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Quick Travel Guide to Heidelberg

November 30, 2018

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The oldest university in Germany is found in Heidelberg, dating back to the 14th Century. These days Heidelbderg is famous as a historic university town, a romantic town, and the magnificent Heidelberg Castle. If you are planning to visit then check out this Quick Travel Guide to Heidelberg.

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What to Do in Heidelberg

Heidelberg has a glorious Old City nestled at the foot of Heidelberg Castle, on the banks of the Neckar River. Consequently the best Heidelberg attractions are in or around the Old Town, making it an easy city to see on foot. So here are the best places to visit in Heidelberg:

Heidelberg Castle: Although the castle at Heidelberg dates back to the 13th century, the current version was built in the 18th century. Listed a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site, Heidelberg Castle offers magnificent views of the Old Town and the Neckar River.

Heidelberg Old Town (Altstadt): Dating back to the 18th century, Heidelberg Old Town is filled with Baroque and Gothic buildings, making it a photographer’s dream. In summer the narrow streets and squares are filled with beer, dining and music.

Alte Brucke (Old Bridge): A 200 year stone bridge across the Neckar river is the 9th bridge to be built in this position. Walking across the Old Bridge is an essential part of every Heidelberg sightseeing tour.

The Philosopher’s Walk: Across the river from Heidelberg Old Town is a narrow stone path winding its way up the banks of the Neckar River, offering spectacular views of Heidelberg Castle and the town below.

Heidelberg Funicular: From below Schloss Heidelberg there is a series of 2 Funiculars (steep mountain trains). The first stop is Schloss Heidelberg. They after changing funiculars, the second stop is the King’s Seat, with its panoramic views of Heidelberg town.

Day Trips from Heidelberg

As much as there are plenty of great things to see in Heidelberg, there are just as many things to see in nearby towns.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Described by Rick Steves as a “Germany’s Fairy Tale Dream Town”, Rothenburg is small medieval village dating back to 950 AD, lying 170 km to the east of Heidelberg.

Speyer: A historical town about half an hour south along the Neckar River. The highlight in Speyer is the world’s largest preserved Roman church, the 1,000 year old UNESCO World Heritage Speyer Cathedral.

Where to Stay in Heidelberg

The best hotels in Heidelberg are in the Old Town district, because this makes it easy to see all the main Old Town attractions on foot, not far from your hotel.

Cheap Accommodation

We recommend the Hotel Heidelberg for reasonably priced hotel. It has a tram stop right outside the hotel, so it’s quick and easy to get into town. It is about a 20 minute tram ride from town, making it out of walking distance. The food here is top class and has a home cooked flavour to it. And there is even an underground billiards room to keep you entertained.

Mid Priced Accommodation

The 3 star Hotel am Schloss offers perfect views of the number 1 attraction in town, Heidelberg Castle. And it’s close to all the other attractions in the Old Town area.

Affordable Luxury

The Rum Zitter St.George Hotel was built way back in 1592, and is located right in the heart of the Old Town opposite the town hall. Relax in 4 star luxury, in easy walking distance to all the main attractions in Heidelberg.