Heidelberg is a beautiful German destination that will make you love it. The gorgeous castles, romantic settings, and dreamy ambiance offer a memorable choice of entertainment, fun, and culture wherever you are heading. The heavenly cuisine served here further enhances your holiday experience and takes it to the next level. Let’s take you through various things to do in Heidelberg for the best German holiday experience.
Best time to visit Heidelberg
The summer months are warm, and less rainy days are ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities. July and August are the tourist peak seasons, and you may witness larger crowds here on every street corner. The winter months around the end of November till the new year are milder in terms of the crowd, but participating in the season festivities and celebrations will be an opportunity you will cherish lifelong.
The ideal number of days for exploring the best of Heidelberg
You will not take much time to uncover Heidelberg as it is not a very big city in terms of area and attractions. You can easily uncover the best of Heidelberg over 1-3 days.
Top things to do in Heidelberg
Let us take you through the top things to do in Heidelberg that will complete your holiday experience in all aspects, irrespective of your taste and preferences.
Body Worlds Museum
This destination features among the top Heidelberg things to do on your German holiday. The museum features unique plastinates that detail the most critical organs, functions, and diseases of the human anatomy. The interactive exhibits that give you a detailed understanding of the concept of happiness stand to be the highlight of this amazing destination.
Heidelberg Castle
The Heidelberg Castle was elevated as a national monument with its charm and elegance extended to its gorgeous garden, which was never completed. Built before 1214, it was extended to two castles in the next 80 years. However, the upper castle was destroyed by a lightning bolt in 1537. As a romantic ancient ruin, this castle has inspired many local and international artists in their respective works.
Germany Pharmacy Museum
Nestled in the Heidelberg Castle, it is considered among the finest Renaissance buildings in Germany. This classical museum features an extensive collection that showcases the apothecary trade history spread across ten rooms from ancient times till the 21st century. Learn about herbal remedies and how people were treated with 1,000+ medicinal products. You will also find numerous apothecary vessels made of earthenware, glass, and vibrantly colored maiolica that are worth checking out.
Old Bridge and Monkey Statue
As you head towards the old town, the prominent red bridge covering the entire Heidelberg River will catch your attention easily. Standing strong for almost 250 years, the old bridge has a monkey statue with a strong history that goes beyond superstitions. The monkey’s mirror is assumed to bring you money and prosperity, whereas the bronze-cast mice symbolize fertility.
Marktplatz
Fondly known as the Central Square, the Marktplatz features among the top Heidelberg things to do due to its rich history and the focal point of several iconic attractions such as the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Hauptstrasse, the Hercules fountain, and the Town Hall. The winters witness a special fondness for gingerbread and mulled wine that sells like hotcakes. You will find numerous shopping outlets and eateries for a perfect family day out.
The Church of the Holy Spirit
This ancient structure housed the tombs of the Palatinate electors until a fire bolt destroyed it during the War of Palatine Succession. An Episcopal Church in the Anglican Communion, in the Diocese of New Jersey, brings together the best Reformed and Catholic traditions, thereby celebrating the Word and the Sacrament. The only ruins still active is the tomb of the Prince-Elector Rupert III, who is the church’s founder.
Strolling along the Hauptstrasse
This is probably the ideal response to what to do in Heidelberg. Suppose you do not have any specific travel interests to cover. In that case, you can stroll aimlessly from one end of the old town to another, covering almost 1.8 kilometers. Witness fabulous sights of the various landmarks defining the old town as you stroll through one of the oldest pedestrian zones in the entire European region.
Philosophenweg
The Philosophers’ Walk gives you instant access to the picturesque vistas of the old town, the river, the castle, the King’s seat, and the Old Bridge. Standing almost 600 meters above the city level on the southern hill slope of the Saints, it is one of the best destinations to visit in Southern Germany.
Heidelberg University
Image Credit : www.uni-heidelberg.de/en
The oldest German university features a mind-blowing library and student prison. Its twelve faculties offer undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and postdoctoral levels in over 100+ disciplines. Founded in 1936, this state-of-the-art German Excellence University is part of the U15 and among the League of European Research Universities and the Coimbra Group founding members.
Heidelberg Zoo
You do not need to be an animal lover to visit the Heidelberg Zoo. Several diverse activities and events are hosted in the Zoo that cater to the requirements of all age groups, including families with little ones. The climbing towers, “Ark” play ship, and the two water playgrounds continue to hog the limelight here. The Zoo overall focuses on experiential education by engaging with its visitors.
Heidelberg Botanical Garden
Founded in 1593, the Heidelberg Botanical Garden features among the oldest gardens in the world. It has evolved over the years into a research and academic education center focussing on species conservation, a fern canyon, an alpine plantation, horticultural trade and training, a 4000-square-meter greenhouse, and public education. Housing some of the most species-rich plant specialties in the entire region, visitors and tourists explore various plant species spread over almost three hectares of land.
Shopping destinations in Heidelberg
Shopping for some travelers is a favorite pastime but an addiction for some. Shop till you drop at the Hauptstrasse, Darmstadter Hof Centrum, Untere Strasse, Galleria Kaufhof, Sofienstrasse, and GOODsHOUSE, where you can add to your favorite collection of accessories, clothing, souvenirs, gifts, and much more.
Placed at the midpoint of the university area
What to eat in Heidelberg?
German cuisine can be hearty and is a delight to every soul. You name it, from schnitzel to beer to bratwurst to ice cream, and Heidelberg offers it for you. Reservation is mandatory while visiting places. Else, you are likely to receive a last-minute disappointment. Some top places to eat in Heidelberg are Schnitzelbank, Essighaus, Zum Hirsch, Nokta, Zeit fur Brot, and Ok Cool, which offer a heavenly culinary experience that will literally tantalize your taste buds.
Conclusion –
Heidelberg is a vibrant German city that encompasses fascinating elements of the region’s history and culture. It easily stands out among the top German destinations you would like to visit on holiday. Famed for its ancient castles and old universities, this southern German city has enough to offer and attract tourists with its amazing offerings. The guide above will help you plan and schedule your itinerary per your travel tastes and preferences. It will be the ideal answer to what to do in Heidelberg. So, what are you waiting for? Book your Heidelberg holiday today.