Heidelberg is a gorgeous, riverside, university city whose architecture is almost entirely from the Baroque period. This unique feature among most German cities is due to the repeated destruction that French forces caused as they laid siege to the city during the War of Palatinate Succession in the 17th-century. The city, famous as an intellectual and scientific hub due to Heidelber University which was first established in 1386, was quickly rebuilt following the war in the architectural style of the day. What remains is one of the only German cities that is almost entirely Baroque in its style.

Today you can enjoy their medieval castle from the German Renaissance period, their lovely Aldstadt (Old City), their stunning bridge and a number of easy hikes from which you can view the city below.

Things to do in Heidelberg

Heidelberg Castle

Mark Twain said of Heidelberg Castle that “A ruin must be rightly situated, to be effective. This one could not have been better placed.” 200 meters directly above the town of Heidelberg, this 16th century castle is a fantastic representation of German Renaissance architecture.

The castle features dozens of festivals, events and even a restaurant serving in its ruined courtyard throughout the year. The Heidelberg Castle Festival from June to August features choruses, orchestras, jazz music and opera. Check their website before you go to see what events are planned.

On the grounds of the castle is the German Museum of Pharmacy where you can see historical relics from 18th and 19th century apothecaries.

In the cellar of Schloss Heidelberg is one of the worlds most enormous wooden wine barrels. The Heidelberg Tun was built in 1751 from over 130 oak trees and holds 221,726 liters of wine.

The castle also features a handful of dining options. There’s the Michelin-starred flagship, Scharff’s Schlossweinstube, a castle wine room, a bakehouse, options for dinner under the stars in the courtyard during the summer, a historical knight’s meal and a culinary tour of the castle. Check their website to see what’s being offered when you go.

Hauptstraße and the Altstadt (Old Town)

Any trip to Heidelberg should start on its famed Hauptstraße in the center of its Alstadt. Every December the Heidelberg Christmas Market fills all 5 squares in the town of Heidelberg.

Karl Theodor Bridge

The only thing more iconic to the town of Heidelberg than its famous castle is the incredibly picturesque Karl Theodor Bridge. Also known as the Old Bridge, this spectacular piece of architecture, spanning the Neckar River, was built in 1788.

The Philosopher’s Way

On the north side of the Neckar is a wonderful, well-marked hiking pathway called Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Way). Historically, this is where the university’s philosophers would walk and carry on discussions as they admired the beautiful town of Heidelberg below.

Studentenkarzer

On Augustinergaße in a Baroque building at the back of the Old University is a small room that was once used as a small jail where students at the university used to be locked up for minor offenses. Today you can visit the room and see the graffiti that still lines the walls from these students. The jail was in use from the 1770s until WWI.

Schloss Schwetzingen

Only about 12km west of Heidelberg is the small town of Schwetzingen, which is famous for its 18th-century palace. Formerly the summer residence of the Electors of the Palatine, Schloss Schwetzingen is known today for its stunning gardens and fun summer concert series. Guided tours are available for booking on their website. If you are traveling to or from Heidelberg by car this is a perfect place to stop. And, if you happen to be there between late April and mid-June you’ll be there for the summer festival that includes symphonies, opera, choruses and chamber concerts as well as dance performances.

Königstuhl

Königstuhl, or the King’s Seat in English, is just 7 km away from the center of Heidelberg. This hill rising 567 meters provides spectacular views of the Rhine Valley below. To get to the summit you will simply take the same funicular railway that takes visitors to Heidelberg Castle, The Heidelberg Mountain Railway.

Heidelberg Zoo

Over 250 species of animals and a special focus on conservation and breeding programs for endangered species, this eco friendly zoo is a great place to stop with kids when visiting Heidelberg. A short walk away from the zoo is Botanischer Garten, Germany’s oldest and largest botanical garden, established in 1593.

The Heidelberg Card

If you are planning on seeing all of Heidelberg’s main attractions consider purchasing the Heidelberg Card which includes free bus & Tram fares as well as access to the castle courtyard tour, wine cellar and pharmacy museum, in addition to discounts at local restaurants, bars and shops.

Best Restaurants in Heidelberg

Heidelberger Schloss Restaurant

Have a Michelin star meal in the courtyard of a castle ruins for a once in a lifetime experience. The food is phenomenal. The service is impeccable. And, the atmosphere is second to none.

Wirtshaus zum Nepomuk

Located within an 18th century townhouse in the heart of the Aldstadt, this restaurant specializes in classic German dishes, featuring plenty of hearty meat and potato dishes.

Zum Roten Ochse

Built in 1703, Zum Roten Ochsen has been in the Spengel family without interruption for over 180 years and serving famous guests like Mark Twain the entire time. You’ll enjoy the home cooking paired with local Heidelberg beer specialties. They have live piano music Thursday to Saturday starting at 7pm.

Wirtshaus zum Spreisel

The oldest restaurant in Heidelberg has been serving food in Heidelberg in this same building for over 450 years. The interior, made entirely of Black Forest wood, gives it a distinctive ambiance. The classic German food is as good as it gets.

Le Gourmet

Heidelberg’s trendiest restaurant, oozes modern industrial chic mixed with just enough glamour to feel exceptionally classy. The menu is inventive, creative and surprising.

Oben

Boasting an idyllic setting among woods and meadows in the Kohlhof area, Oben offers the chance to enjoy an aperitif in its charming interior courtyard before sampling the creative, regionally inspired 13-course set menu in the intimate and beautifully decorated dining room with its view of the kitchen. Much of the fresh produce comes from its own garden. NB: Payment by electronic transfer only.