Heidelberg City Centre Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Heidelberg City Centre
Popular places to visit
Heidelberg Castle
This ruined Renaissance castle stands majestically on a hilltop and presents incredible views of the Neckar Valley from its beautiful garden.
Marktplatz
Go for a stroll and view the pretty heritage streetscape around Heidelberg’s traditional market square, which is anchored by an impressive Gothic church.
University of Heidelberg Old Campus
With some of the city’s most historically and architecturally interesting sites, Germany’s oldest university forms the beating heart of the Heidelberg Altstadt.
Church of the Holy Spirit
Enjoy superb views of Heidelberg’s Old Town from the tower of this 14th-century church, which took nearly 150 years to build.
Heidelberg University Library
Whether you come to study, read or simply take a walk around an impressive building, the principal library of the University of Heidelberg is a fascinating place to visit.
Heidelberg Student Jail
Heidelberg’s 500-year-old university has seen numerous troublemakers. Take a tour of the cells used to imprison carousing students for minor offenses.
Activities
Tour through Heidelberg in the footsteps of the night watchmen
Heidelberg: Breakfast boat cruise
Heidelberg Old Town: Romantic Walking Tour & Game
Heidelberg: Entertaining Guided Tour to Old Town Highlights
Heidelberg: City Walk Audio Guide in 7 Languages on your Phone
Our pick of the best Heidelberg City Centre Hotel Deals
PLAZA Premium Heidelberg
Clean room
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg
This is a family run, first class hotel. The staff are efficient and friendly. The guest rooms we had were just first rate. A suite is really a suite. You cannot buy or manufacture old world European charm and hospitality. At this property these qualities are 4 generations in the making. This hotel ...
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025
Hotel Am Schloss
Great location, great staff, very well worth it
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026
Hotel Heidelberger Hof
Clean room. Great location. Very comfy beds. Front desk staff were very friendly. I will definitely stay here again
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
City Partner Hotel Holländer Hof
Excellent welcome
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026
Hotel & Restaurant Hackteufel
nice room in heart of old town. great for christmas markets
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Check Heidelberg City Centre hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Heidelberg City Centre
Neuenheim
Unique features of Neuenheim include the river views and historical sites. Make a stop by Neckarwiese or Karl Theodor Bridge while you're exploring the area.
Weststadt
Weststadt is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Neckar Valley-Odenwald Nature Park and Schatzkammer.
Bergheim
Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Bergheim. If sightseeing is on the list, Neckar Valley-Odenwald Nature Park is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Heidelberg (West) Central Station Tram Stop or Heidelberg Seegarten Tram Stop to see more of the area.
Handschuhsheim
You'll enjoy the breweries and churches in Handschuhsheim. You might want to make time for a stop at Neckar Valley-Odenwald Nature Park or Thingstätte.
Südstadt
While Südstadt may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Neckarwiese and Heidelberg University Library.
Bahnstadt
Though Bahnstadt may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Heidelberg Zoo and Neckarwiese.
