Heidelberg 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Old Town

  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Zum Ritter St. Georg (website) or similar, located in the heart of Heidelberg’s Old Town.
  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional German breakfast at your hotel or visit Café Knochenhauer (website) nearby.

Activities:

  1. Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg): Explore the ruins of this iconic castle, offering stunning views over the city. (website)
  2. Old Bridge (Alte Brucke) and Church of the Holy Spirit: Cross the Old Bridge to visit the picturesque Church of the Holy Spirit, which dates back to the 14th century.
  3. Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophierweg): Stroll along this beautiful path that connects Heidelberg Castle with the Old Town, offering lovely views over the Neckar River.

For Lunch:

  • Try traditional German dishes like Sauerbraten or Schnitzel at Zur Gemüsen (website).

Day 2: University Quarter & Philosophers’ Garden

  • Breakfast: Visit Bäckerei & Konditorei Leimgruber (website) for a delightful breakfast pastries.

Activities:

  1. University Quarter (Universitätsviertel): Wander through the historic university quarter, home to several architecturally impressive buildings and student hangouts.
  2. Philosophers’ Garden: This peaceful garden offers a tranquil retreat from the city’s bustle, with stunning views of Heidelberg Castle.
  3. Karl Theodor Bridge (Karl-Theodor-Brücke) & Great Elector’s Monument: Cross the bridge and take in the breathtaking views before stopping by the Great Elector’s Monument.

For Lunch:

  • Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Trattoria La Perla (website) or traditional German food at Zur Tanne (website).

Day 3: Heiligenberg & Bergkirche

  • Breakfast: Grab a quick bite at one of the cafes in Old Town before heading out for the day.

Activities:

  1. Heiligenberg: Take a cable car (website) or hike up to Heiligenberg, where you can find the beautiful Bergkirche and panoramic views of Heidelberg.
  2. Heilig-Geist-Kapelle: Visit this chapel atop Heiligenberg, which dates back to the 13th century.

For Lunch:

  • Relax with a picnic lunch on Heiligenberg or grab a bite at Restaurant Heiligenberg (website).

Day 4: Visit Neuenheim & Ziegelhausen

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at one of the many cafes in these neighborhoods, such as Café Blech (website).

Activities:

  1. Zoological Garden (Tiergarten): Spend the morning exploring this lovely zoo with over 500 animal species. (website)
  2. Neuenheimer Feld: Take a leisurely walk through this expansive green space, home to Heidelberg University’s sports facilities and the German Cancer Research Center.
  3. Ziegelhausen: Visit this charming neighborhood for its unique shops, restaurants, and historic sites like the 18th-century villa known as “Museum im Krahenberg.”

For Lunch:

  • Savor Thai cuisine at Gurkha (website) or traditional German dishes with a modern twist at Wirtshaus zum Roten Ochsen (website).

Day 5: Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy your final breakfast in Heidelberg before checking out of your hotel.
  • Transportation: Catch a taxi or use public transportation to get to the train station for your departure. Don’t forget to take some souvenirs home with you!