Heidelberg is a city in Germany located in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in Germany.
Heidelberg Germany
How to spend 1 day in Heidelberg Germany
In this 1-day itinerary in Heidelberg, discover the main attractions of the city.
Day 1 in Heidelberg
Start the day by visiting the Alte Brücke, a bridge built in the year 1788 that crosses the Neckar, the place is ideal for taking beautiful pictures. Head to Marktplatz, where the Heiliggeistkirche church is located.
Walk along the Hauptstrasse, which has numerous boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Head to Heidelberg Castle, a must-see attraction and symbol of the city.
The castle can be accessed with the Bergbahn funicular, from where you will have spectacular views of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley.
Königstuhl is a 567.8-meter high hill that can be accessed via the same funicular that takes the visitor to Heidelberg Castle.
Things to see
- Alte Brücke
- Marktplatz
- Hauptstrasse
- Heidelberg Castle
- Königstuhl
Day 1 Itinerary Map
Sights in Heidelberg
1. Altstadt
In the old town of Heidelberg, you will find medieval architecture, ancient churches, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
Explore the Hauptstrasse and the Marktplatz, visit the Heiliggeistkirche church and climb the tower to have beautiful views of the city.
Marktplatz
2. Heidelberg Castle
The Heidelberg Castle is a landmark of Heidelberg.
It is located 80 meters up the northern part of the Königstuhl hillside.
The castle can be reached by the Bergbahn. It offers beautiful views of the city and Neckar Valley.
Schlosshof 1, 69117
3. Karl Theodor Bridge
The Karl Theodor Bridge known as Alte Brücke is a stone bridge that crosses the Neckar river.
The bridge connects the old town with the district of Neuenheim. The bridge was built in 1788.
Am Hackteufel, 69117
4. Philosophenweg
The Philosophenweg is a 2 km road opposite to the Heidelberg Castle and Neckar river.
It offers scenic views of the old town and castle.
Philosophenweg
5. University of Heidelberg
The University of Heidelberg is a public university founded in 1386.
It is one of the most prestigious in the country and the third university established in the Holy Empire.
Grabengasse 1, 69117
6. Königstuhl Heidelberg
The Königstuhl is a 567.8-meter-high hill located in the Odenwald mountain.
It offers spectacular views. The access is via the same funicular that takes the visitor to Heidelberg Castle.
Königstuhl, 69117
7. Heidelberg Zoo
The Heidelberg Zoo is located on the north bank of the Neckar. It has more than 1,100 animals, covering about 250 species.
Tiergartenstraße 3, 69120
8. Botanical Garden Heidelberg
The Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and largest in the country. It is maintained by the University of Heidelberg.
Im Neuenheimer Feld 340, 69120
Where to stay in Heidelberg
1. Marriott Heidelberg
©Marriott Heidelberg
The Marriott is located on the banks of the Neckar river.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar.
Vangerowstraße 16, 69115
2. Crowne Plaza Heidelberg
©Crowne Plaza Heidelberg
The Crowne Plaza is located 5 minutes from the historic city center.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, coffee maker.
Kurfürsten-Anlage 1, 69115
3. Holiday Inn Express Heidelberg
©Holiday Inn Express Heidelberg
The Holiday Inn Express is located near the Central Station.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, work desk, coffee machine.
Kurfürsten-Anlage 23, 69115
4. NH Heidelberg
©NH Heidelberg
The NH Heidelberg is located within walking distance from the central station.
Rooms have TV, work desk and fridge.
The hotel has a gym and a spa.
Bergheimer Str. 91, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
5. City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof
©City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof
The City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof is a historic hotel located opposite the Alte Brücke bridge in the old city center.
Rooms are spacious and have a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a minibar.
Neckarstaden 66, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
6. Qube Hotel Bergheim
©Qube Hotel Bergheim
Qube Hotel Bergheim is a new hotel located close to Heidelberg Central Station.
Rooms have wooden floors and are equipped with a flat-screen TV and minibar.
The hotel has a terrace where you can enjoy views of the city.
Bergheimer Str. 74, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
7. Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg
©Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg
Located in the historic city center, the Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg is a luxury hotel dating back to 1865.
The rooms are elegantly decorated and equipped with a TV and minibar.
The hotel has an indoor pool and a modern spa.
Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
Shopping in Heidelberg
1. Darmstädter Hof Centrum Heidelberg
The Darmstädter Hof Centrum is located 1,3 km from the Marktplatz.
Brands: Calzedonia, Saturn.
Fahrtgasse 18, 69117
2. Galeria Kaufhof Heidelberg
Galeria Kaufhof is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany.
The company features brands like Esprit, S. Oliver, Tom Taylor, Gerry Weber, Tommy Hilfiger, Bugatti, Olymp.
Hauptstraße 30, 69117
Plan your Trip
Heidelberg has easy train access from various cities in Germany. Famous cities nearby: Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Mainz, Wiesbaden, Darmstadt.
Distances
Frankfurt – 88.7 km (55.1 miles)
Stuttgart – 119 km (74.2 miles)
Mainz – 92.1 km (57.2 miles)
Wiesbaden – 98 km (60.9 miles)
Darmstadt – 57.9 km (36 miles)
Baden-Baden – 89 km (55.3 miles)
Heidelberg Germany Map
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations
Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide
