Heidelberg Germany: 1-day Itinerary and Map

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Heidelberg Germany

Heidelberg is a city in Germany located in the state of Baden-Württemberg. It is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in Germany.

Altstadt HeidelbergHeidelberg 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

Altstadt HeidelbergAltstadt HeidelbergAltstadt Heidelberg

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

Heidelberg CastleHeidelberg 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

Karl Theodor BridgeNeckar River View from Karl Theodor BridgeKarl 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

PhilosophenwegPhilosophenweg

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

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

Königstuhl

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

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

Botanical Garden

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

The Marriott is located on the banks of the Neckar river.

Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar.

Vangerowstraße 16, 69115

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2. 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 

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3. 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

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4. 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

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5. 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

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6. 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

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7. 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

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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, StuttgartMainz, 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)

Book a Train Trip

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

40 Popular Train Routes in Germany

German States Map

German States and Regions