What to do in Heidelberg Germany

Heidelberg is a city in the South of Germany. With picturesque settings, ample history and tasty treats, this is a European traveller’s paradise. In recent years, the city has seen a growth in popularity, with thousands of tourists flocking here to enjoy the sights. One of my closest friends lives just outside of the city and so I know the place pretty well! We also went there last December for New Year and managed to explore most of the sites. I therefore wanted to put together a guide on what to do in Heidelberg for you guys. It is a stunning place and a visit there is well worth your time.

What to do in Heidelberg if it Rains?

A natural problem to any traveller in Europe! Not to worry though as Heidelberg has you covered. Here are a few suggestions from me:

Visit the Kurpfälzisches Museum, which celebrates the art and history of the region. It is jam-packed with different historical artifacts, ranging from prehistoric times to pretty recently. There is also a great collection of contemporary art here. If you are stuck what to do in Heidelberg on a rainy day, look no further. Entrance is also only €5 per adult.

The Heidelberg University Library is another must-see. The University here is the oldest and arguably the most prestigious in Germany and, alike Oxford, boasts an impressive library. Holding over 3 million different books and texts, all the whilst set in one of the oldest libraries in Europe. With a free entrance rate, you would be silly not to! Also don’t miss the Student Prison, one of the university’s most unique and curious buildings!

If you are in a relaxing mood, there are a good few spas in Heidelberg for you to chill and unwind in. Head to the City Spa or the Massage Royal to get the ultimate relaxation session. Prices are obviously rather more expensive that the other activities mentioned here, but I would argue that they are cheaper than those in the UK!

Shoppers never get bored in Heidelberg. Whether you are after a small, independent boutique or a large department store, the city has you covered. The Old Town is where you are more likely to find charming little shops with memorable souvenirs (including the legendary Christmas Shop Käthe Wohlfahrt!), whereas the Hauptstraße is where you would find the main collection of larger shops. If you want a few more mainstream shops, you could always catch the tram to Mannheim, only 50 minutes or so away.

Try some local food! There are plenty of restaurants in Heidelberg but I would always recommend heading to an authentic German brewery to try some of the local specialties. We visited Löwenbrau on the Main Street and the Kulturbrauerei during our stay and had great meals at both! You should also indulge in the coffee and cake culture – Cafe Schafheutle is a great option and has a huge choice with plenty of seating. For somewhere a bit cosier try Cafe Gundel on Hauptstrasse.

What to do in Heidelberg on a Sunny Day?

If the weather is on your side, you’ll have plenty more options in this stunning city. Here are just a few ideas for you:

Heidelberg Castle is arguably the most famous building in the city. Perched upon the hillside, this majestic building overlooks the city. For €9 per adult, you can explore the ruins of this building and walk around the gardens. There is also the largest tun in the world here, with various legends associated with it, as well as the German Pharmacy Museum. The highlight here really is the view though, so be sure to take your camera! The castle entry ticket also includes the funicular from Kornmarkt.

The Philosopher’s Walk is probably one of my favourite things to do. On the other side of the Necker River to the castle, you can find a winding path upwards to the walk. It is quite steep, so be prepared for a bit of a climb! Luckily there are a few viewing stations along the way, which are great for photographs. When you get to the top you can take a slow walk parallel to the river. This is perfect for a picnic or just a morning walk – I cannot recommend enough!

No visit to Heidelberg would be complete without exploring the Old Town. As said above, there are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to keep you going. However, you also have some historical sites to see. The quaint-looking shops are lovely to walk amongst and you cannot miss a sight of the church! Perhaps most famously is the Old Bridge. With a great view of the castle and the riverfront, this bridge is a highlight of the city.

Did you know that there is a zoo in Heidelberg? Whilst not the biggest, there is actually more here than you think! Plus, at only €8 per adult, this is an absolute steal. If you are looking for a more chilled, animal-filed day, this one is for you!

What to do in Heidelberg Seasonally?

What you can do in Heidelberg varies with the seasons. Here are again some more ideas:

Spring and Summer: Why not take a river cruise along the Neckar River? Whilst I have not done this here, I went on one in Hamburg a few years ago and loved it. With ample drinks and snacks aboard, you can really just kick back and take in the scenery. You could also head over to Speyer and see a different town in the region.

Autumn: The Odenwald is right on your doorstep in Heidelberg and hiking here is a favourite pastime of many Germans. In the Autumn, you will be greeted by a show of different colours for you to take in. It also is free entrance to explore, but definitely bring some sturdy shoes for some trails!

Winter: In my opinion, this is when the city comes alive. The Christmas Markets in particular, set amongst the Old Town, are wonderful. With different food and drink options, ice-skating and grottos, there really is something for everyone. If you are a fan of winter sports, nearby there are plenty of ski resorts that you could include as part of the trip.

Final Thoughts

So what are you waiting for? Heidelberg is a lively city filled with history and culture and is easily one of my favourites in Germany. I hope that this guide helps you plan what to do in Heidelberg and just get in touch if you have any questions. I am always happy to help! If you are looking for accommodation, I would recommend the Panorama hotel – you can read my review here.

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