community.

Providenzkirche - Do some quiet contemplation and discover a few things about this site's spiritual significance.

Neckarwiese - Grab your blanket, pack some finger food and find a comfortable spot to appreciate Mother Nature.

Things to Do in Heidelberg with Kids

There's nothing better than spending quality time together as a family. Heidelberg boasts a thrilling selection of family friendly experiences that the entire gang will enjoy:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Heidelberg? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Heidelberg

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

Heidelberg Castle

5/5(147 reviews)

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

5/5(12 reviews)

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
University of Heidelberg Old Campus featuring heritage elements

University of Heidelberg Old Campus

4.5/5(37 reviews)

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
Karl Theodor Bridge which includes a city, night scenes and heritage elements

Karl Theodor Bridge

5/5(9 reviews)

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

Karl Theodor Bridge
Heidelberg Church of the Holy Spirit showing a statue or sculpture, a square or plaza and a fountain

Church of the Holy Spirit

5/5(4 reviews)

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

5/5(4 reviews)

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
Neckarwiese which includes a bay or harbor

Neckarwiese

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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
The "Philosophenweg" is a path that is said to have been wandered by many famous German philosophers. It winds up the mountain where you have a spectacular view on Heidelberg.

Philosophenweg

You can find out about the history of Heidelberg when you stop by Philosophenweg. Wander around the forests or experience the area's museums.

Philosophenweg
Heidelberg featuring outdoor art and interior views

Heidelberg Student Jail

5/5(1 review)

Heidelberg’s 500-year-old university has seen numerous troublemakers. Take a tour of the cells used to imprison carousing students for minor offenses.

Heidelberg Student Jail

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods 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 Student Jail or Heidelberg University Library 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 Neckar Valley-Odenwald Nature Park and Schatzkammer.

Weststadt
Neckarwiese showing a bay or harbor and a park

Neuenheim

5/5(15 area reviews)

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
Perfect view to Heidelberg from the Palace.

Bahnstadt

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

Kirchheim

3.5/5(9 area reviews)

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

Kirchheim
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Heidelberg

Friedrichsplatz featuring a park, a sunset and a fountain

Mannheim

Photo by Michele Long

Schwetzingen

Photo by Andreas Spieler

Ladenburg

Photo "Leimen" by Zwiadowca21 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Zwiadowca21 (CC BY-SA)

Leimen

Photo "Eppelheim" by Spaventapasseri (page does not exist) (CC0) / Cropped from original
Photo by Spaventapasseri (page does not exist) (CC0)

Eppelheim

Photo "Sandhausen" by AnRo0002 (CC0) / Cropped from original
Photo by AnRo0002 (CC0)

Sandhausen

Photo "Schriesheim" by wusel007 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by wusel007 (CC BY-SA)

Schriesheim

Photo "Neckargemuend" by Zwiadowca21 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Zwiadowca21 (CC BY-SA)

Neckargemuend

Frequently asked questions

Is Heidelberg worth visiting?
Whether you want to experience the local charm and cultural highlights or sample regional foods and explore the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Heidelberg.
How do I spend a day in Heidelberg?
Heidelberg Castle and MIRAMAR are two excellent places to start your vacation adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Heidelberg while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Heidelberg?
The top tourist attraction in Heidelberg is Heidelberg Castle, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Heidelberg?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out the leading city attractions, including Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg Zoo and Kurpfälzisches Museum. The average stay in Heidelberg is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your getaway, Heidelberg City Centre isn't far away.
Is Heidelberg a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Heidelberg, such as Heidelberg Castle and Heidelberg Zoo, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 1 mile from the city center of Heidelberg is Altstadt Heidelberg and Bergheim is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Heidelberg with kids?
Planning what to do in Heidelberg with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Heidelberg for adults?
Körperwelten Museum and Deutsches Apotheken-Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Heidelberg. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Heidelberg?
From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Heidelberg. If you're stuck for ideas, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Ladenburger Strand is a must for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.

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