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Things to do in Heidelberg

A half-ruined Renaissance castle, Baroque old town, and historical churches await in this riverside town.

Our most recommended things to do in Heidelberg

Heidelberg: 50-minute Sightseeing Cruise on the Neckar River

1. Heidelberg: 50-minute Sightseeing Cruise on the Neckar River

Immerse yourself in the charm of Heidelberg from a new perspective by cruising along the serene waters of the Neckar River. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of the Old Bridge as you glide underneath it and take in the view of the famous Heidelberg Castle in the background. Embark on your journey down the Neckar River and take views of some of Heidelberg's most famous sights. Don't forget to quench your thirst or hunger cravings by purchasing a refreshing drink or tasty snack on board as you admire the sights. See the historic of Heidelberg Castle nestled atop a hill and overlooking the old city, as the boat approaches the Old Bridge. Next, admire picturesque views of the grand villas along the Neuenheimer riverbank and don't miss the famous Philosophenweg. As the boat turns around at the Wielblinger Wehrsteg, see the historic town hall on your return journey, before disembarking back at the pier. This trip encapsulates the most significant highlights of Heidelberg, while allowing you to relax aboard ship.

Heidelberg: Riverboat Tour to Neckarsteinach and Audio Guide

2. Heidelberg: Riverboat Tour to Neckarsteinach and Audio Guide

Discover the castles of the Neckar valley on this riverboat tour from Heidelberg to Neckarsteinach. Relax aboard a comfortable ship with a covered seating area where you can choose your seat. Have the option of choosing a one-way trip or a round-trip cruise. Check in at the activity provider's office and board the spacious ship. Set off through the countryside. Pass under one of the arches of the 18th-century Old Heidelberg Bridge. Admire the ruins of the Renaissance Heidelberg Palace. Set off through the winding waters through the verdant countryside. Capture pictures of the four castles of Neckarsteinach. Look for local wildlife like deer, boar, and birds as you sail through the verdant Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park. Relax and purchase delicious food and refreshing drinks onboard as you sail along. With your round trip ticket, you can stay in Neckarsteinach to visit the castles or travel back to Heidelberg at any time.

Heidelberg: Walking Tour of the Old Town

3. Heidelberg: Walking Tour of the Old Town

Look behind the scenes of Heidelberg! If you want to discover the exciting, romantic, funny and always entertaining stories Heidelberg has to offer, join this guided tour of the old town and learn more from the qualified guides. Enchanting alleys and squares, small gardens that pop up unexpectedly, museums and galleries: Heidelberg’s old town has many facets. This tour will breathe life into the city’s past, adding rich detail to the contours of today’s city. Whether it is the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Jesuitenviertel, Germany’s oldest university with its Students’ Prison, or other sightseeing attractions: every place of interest in the old town has a unique ambiance and history well worth immersing yourself in for a few minutes. The tour also passes along the main street, one of the longest pedestrian zones in Europe. Many detours into the alleyways of the old town confirm the truth of the old saying “you only truly learn about the countryside by taking the back roads.”

Heidelberg: Night Watchman Historic Adventure Tour

4. Heidelberg: Night Watchman Historic Adventure Tour

Learn all about the lives of those on the outside of society with this interactive historical adventure tour through scenic Heidelberg. Take in the City Hall, Korn Market, and all the key sights as you go. Meet your Night Watchman at Hercules fountain in the Market Square to begin your tour of Heidelberg from below. Hear stories from Medieval history as you pass by the landmarks like the Korn Market Madonna, the Palais Prinz Carl, and the Palais Graimberg. Pause at Karl Square and admire the ruins of the city's old castle. Stroll through old small streets and paths with your guide including Eselspfad, Leyergasse, Semmelgasse, and Steingasse. Stop at the 18th-century Holländer Hof and learn about the fate of those living outside the city walls. Admire the iconic old town bridge as you immerse yourself in old Heidelberg in the company of your Night Watchman.

Sinsheim: Technik Museum Day Pass and IMAX 3D Ticket

5. Sinsheim: Technik Museum Day Pass and IMAX 3D Ticket

Explore the Technik Museum Sinsheim – which offers a unique variety of technology, unparalleled worldwide, just an hour south of Frankfurt. Embark on a journey through time and discover the milestones of technical history. See a red Ferrari, learn about the record that the Blue Flame set, and learn the cubic capacity of the Brutus experimental vehicle. See the largest dance hall organ in the world, and the Concorde. In addition to the supersonic jets and other aircraft that you can walk right up to, there is even more: hundreds of elegant vintage cars, motorcycles high in horsepower, sports cars, colourful dragsters, powerful agricultural machines, Formula-1 legends, nostalgic racing bikes, and huge steam locomotives. Imax 3D Laser 4K Then, enjoy a unique adventure documentary and Hollywood blockbusters in IMAX size, on gigantic, 22 x 27-meter screen. Enjoy a crystal-clear and razor sharp brilliance from the screen with 12-channel surround sound and mega bass. Take a break at our restaurant or bistro which will spoil you with cold and hot meals, beverages as well as coffee and cake.

Heidelberg 6-Hour Tour from Frankfurt

6. Heidelberg 6-Hour Tour from Frankfurt

Experience the charm of Heidelberg on this day trip from Frankfurt which includes entrance to Heidelberg Castle. Board a bus in the morning and spend the day seeing sights like the one of the largest wine bottles in the world.  Hop aboard an air-conditioned bus at a centrally-located bus stop in Frankfurt. Sit back and relax on the drive to Heidelberg. Visit the world-famous ruins of Heidelberg Castle which has a stunning combination Gothic and Renaissance elements.  Stroll through the expansive courtyard and admire the views from the terrace. Marvel at one of the largest wine barrels in the world. Wander through the medieval town center to find the Old Bridge, the Karlstor, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Admire the Haus zum Ritter (Knight's house) with its magnificent Renaissance façade. Take a walk on old narrow lanes lined with half-timbered houses. Pass by Germany’s oldest university and is full of interesting stories.  Extra time can be spend philosophizing on the Philophenweg (Philosophers' Way) or purchasing a glass or two of excellent regional wine. Return to Frankfurt by bus at the end of your tour. 

Heidelberg & Neckar Valley: Segway Tour - 360 Degrees

7. Heidelberg & Neckar Valley: Segway Tour - 360 Degrees

Discover Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley on this Segway tour. Ride along the Philosophenweg (philosphers' way), pass by the Neuburg Monastery, and admire views of Heidelberg Castle. Uncover facinating information about the city from your guide.  Start your tour at the Neckarmünzplatz and cross the Old Bridge to the opposite side of the river Neckar. From there, head to the first highlight of this 360 degree tour, the Philosophenweg (philosphers' way) with a fantastic view over the city. Roll on by the Neuburg Monastery, which was founded in 1130. Continue to the Köpfel and see the Neckar Valley, the city of Heidelberg, and the Rhine Valley from above.  Follow your guide to the valley to Ziegelhausen and make your way uphill easily to the Wolfsbrunnen restaurant and conference center which has been extensively restored to its former glory. Hear about its glamourous, star-studded guestlist. Go further towards Heidelberg Castle and pass Villa Bosch and the Carl Bosch Museum, which will provide fascinating insights into the life and the inventions of Carl Bosch, the Nobel Laureate from Heidelberg. Enjoy the amazing view of the castle garden from above the castle before gliding further to the Klingenteich. Pass the Jewish Cemetery on your way back to the Old Town and the starting point at the Neckarmünzplatz.

Heidelberg: On the trail of the Night Watchmen

8. Heidelberg: On the trail of the Night Watchmen

The call of the night watchman rang out every hour in the streets of the former electoral residence on the Neckar. And now it sounds again: During the tours of the Heidelberg night watchman. The tour starts at the Market Square, by the Hercules Fountain. You'll pass by the City Hall, Holy Spirit Church, and Palais Prinz Carl (former Grand Hotel, one of the most beautiful wedding locations in the region). Walk along small historic streets like Burgweg and Kanzleigasse until you reach Karl Square from where you can enjoy the best view of the world-known ruins of the old castle. Pass by many old historic buildings like Palais Boisseree, Science academy, Schmitthenner House, and many more. The guide will share entertaining stories about the sites and things that one experienced in the nocturnal streets of Heidelberg, the history of the city, its streets and squares, its local originals, and personalities.

HeidelbergCard: 1, 2, or 4 Days

9. HeidelbergCard: 1, 2, or 4 Days

Discover the city of Heidelberg with one card: entrance tickets to Heidelberg Castle, a cable car ride to the castle, free use of public transport, and many discount and special offers are included! All HeidelbergCARD options include many discounts. Whether it is for tours, culture, museums, restaurants, or shopping – with the HeidelbergCARD you can enjoy the city even more! With the card you can also use public transport for free. The HeidelbergCARD allows you to ride on the city’s VRN metro buses, trams, and authorized trains - 2nd-class seats on Deutsche Bahn: Regional-Express, Regionalbahn, and S-Bahn - in the greater Heidelberg area, or “Wabe 125” fare zone, during the period shown.

Heidelberg: BODY WORLDS Museum Entrance Ticket

10. Heidelberg: BODY WORLDS Museum Entrance Ticket

Learn about all aspects of the human body through unique exhibits at the amazing BODY WORLDS Museum. Visit the permanent collection created by plastinator Dr. Gunther von Hagens and curator Dr. Angelina Whalley and explore the human anatomy. Examine organ functions, questions about health, and the interesting Anatomy of Happiness exhibition that examines what makes is content. Track your own happiness at interactive stations and understand the wonderful complexity of your inner world. Marvel at the precise and scientifically focused preparation of the plastinates, and enjoy their aesthetically pleasing, creative, and often delightfully whimsical presentation.

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Frequently asked questions about Heidelberg

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Other Sightseeing Options in Heidelberg

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What people are saying about Heidelberg

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 3,445 reviews

I didnt realise that the tour was for a small group. We had a total of 7 people. We took a minivan and Michael was very accommodating and made us feel comfortable. We were like a family travelling together. Michael shared with us alot of information along the way. He also shared recommendations on places to go to, restaurants to visit and things we can do in Frankfurt. He also brought us to the castle, the Pharmacy Museum, The Hielderberg Tun and shared with us the history behind it. We were give ample time to expore the old town. It was truly a heartwarming experience and Michael made it even more memorable.

We had a great time exploring Heidelberg even though it was freezing. It was cool to have some additional pieces of history provided as we tried to find different landmarks. Our brains weren’t functioning well in the cold and the riddles were frustrating at times but the app lets you skip that part if you want. Overall it was a fun way to see things that we would have probably missed.

Our guide Peter was excellent - very informative and a pleasant gentlemen. The castle tour was amazing and Peter informed us just enough to make it interesting - not overwhelming us with dates and facts. We would have liked to have a little more time downtown in the city, but overall very happy with our choice.

The castle was amazing! I was a little skeptical as it states ruins but it is magical! The town is great too! Definitely a must see!

Peter was a fantastic guide, and Heidelberg was everything I imagined it would be!