Your Insider Tips for Heidelberg: Discover the City Like a Local!

Off to Heidelberg!
The picturesque city on the Neckar River is not only famous for its impressive castle, but it also has so much more to offer. Since I live in Heidelberg’s Old Town myself, I know the city inside and out – here are my personal recommendations for you. For the guests of my vacation rental right in the heart of the Old Town, directly on the pedestrian zone of the Hauptstraße, I’ve compiled a selection of tips to help you experience Heidelberg from its most authentic side. Whether it's hidden corners, the best viewpoints, or secret tips for restaurants and cafés – I’ll show you how to discover the city like a local.

Where is Heidelberg?
Heidelberg is located in the southwest of Germany, nestled in the picturesque Neckar Valley, surrounded by the foothills of the Odenwald. The city is part of the state of Baden-Württemberg, and its central location in the Rhine-Neckar region makes it easy to reach.

Facts about Heidelberg
With an area of around 109 km² and just under 160,000 inhabitants, Heidelberg is a charming, manageable city that attracts tourists from all over the world – 13.9 million per year, to be exact. Did you know that Heidelberg has the longest pedestrian zone in Europe? It stretches along the Hauptstraße and runs directly through the Old Town – perfect for strolling and shopping. And right in this pedestrian zone is my vacation rental, just a stone's throw away from the best sights.

Top Attractions

Old Bridge
The Old Bridge is one of Heidelberg’s most famous landmarks. It connects the Old Town with the opposite bank of the Neckar and was built in 1788 under Elector Karl Theodor, who commemorated himself with a statue on the bridge. The bridge is especially popular for its scenic view of the Heidelberg Castle and Old Town. The Old Bridge is the ninth bridge built at this location.

Bridge Monkey at the Old Bridge
The Bridge Monkey is a popular photo spot for visitors to Heidelberg. A bridge monkey was first mentioned at the Old Bridge in the 15th century. The current bronze sculpture by Gernot Rumpf was installed in 1979. Rubbing the mirror brings wealth, touching the monkey’s outstretched fingers ensures a return to Heidelberg, and stroking the mice (the artist’s signature) brings the blessing of children.

Heidelberg Castle
An absolute must! Towering high above the city, the ruins of the castle offer breathtaking views of Heidelberg. A special attraction is the Great Barrel, one of the largest wine barrels in the world, which once held over 200,000 liters and was used to store the Elector’s wine. The court jester Perkeo was the wine cellar master of Elector Karl Philipp, responsible for the wine in the castle. Perkeo was famous for his enormous wine consumption – it’s said he only drank wine and never a drop of water. According to legend, he died when he was accidentally served water one day. The castle is also home to the German Pharmacy Museum, where you can discover a fascinating collection of ancient medicines, remedies, and historical laboratory equipment, offering insights into the history of pharmacy.
Heidelberg Castle

Funicular Railway
From the valley station at Kornmarkt, you can take the funicular up to the castle. For those who want to hike, continue on to Molkenkur or Königsstuhl. There are many beautiful hiking trails there. From the Königsstuhl, you’ll have a breathtaking view over the Neckar Valley and the Rhine Plain – on clear days, you can even see as far as the Palatinate Forest.
Funicular Railway

Heidelberg University and Student Prison
Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany and one of Europe’s most prestigious institutions. It has attracted students from all over the world for centuries, shaping the life and culture of the city. The historical Student Prison, used until 1914, is particularly impressive. Misdeeds like nighttime disturbances or duels led to this unusual punishment. During their imprisonment, students could still attend lectures but had to spend the nights in the prison. The walls of the prison are still covered with drawings and inscriptions left by the inmates, offering a fascinating glimpse into the student life of the past.
Old University, University Museum & Student Prison, Augustinergasse 2, 69117 Heidelberg

University Museum
Student Prison

Kurpfälzisches Museum
Located directly across from the vacation apartment, the museum offers a great opportunity to explore the history of Heidelberg – not just on rainy days. You can enjoy an exciting virtual flight over Heidelberg throughout history or admire the jawbone of the Homo heidelbergensis in the archaeology section. In addition, there are always exciting temporary art exhibitions.
Kurpfälzisches Museum

Hiking and activities

Hiking in and around Heidelberg
For nature lovers, Heidelberg offers numerous hiking trails. Around the Königsstuhl, you’ll find beautiful trails through forests, with many fantastic viewpoints. A particularly scenic trail is the Neckarsteig, which winds along the Neckar Valley, offering picturesque views and historical sights like castles and palaces. The trail leads through dense forests, along riverbanks, and over gentle hills – ideal for day hikes.

Philosophers’ Walk and Snake Path
The Snake Path in Heidelberg is a footpath that connects the Old Bridge to the Philosophers’ Walk. It begins just above the Old Bridge, opposite the Old Town, and leads steeply through terraced vineyards to the forest, where it meets the Philosophers’ Walk. Though it’s partially surrounded by bushes, trees, and vineyards, several viewing platforms offer stunning views of the city. A detour to the Philosophers’ Garden is especially worth it in spring and autumn. The Philosophers’ Walk offers a true postcard view of the Old Town, the river, the Old Bridge, the castle, and the Königsstuhl towering above the city.

Climbing the "Himmelsleiter" to the Königsstuhl
For those seeking a challenge, there’s the "Himmelsleiter" (Heaven’s Ladder), just above Heidelberg Castle, at the first bend of Molkenkurweg. It’s 1,200 uneven steps made of roughly hewn sandstone, ascending 270 meters through the beautiful Heidelberg forest. The climb ends near the Tinnunculus Falconry on the Königsstuhl.

For the active: Mountain Biking at Königsstuhl
The Königsstuhl offers a variety of trails for mountain bikers, catering to both beginners and experienced riders. The well-marked routes lead through dense forests and offer spectacular views of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley. There are also more challenging trails with steep descents and technical sections.

My Personal Restaurant Tips

Brauhaus Vetter
Hearty brewery cuisine and local beer in a cozy, rustic atmosphere – one of my favorite spots.
Steingasse 9, 69117 Heidelberg
Brauhaus Vetter

Weinstube Schnitzelbank
I love the intimate, cozy atmosphere. The wine selection is excellent, and the schnitzels are definitely among the best in all of Heidelberg. Be sure to reserve a table!
Bauamtsgasse 7, 69117 Heidelberg
Weinstube Schnitzelbank

Wirtshaus Zum Nepomuk
Fine regional cuisine with a direct view of the Old Bridge.
Obere Neckarstraße 2, 69117 Heidelberg

Kulturbrauerei
Here, you’ll find house-brewed beer and seasonal specialties in a stylish, upscale atmosphere.
Leyergasse 6, 69117 Heidelberg
Heidelberger Kulturbrauerei

Zum Roten Ochsen
One of the oldest and most traditional student pubs in Heidelberg, offering hearty regional classics in a rustic atmosphere.
Hauptstraße 217, 69117 Heidelberg
Zum Roten Ochsen

Der Kleine Spanier
A charming little Spanish restaurant right by the Old Bridge. Here, you can enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine with tapas and selected wines in a cozy setting.
Hauptstraße 183, 69117 Heidelberg
Der Kleine Spanier

La Bruschetta
“Little Italy” in the heart of Heidelberg. Simple, cozy, Italian flair – always packed. The best pizza in Heidelberg.
Plöck 52, 69117 Heidelberg
La Bruschetta

My Favorite Cafés

Casa del Caffè
My favorite café in Heidelberg, located on Steingasse right by the Old Bridge. It features Jugendstil tiles, an Italian atmosphere, the best coffee in town, delicious panini, and sweet treats.
Steingasse 7, 69117 Heidelberg
Casa del Caffè

Conditorei-Café Schafheutle
Traditional café culture with excellent cakes and pralines, located right next to the vacation apartment.
Hauptstraße 94, 69117 Heidelberg
https://www.cafe-schafheutle.de/

Macaronnerie
Macarons and French pâtisserie with delicious baguettes, croissants, tartelettes, bread rolls, and excellent coffee.
Hauptstraße 211, 69117 Heidelberg
https://www.macarons-heidelberg.de/

For the Ladies: Märzgasse & Bar Amoroso

A stroll through Märzgasse is a must! Here, you’ll find small, independent shops offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream stores. After a successful shopping day, treat yourself to an aperitif at Bar Amoroso (Märzgasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg).

Special Recommendation

CONTIGO Fairtrade
A fantastic shop offering unique products in areas such as home design, tableware & décor, fashion & jewelry, and delicious fair-trade coffee and espresso to try on-site or take home.
https://contigo.de/contigo-fairtrade-shops/heidelberg/

The Best Pubs in Heidelberg

Heidelberg’s Old Town is full of pubs. The best way to experience them is by wandering through the Untere Straße and letting yourself explore. You’ll find many cult pubs like Destille, Mohr, Sonderbar, Hörnchen, Reichsapfel, and Weinloch.
https://die-untere.de

Otherwise:
Palmbräugasse, Hauptstraße 185
Max Bar, Marktplatz
Orange, Ingrimstraße 26
The Dubliner, Hauptstraße 93

I hope these tips help you experience Heidelberg at its best. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, you'll love Heidelberg!

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