Things to do in Heidelberg
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Top 10 attractions in Heidelberg
Heidelberger Altstadt
Heidelberger Altstadt is a historic district stretching along the river, with narrow, winding cobblestone alleys where most of the buildings along the streets retain their original, rustic charm. The main pedestrian street stretches for approx. 1.5 km, running through the entire old town, and is lined with shops and restaurants, showcasing a rich university town atmosphere and a sense of local life. The district is home to numerous cultural attractions: Heidelberg University (founded in 1386) is scattered throughout the area, complemented by the Market Square and the Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit, built in the late 14th century; the 'Student Kiss' chocolate, created at a historic cafe, adds a touch of romantic charm. Backed by ancient castle ruins, the 18th-century Old Bridge and the bronze monkey statue span theNeckar River. Standing on the riverbank or the hillside on the opposite side to look out, the Old Bridge, the river, and the ancient castle complement each other, creating an elegant and moving picture of the old city.Heidelberg · 2.6km from downtown
Old Bridge Heidelberg
Old Bridge Heidelberg spans the Neckar River and is also known as the Karl Theodor Bridge. Bridges have been rebuilt here repeatedly since the Middle Ages. Early wooden bridges were often destroyed by war and by floating ice. Between 1786 and 1788, Elector Karl Theodor oversaw the construction of this nine-arch stone bridge built of red sandstone. At the bridgehead stand a medieval bridge gate and two white round towers. The towers were once used as prisons and are now highly recognizable landmarks. The bridge piers still bear the marks of past floods. The bridge is adorned with statues of the Elector and Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, and a hollow bronze monkey holding a small mirror stands at the bridgehead. From the bridge you can look out over the red-tiled Old Town and the hillside castle. After crossing the bridge, you can connect to the Philosophenweg. From the opposite bank, you can enjoy the classic view of the old bridge alongside the castle.Heidelberg · 3.2km from downtown
Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University was founded by Elector Palatine Rupert I and is one of Germany's oldest universities. Scholars such as Hegel and Max Weber once taught here, and it has deep ties to dozens of Nobel laureates. The university has no walls, with its teaching buildings and libraries scattered throughout the streets and alleys of the Old Town, creating a layout where the city and the university are integrated. The main attraction is the Baroque Old University building next to University Square, which was built 1712–1728. The ground floor houses the university museum, which showcases the evolution of the university's history and scientific achievements across different periods through a rich collection of exhibits. The Great Hall upstairs was redesigned in 1886, and its walls are hung with portraits of the founder and scholars throughout history, combining a sense of historical solemnity with an academic atmosphere. Behind the Old University building, the remains of the 18th-century Student Jail (Studentenkarzer) are still preserved. Strolling through the campus and along the riverbank, the red tiles of the Old Town and the ancient castle on the hillside merge into one, showcasing the unique cultural landscape of a university town.Heidelberg · 2.8km from downtown
Philosophenweg
The Philosopher's Trail is a walking trail about two kilometers long. Because of its beautiful scenery, it has been loved by scholars and philosophers throughout history, who often wandered here to capture the inspiration of ideas. Hence the name Philosopher's Trail. Today, the trail is still a great place to overlook Heidelberg's old town from across the bank. Note that there is only one small seasonal kiosk on the Philosopher's Trail. If you need drinks and food, it is better to prepare them yourself.Heidelberg · 2.7km from downtown
Hauptstraße
The main street in the old town of Heidelberg is Haupt Street, which is parallel to the Neckar River. The area from Bismarck Square in the west to Karlsplatz in the east is a pedestrian area. With a total length of about 1.6 kilometers, it is the longest commercial pedestrian street in Europe. The main historical buildings and attractions in Heidelberg are also concentrated along the pedestrian street. This well-known avenue has many shops of different tastes: in addition to well-known brands, there are also handcrafted items in small galleries. There is also a Christmas market in December. There are plenty of restaurants and student pubs serving cheap meals - not just for students. Almost all international high-quality brands and styles are lined up on the street that is more than one kilometer long: about 3359 brands, 1569 industries and 8224 companies. It is a paradise for tourists who love shopping and shopping. At the west end of the pedestrian street, in the alley next to the Nordsee fast food restaurant, there is a wonderful staircase with a colorful figure drawn on it. In fact, this is the staircase leading to the German Packaging Museum (Deutsches Verpackungs-Museum), a small museum displaying various packaging and logo designs from the industrial age, including German and international brandsHeidelberg · 3.1km from downtown
Rhine River
Rhine Riveroriginates in the Swiss Alps and flows through the heart of Western Europe, spanning over 1,200 km.Since the 19th-century Romantic era, this area has become a romantic icon in the works of poets and painters, with its scenery of ancient castles, vineyards, and riverside towns, connecting many historic cities along its banks. Its most essential section is concentrated in the Middle Rhine Valley: dozens of ancient castles and fortresses are scattered along the banks, the reefs at the river bends hold ancient legends and poems, and vineyards are layered among the steep slate slopes, forming a magnificent natural and cultural landscape of the valley. Both banks are accompanied by walking trails and cycling paths, with numerous wine towns distributed along the way. The "Rhine in Flames" fireworks event, presented in turn by several towns along the river, has continued for many years and is a characteristic cultural event long held in this area, showcasing the rich atmosphere of the river basin.Germersheim · 27.9km from Heidelberg
University Square
The University Square is the core of Heidelberg University. There are many university-related buildings, departments and the former residences of important scholars in history near the square. On the side of University Square, there is an old university built in the early 18th century and a new university built in the early 20th century. Various buildings around are worth seeing.Heidelberg · 2.8km from downtown
Brass Monkey Statue
There is a sculpture of a bronze monkey at the head of the Old Bridge in the old town. The bronze monkey holds a mirror in his hand, and there are two mice around him. Come here and touch the mirror in the hands of the bronze monkey, which means to bring wealth to yourself. Holding the finger extended by the bronze monkey will bless you to return to Heidelberg in the future. Touching the mouse is a blessing for you to have many children and grandchildren, which is very interesting.Heidelberg · 3.1km from downtown
Konigstuhl
Throne Mountain is a better place to enjoy the panoramic view of Heidelberg. You can walk up the mountain from the Grain Square, and take the track train down the mountain. Halfway up the mountain is Heidelberg Castle. Climb to a high point and overlook the whole city of Heidelberg. Visitors can fully enjoy the beautiful scenery in the mountains and breathe the fresh air here. While playing, remember to take pictures.Heidelberg · 4km from downtown
Bismarckplatz
Bismarck Square is a circular square. It has been the transportation hub of Heidelberg since ancient times. There are roads in all directions. Those with a bad sense of direction can easily get lost. There is a bronze statue of Bismarck, the prime minister of the German Empire in the 19th century, on the square. There are also some shops and supermarkets around. The crowds come and go, which is very lively.Heidelberg · 1.9km from downtown
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Free things to do in Heidelberg
Heidelberger Altstadt
Heidelberg · 2.6km from downtownOld Bridge Heidelberg
Heidelberg · 3.2km from downtownHeidelberg University
Heidelberg · 2.8km from downtownPhilosophenweg
Heidelberg · 2.7km from downtownHauptstraße
Heidelberg · 3.1km from downtownRhine River
Germersheim · 27.9km from HeidelbergUniversity Square
Heidelberg · 2.8km from downtownBrass Monkey Statue
Heidelberg · 3.1km from downtownKonigstuhl
Heidelberg · 4km from downtownBismarckplatz
Heidelberg · 1.9km from downtown
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What travellers say about Heidelberg
翱翔的大鲨鱼15 August 2020
4.0
The old town of Heidelberg was not destroyed on a large scale during World War II. You can still see the old times. During the Holy Roman Empire, the princes of the empire built many towering castles and interesting cities. You must visit Heidelberg if you have the chance.
Heidelberger Altstadt
Beesc7 November 2023
5.0
historical bridge linking philosopher pathway and heidelberg oldtown, good view to the castle as well
Old Bridge Heidelberg
suifeng201924 May 2020
4.0
Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany. From theology, law, medicine, and philosophy, it has developed into 12 colleges with nearly 30,000 students today. Heidelberg is a university town, and the university campus is integrated into the old town without any boundaries.
Heidelberg University
小鱼儿201518 March 2020
4.0
A very classic forest road in the old town. This place is very suitable for morning walks. Many ancient plants are very thick. It feels warm and humid in summer. The scenery in autumn is also very attractive. It is a very quiet place.
Philosophenweg
miss banzai3 September 2023
5.0
I love this pedestrian main street of Heidelberg which goes through the old town. It is filled with shops, breweries, Coffeeshop. It can be very busy since it is very touristic. Totally loved it
Hauptstraße
Emmm_pty15 May 2016
5.0
The city of Heidelberg is very suitable for sightseeing. There are not only good universities in TOP100, but also scenic spots such as old castle, church and bridge for sightseeing. The brand of the city center is quite complete, and you can shop well. The season in July is also suitable.
University Square
小晚的漫游日志20 April 2020
4.0
It is said that in the 17th century, monkeys often appeared at this bridge in Heidelberg. They kept "greeting" passers-by like their masters. Seeing this scene, a poet wrote this poem. Later, based on the story of this monkey, a bronze monkey sculpture was erected at the old bridge in Heidelberg, and the sculptor also engraved this poem next to it. It is also said that: touching the bronze monkey's fingers will return to Heidelberg, touching the mirror in its hand will bring wealth, and touching the little mouse next to it will allow you to have more children.
Brass Monkey Statue
小眼镜张23 October 2019
5.0
Königsthör is the location of Heidelberg Castle. Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can have a panoramic view of the entire Heidelberg city.
Konigstuhl
Gully23 February 2023
4.0
Bismarktatz is a great place to eat real German food. Plenty of options
Bismarckplatz
