You have one day to make your short holiday in Heidelberg an unforgettable experience. So how do you go about it? Discover the Old Town with the best view of the most famous ruins in the world – Heidelberg Castle. In this guide you will find the best tips for the perfect day in the popular city on the Neckar.
08:30 – Breakfast for early risers
Your day in Heidelberg starts with a light breakfast at Casa del Caffè – you have a lot planned for today! Enjoy a cappuccino and a sandwich in an Italian atmosphere with a view of the Old Bridge. The café in Steingasse is one of the few in Heidelberg’s Old Town that is already open at this time of day.
09:30 – Over the Old Bridge to the Philosophenweg
Strengthened, you take one of the filled croissants with you, because now it’s time for a short hike. On the banks of the Neckar, you cross the Old Bridge, which was built under Elector Karl Theodor in 1788 from regional red sandstone and connects Heidelberg’s Old Town with the Neuenheim district. Today it is one of Heidelberg’s many landmarks. Its medieval bridge gate was part of the city wall and served as a guardhouse and prison.
At the end of the bridge, the Schlangenweg takes you along the sometimes steep serpentines to the Philosophenweg, which is around two kilometres long. Here you follow in the footsteps of the professors and students to whom the Philosophenweg owes its name. You will be rewarded with the best view of the romantic city panorama, Heidelberg Castle and the Königstuhl, Heidelberg’s local mountain.
10:00 – Walk to the historic Thingstätte
After a short break on one of the many benches, you continue your walk through the beautifully planted Eichendorff grounds through the forest up to the Thingstätte. The open-air stage, modelled on ancient Greek theatres, was used for propaganda events from 1934 and is now a protected cultural monument.
12:30 – Lunch on the northern bank of the Neckar
On your way down, keep right towards Heidelberg Neuenheim. The neighbourhood is bursting with French charm! For lunch, stop off at Lec Coq, a French restaurant that offers a ‘plat du jour’ at lunchtime. After the three courses, you’ll be energised for the second half of the day.
14:30 – Sights of the old town: a city tour through Heidelberg
At Bismarckplatz you meet your NiceGuide, who you have previously booked via the app. Your guide will show you the sights of the Old Town: from the university to the palace gardens and finally the market square. Because you are particularly interested in the university, you make extra stops at the Marstall, the historic canteen building, and you take a tour of the library.
17:30 – Not to be missed: Souvenirs to remember
After the guided tour, which has taken you to the city’s most beautiful sights, you stroll through the picturesque alleyways of the old town. Your path leads you to Kettengasse, which is known for its charming boutiques, and you pick up a few souvenirs for your loved ones in the “Heimat” shop.
19:00 – Dinner at the legendary Kulturbrauerei
For dinner, head to the Kulturbrauerei in Heidelberg. Whether outside in the beer garden, inside in the Braustube, the Scheffelstube or upstairs in the gallery – in this wonderful atmosphere, it’s easy to leave everyday life behind and relax. Enjoy the warm hospitality and savour a full-bodied Maibock and a crusty roast.
21:00 – For cocktail lovers: a bar with a difference
Round off the evening in the Bent Bar in Heidelberg, which is just around the corner from the lively streets and the picturesque Old Town. This bar not only impresses with its stylish interior and cosy ambience, but also with its creative and extensive cocktail menu. Here you will find classics alongside unusual original creations. One of the stars of the evening is the “Hazelnut Alexander”, a creamy, nutty cocktail that impresses with its rich flavour. Or would you prefer to try the “Orange Ginger Gimlet”? Or just both? No matter – cheers to Heidelberg!
Our tips for the best bars & clubs
Would you like to extend your holiday in Heidelberg and find out what the city feels like late at night? Turn night into day – we’ll tell you where to find the best bars & clubs in Heidelberg’s Old Town.
