Hotels in Heidelberg

Prepare for a picture-perfect destination when you visit Heidelberg in Germany. Situated between green rolling hills and the banks of the Neckar River, this city is a must for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. With its well-preserved buildings, panoramic scenery, and charming ambiance, strolling around the city is a great experience. Heidelberg is also often called one of the most romantic cities in Europe.

How to Get There

Travelling to Heidelberg isn’t hard even if it has no airport. It’s a city that’s accessible from Frankfurt Airport and Stuttgart Airport and you can easily travel to both from different parts of Europe. Whatever you end up choosing, you can get to the city centre of Heidelberg via rail and bus.

Heidelberg has a central station called the Hauptbahnhof that connects it to all parts of Germany as well as its neighbouring countries. It’s located at Willy-Brandt-Platz 5. Once you reach the drop-off, you will find trams and buses that will take you to the old town. Make sure you ride the ones marked with Bismarckplatz. If you want to take the bus to the city, the A5 and A6 routes will get you to the city proper of Heidelberg.

Getting Around

Going around Heidelberg is pretty convenient. The easiest way is to get a hired car, especially if you want to see the suburbs or the countryside. Taxis are also available, albeit a bit more expensive. These are easily found in ranks, hailed on the street, or phoned in beforehand.

If you want a more economical option, taking the bus would be best because of its wide network. If you opt for this, make sure you purchase a Heidelberg Card so you can travel at discounted rates.

Top Things to Do

Heidelberg is a big city with many things to see. The first thing that comes to mind often would be the Schloss Heidelberg which overlooks the city, offering you an amazing view. Once you are on your way there, you may opt to climb the stairs and admire the surrounding greenery or take a train called the Bergbahn to get there faster.

You can stroll around and admire its well-preserved interiors or visit the Deutsches Apotheken-Museum. This is an old pharmacy that has exhibits from the 1700s and the Napoleonic era. Children can also play and experiment with different herbs for their tea. Next, take a stroll and go to the Alstadt (Old Town). You’ll find many gems around the city including the Rathaus (Town Hall), House Knight St. George, and different market squares. This is loaded with local shops and restaurants, especially at the Haupstraße.

Once you finish going around, make your way to the other side of the city by walking along the Alte Brücke. About 200 years old, the bridge has been an iconic sight in the city. This connects the Alstadt and Neuenheim district. Crossing the bridge is also an adventure since it has several dungeons and monuments, the most famous being the Heidelberg Monkey. Locals believe that you should touch it since it gives you wealth.

Then, make your way along the Philosophenweg (Philosopher’s Walk). Its namesake taken from the rumination of various philosophers such as Hegel and Arendt — it’s believed that a lot of people come here for inspiration. You can also see the Heiligenberg, a sandstone hill that is said to be the city’s oldest sign of habitation since it was built around the 4th century BC. After a day of exploring, walk towards the banks of the Neckarwiese. You’ll see amazing views of the Heidelberg Castle from this place, but you also have an opportunity to lounge around and sunbathe. If you’re a bit more active, renting rowboats are also available.

What to Eat

As an impressive city, it would make sense why the food in Heidelberg is also a must-try for everyone. In recent years, its cuisine has been developing hand-in-hand with the city — from fresh takes of traditional German cuisine to new and diverse ones from all over the world.

For an authentic German experience, you should go to the old neighbourhood of Handschuhsheim where the restaurant Alt Hendesse is. Try out the most recommended rahmgeschnetzeltes, a dish with creamy mushroom sauce that has spätzle, carrots, and salad. Restaurant our Herrenmühle is also frequented by locals but it’s found in the busy old town street of Hauptstraße. This restaurant is very rustic and traditional in ambiance, but its food is experimental and unique. When you’re here, try the carpaccio and Jerusalem artichoke soup.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Heidelberg is also a unique experience that combines good beer and culture. Most of the bars you will find here showcases cool cultural events and good music from local talent. If you want to enjoy the city with good company and live music, make your way to Cave 54. This meeting place has been around for 50 years in the old town.

Max Bar, located near the Market Square is also a must because it’s often said to be the best place to enjoy the nightlife in the city. With reasonable prices, you can enjoy some traditional German beer with cigarettes.

Where to Stay

Being a big city with a lot to offer, finding an ideal area for lodging is important. In case it’s your first time in Heidelberg, it’s recommended to stay in the Alstadt. This is the city’s city centre that has a lot of historic streets that lead to various tourist spots like the castle. The shopping area is also nearby in Haupstraße where you can find a lot of local shops and restaurants.

The neighbourhood of Bergheim, on the other hand, is a good spot if you are on a budget. This place is home to the renowned Heidelberg University that is just across the river. You’ll find several restaurants and parks along this area while not being too far from the Alstadt. If you’re with family, Neuenheim would be a good spot. It’s near riverfront parks like the Tiergarten and Neckarwiese where you can relax and enjoy the date lounging or doing water activities. It is also near destinations like the Heidelberg Zoo.

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