Top 12 Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany

If you’re looking for unforgettable things to do in Heidelberg, this picturesque city on the banks of the Neckar River offers the perfect mix of medieval charm and natural beauty. It is famous for its stunning Heidelberg Castle, the vibrant main square (Marktplatz), and the iconic Old Bridge.

Heidelberg is also home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg University – also known as Ruperto Carola – established in 1386 and still a prestigious learning center. The city might only be Germany’s 51st-largest city, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to see and do. Whether you’re exploring the German Pharmacy Museum or strolling through its cobblestone streets, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences — you’ll likely need more than one visit to see it all.

To help you make the most of your time in this fairy tale destination, we’ve curated a list of Heidelberg’s must-visit attractions. These activities were carefully selected based on traveler reviews, local insights, and recommendations from travel experts.

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12 Famous Landmarks in Germany Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg

Heidelberg Castle 1/5

Top Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany Follow the Philosophers’ Way

Philosopher’s Walk 2/5

Marktplatz Vibes 3/5

Top Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany Explore the German Pharmacy Museum

Pharmacy Museum 4/5

Top Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany Walk Across Old Bridge Heidelberg

Old Bridge Views 5/5

Results

Heidelberg Castle

11 5

Philosopher’s Walk

5 11

Marktplatz Vibes

6 10

Pharmacy Museum

3 13

Old Bridge Views

12 4

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Table of Contents

Top Hotels

Luxury: PLAZA Premium Heidelberg
Midrange: Hotel am Schloss
Budget: Premier Inn Heidelberg City Centre

Must-Do Activities

Visit Heidelberg Castle – Heidelberg Castle is Heidelberg’s most iconic tourist attraction.
Explore the German Pharmacy Museum – The German Pharmacy Museum contains over 20,000 historic exhibits.
Walk across Old Bridge Heidelberg – Old Bridge Heidelberg offers exceptional city views.

Visit Heidelberg Castle

Visiting Heidelberg Castle is one of the most popular things to do in Heidelberg. Constructed in the 13th century, this breathtaking structure stands proudly above the city, offering impressive views and insight into Heidelberg’s history. Today, the castle is mostly in ruins, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular.

You’ll thoroughly enjoy walking around the castle grounds and admiring the city and river views. Luckily, there are also still rooms within the castle that you can explore, including the Barrel Room and the King’s Hall.

If you feel lavish, you can even book the King’s Hall for private events. Imagine celebrating your wedding or throwing a party in a medieval castle. Sounds epic, right?

Travel Tips

Get the Schloss Ticket for $11: The Schloss ticket includes entry to the castle courtyard, the Barrel Room, the German Pharmacy Museum, and a round-trip ride on the funicular. It’s the best deal if you plan to explore the main attractions.
Arrive early to avoid crowds: I got there by 9:30 AM, and it was quiet enough to enjoy the views and take photos without a crowd. The funicular line also moves faster in the morning.
Join a Guided Tour: Take a guided bus tour with clear views of Heidelberg Castle, walk through the palace grounds to see the courtyard and massive wine barrel, and ride the funicular down to the Old Town.

Explore the German Pharmacy Museum

The German Pharmacy Museum is one of Heidelberg’s most interesting tourist attractions. It is located inside the Heidelberg Castle grounds, so you can visit it after exploring. If you love history, you’ll particularly enjoy this museum, which contains over 2,000 years of medical history and over 20,000 exhibits.

The museum’s collections continue to grow, so there might be even more exhibits to look at when you visit. Focal points within the museum include enamel-painted glasses from the 18th century, fully equipped pharmacy offices, and medicinal products from the 17th century.

You can learn more about the German Pharmacy Museum on a guided tour. Alternatively, you could enjoy a wine-tasting class.

Admire the Vibrant Architecture in Marktplatz

Marktplatz is one of the most beautiful places in Heidelberg. It’s also the city’s main square, so you can expect a lively atmosphere with lots going on. The Marktplatz has also served as Heidelberg’s central marketplace since medieval times.

Today, the square’s main draw is its breathtaking architecture. Vibrant traditional buildings and historic landmarks greet visitors. Look for the Church of the Holy Spirit and Heidelberg Town Hall.

If you visit Heidelberg in the winter, a Christmas market takes place in the square. Treat yourself to a mulled wine and bratwurst as you walk around the traditional wooden stalls at this typical German Christmas market.

Travel Tips

Grab a seat at a café for people-watching: I loved sitting at one of the cafés with a coffee and soaking up the lively vibe of the square. Try Café Gundel for great pastries.
Shop at the weekly market: If you’re there on a Saturday morning, check out the local market for fresh produce and handmade goods.

Visit the Church of the Holy Spirit

As you’re in the main square, visit the Church of the Holy Spirit. Known locally as Heiliggeistkirche, this iconic Romanesque and Gothic church was constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries. It’s the largest church in Heidelberg and one of Germany’s most significant Gothic churches, with 1-3 million visitors every year.

The church’s main central tower stands at a mighty 269 feet (82 meters) tall, so you can’t miss it. Heiliggeistkirche also features four baroque bells, an ornate hall, and a 360-degree viewing platform. You can see it all on a church tour.

Brilliantly, the church also has a family of nesting peregrine falcons in its tower. The falcons can be seen on the Church of the Holy Spirit’s live webcams.

Travel Tips

Climb the tower for $5: The view from the top is incredible. I got panoramic shots of the Old Town and Neckar River. Be prepared for steep, narrow stairs.
Visit during a service for the organ music: Even if you’re not religious, the live organ concerts on Friday and Saturday at 17.15 are breathtaking. Check the church schedule for updated times.

Follow the Philosophers’ Way

The Philosopher’s Way walking path is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Heidelberg for outdoor enthusiasts. This picturesque trail offers panoramic city views from 1,968 feet (600 meters) above the river. In addition to the epic views of the Old Town, river, castle, and bridge, it offers a relaxed escape from the city’s busy streets.

Better yet, the path is lined with vibrant flowers, lush trees, and park benches. Exotic gardens containing plants from Japan, Spain, and Portugal are also along the route. The walkway starts near the Old Bridge on the opposite side of the Old Town.

Travel Tips

Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven trail: Parts of the path are gravel and can get slippery, especially after rain. My hiking shoes made the walk much easier.
Visit at sunset for stunning views: The golden light on the Old Town and castle is perfect for photos.

Celebrate Heidelberg’s Art and History in the Kurpfälzisches Museum

Top Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany_Celebrate Heidelberg’s Art and History in the Kurpfälzisches Museum — © LoKiLeCh / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Kurpfälzisches Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Heidelberg for museum buffs. Situated inside Palais Morass, this fascinating museum celebrates Germany’s art and history by displaying world-class artwork and ancient artifacts. The museum opened in the 1870s when Heidelberg purchased artist and art historian Charles de Graimberg’s private collection.

One of Kurpfälzisches Museum’s main highlights is the prehistoric, Roman, and medieval archaeological finds. This includes a 13 feet (4-meter) high Roman Jupiter column and a replica of the lower jaw of Homo Heidelbergensis.

Meanwhile, must-see artwork in the museum’s collection includes Girl with Daisy and View of Heidelberg Castle. The building itself is also well worth exploring. Palais Morass’ grand furniture and 18th-century decor are excellently preserved.

Travel Tips

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM but closed on Mondays.
Entry to the permanent exhibition, which includes an audioguide in German, English, or Russian, costs EUR 3 (USD 3.10) on weekdays and EUR 1.80 (USD 1.86) on Sundays and holidays at a discounted rate.

Explore the Oldest Museum in Germany at Heidelberg University

Top Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany_Explore the Oldest Museum in Germany Ancient Lion King Statue at Heidelberg University Square — © Neurobite / Adobe Stock

For many travelers, the thought of exploring a university while on vacation is a nightmare. However, Heidelberg University is the exception. Founded in 1386, it’s the oldest university in Germany, making it one of the city’s most historic attractions.

Oh, and don’t panic; you don’t have to enroll to explore the university’s historic buildings. Luckily for travelers, many parts of the university are open to the public. It’s also common for the university to offer tours.

Visitors are allowed to visit the Heidelberg University Library and the University Museum. The library is particularly impressive because it contains over six million media forms, whether books or e-books. The Student Prison, established in the 1780s, is also well worth visiting.

Travel Tips

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Get the $6 combo ticket: This ticket covers the University Museum, Library, and Student Prison. It’s the best deal if you want to explore all three spots.
Visit the Student Prison for quirky history: I loved seeing the graffiti from students jailed for minor offenses like pranks in the Student Prison. It’s small but unique.
Check library hours for access: The library has limited public hours, so confirm times online before heading over. The stained-glass windows inside are a highlight.

Relax at Massage Royal Heidelberg

One of the top things to do in Heidelberg if you want to unwind is relax at Massage Royal, one of the city’s top-rated spas. Massage Royal offers a wide range of wellness packages and massage services designed to help you relax. There are over 20 massages, including honey massages, hot stones, and sports massages.

There are also several message options for couples seeking a romantic and relaxing day out. Massage Royal also offers massages suitable for pregnant women. Admittedly, prices are higher than most activities in Heidelberg, but you won’t regret booking a day of ultimate bliss.

The most affordable wellness package includes three back massages and costs €165 ($173).

Travel Tips

Book in Advance: Massage Royal is very popular, especially on weekends. Book your massage ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting during peak hours.
Try the honey massage for a unique experience: If you’re up for something different, the honey massage was very soothing.

Step into Christmas at Käthe Wohlfahrt

Top Things to Do in Heidelberg, Germany Step into Christmas at Käthe Wohlfahrt — © Damian Lugowski / Shutterstock

Käthe Wohlfahrt is one of the most festive tourist attractions in Heidelberg. For those who’ve never had the privilege of visiting a Käthe Wohlfahrt, let us explain. Käthe Wohlfahrt is a popular German Christmas company specializing in festive decorations and gifts.

You’ll find one of the brand’s winter wonderland stores on Hauptstraße, one of Heidelberg’s most popular shopping streets. Inside, this cozy Christmas shop sells everything from traditional decorations and ornaments to Christmas scenes and souvenirs. The traditional wooden nutcracker dolls and Christmas tree baubles look particularly good.

This is also an excellent place to purchase unique children’s toys, such as vintage toy cars, card games, and storybooks.

Travel Tips

Look for limited-edition ornaments: If you’re into collecting unique holiday ornaments, check for special editions only available in their Heidelberg store.

Have Fun at Heidelberg Zoo

Heidelberg Zoo is one of the best family-friendly tourist attractions in Heidelberg. First opened in 1934, Heidelberg Zoo is home to over 150 animal species from across the globe. You can expect to find famous species like the Sumatran tiger, lions, Asian elephants, and brown bears.

Heidelberg Zoo is also home to various species that other zoos don’t house, including the beautiful lowland gorillas. Like most zoos, you can spend your day freely walking around the zoo.

You can also watch keeper talks and participate in zoo experiences, such as the Zoo Academy, which teaches children more about wildlife and conservation. The petting zoo sounds particularly fun because you get to cuddle pygmy goats.

Travel Tips

Check out the animal feeding times: I learned the feeding times for the lions and sea lions, which made for some exciting viewing. Look for the schedule near the entrance or ask at the ticket booth.
Parking is free but limited: There’s free parking at the zoo, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early or take public transport.

Learn About the Human Body in Body Worlds – Anatomy of Happiness

Body Worlds – Anatomy of Happiness is one of Heidelberg’s most unique tourist attractions. This fascinating museum allows visitors to learn more about the human body through real anatomical specimens. Real human bodies are preserved through plastination so that they permanently maintain their original form.

The exhibits at the Body World Museum reveal how and where happiness comes from. They show what is under the skin and what structures are involved in creating happiness.

You’ll also learn about the effects of negative emotions and how they impact the entire body. You don’t want to miss this, especially if you love science and anatomy.

Travel Tips

Arrive Early: I recommend getting to Body Worlds when it opens at 10 AM. The crowds can get heavy later, and you’ll have more time to appreciate the exhibits without feeling rushed.
Opening times: The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, except on December 24.
Entry fee: The starting price for adult tickets is €19 on weekdays and €21 on weekends and holidays. Group tickets for adults start at €16, and family tickets are €46 on weekdays and €52 on weekends and holidays. Discounted tickets are available for students, children, and healthcare workers.
Grab a Guide or Audio Tour: There’s an audio tour available for EUR 3.5, and it really helped me understand the science behind each exhibit. It’s a small extra fee, but you can also get the guide on your smartphone for free.

Walk Across Old Bridge Heidelberg

Like Heidelberg Castle, Old Bridge Heidelberg is one of the best places to visit for city views. Also known as the Karl Theodor Bridge, this 18th-century arched bridge crosses the Neckar River in the center of Heidelberg. Therefore, from the middle of the bridge, visitors are treated to magnificent views of Heidelberg Castle and the city’s Old Town (Altstadt).

You can also admire Heidelberg’s picturesque natural scenery from the bridge. The bridge itself is also a sight to behold. You’ll most likely cross the bridge several times during your trip because it connects the two major parts of the city.

I highly recommend getting a shot of the bridge from above if you have a drone.

Travel Tips

Check out the Bridge Monkey statue: Don’t miss this quirky bronze sculpture near the south end of the bridge. Touching the mirror is said to bring good luck!
Walk across at night for a magical view: The bridge and castle are beautifully lit after sunset — great photo ops.
Combine it with a Philosopher’s Walk hike: Start your hike on the north side of the bridge for stunning views of the bridge, castle, and city from above.