4 Days Heidelberg Itinerary: Best Places to Visit in Heidelberg

Day 1 | Morning

Heidelberg Palace

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 8 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg Castle is located on the Throne Mountain. It is built of red sandstone. Although it has been dilapidated, it still retains its former style. It looks down on the old city of Heidelberg and the Neckar River at the foot of the mountain like a king. The castle was built in the 13th century. Under the impact of 30 years of war and the war of title succession, the destroyed castle is still being repaired, and the heavy damage left by the war is still clearly visible. There is a cable car station to the castle behind the grain square on the south side of the market square. You can take the cable car to the top of the castle, or you can choose to walk up from the stone steps of the grain square (about 15 minutes), and enjoy the scenery along the way. Before entering the atrium, you can pay attention to the ring handle on the city gate. There is a clear crack on it. It is said that the owner of the castle promised to give the castle to someone who could bite off the iron ring handle, so a witch was eager to try it. It was futile but left teeth marks. Stepping into the atrium, you will be greeted by Frederick's Mansion. The front wall is engraved with exquisite statues of emperors of all dynasties, which are very eye-catching. Enter the underground wine cellar on the left side of Frederick's Mansion, where the Grosses Fass is located. The world's largest wine barrel was built in 1591, with a diameter of 7 meters and a capacity of 220,000 liters. It is used to store the wine brewed by the townspeople, and there is a "small wine barrel" (KleinesFass) next to it. In one corner of the basement is the puppet of the Italian harlequin Pecoo, who has been in charge of the large wine barrel. Because of his addiction to alcohol, he is now regarded as a "Bacchus" by the locals and is well-loved. The bar on the side provides wine tasting, a glass of about 2.5 euros. The Otterherich Mansion on the front facade is very majestic. The exquisite carvings and decorations highlight the style of the Baroque period. There is a German Medicine Museum inside. The medicines from the 16th to 19th centuries are displayed in China, including the miracle medicine for the treatment of joint diseases. It is said to be derived from human fat. There is a red triumphal arch in the courtyard. Although it is not large in scale, it is quite romantic because it was built overnight. It was a 20th birthday gift from Frederick V to his wife in 1615. There is a large garden behind the castle, which is open for unlimited hours and is free to enter. You can enjoy beautiful flowers and fountains, and you can also overlook the old city of Heidelberg. There is a Goethe bench in the center of the garden, which is said to be a place where Goethe likes to linger and rest when he walks. There is a collapsed building next to the garden, yes, the powder tower, which still retains its appearance after being bombarded by the French in 1693, only half of which survived. Another theory is that the gunpowder tower was struck by lightning, so it became what it is today, so you might as well find out.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Marios V: Heidelberg Castle is absolutely fantastic. Its a must if you visit the tranquil yet fascinating city of Heidelberg. It has breathtaking views on Nekar River. You may also book a guided tour via headphones in multiple languages. There also frer tickets for people with disabilities by showing the relevant documentation and for the person accompanying him/her as well, that can have the outdoor tour as the indoor is not so easily accessible for them.

DeeHyun: You’ll definitely enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Entrance is free.

Day 1 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Heidelberg Palace, don’t forget pay a visit to Deutsches Apotheken-museum.

Deutsches Apotheken-museum

Ticket Price: 9 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Schlosshof, Heidelberg, BW 69117 Germany

This museum mainly shows the development of the pharmacy industry from ancient times to the 20th century. There are multiple unique collections, rare pharmacy dispensing rooms and an alchemy laboratory. In addition to the glazed pottery from Italy, the Netherlands and Germany, it is worth visiting the pharmacy glassware from Germany. Exquisite shape, unique taste, it is worth seeing.

Day 1 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Deutsches Apotheken-museum, Boutique Hotel Heidelberg Suites - Small Luxury Hotels nearby is the best place to stay.

Boutique Hotel Heidelberg Suites - Small Luxury Hotels

These suites and apartments provide a beautiful place to stay in Heidelberg. They are located on the River Neckar, next to the Old Bridge and a short walk from all attractions. Heidelberg Suites is a boutique hotel on the site of a splendid villa with a private spa, which was originally built at the turn of the 20th century. The suites have been meticulously restored and stylishly designed by an internationally renowned architect and designer. The rooms and suites at this Small Luxury Hotels accommodation offer all modern amenities to ensure guests a comfortable stay. Most offer a view of the Old Bridge and Heidelberg Castle. The luxury accommodation combines Italian architecture and German romanticism. A limited number of parking spaces is available at the property, and there is a public car park 800 metres away. Guests are allowed to drive up to the property to drop off and pick up their luggage.

Day 2 | Morning

Palatinate Museum

Ticket Price: 3 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Hauptstrasse 97, 69117 Heidelberg

The Kurfalz Museum is a palace built by the Elector of Heidelberg. Its exterior color is reddish brown and it was built in the 13th century. In the battle of succession of the Prussian Dynasty in the 17th century, it was bombarded by the French army and only the ruins remained, and it is still being maintained today. The museum is home to a large collection of 15th- to 20th-century art and a 600,000-year-old replica of the mandible of Heidelberger, so don't miss it when visiting.

Day 2 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Palatinate Museum, you can head to Garden of the Palatinate, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Garden of the Palatinate

Ticket Price: 7 EUR

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-0.5 Hours

Location: Schlosshof 1, 69117 Heidelberg

Hotus Paratius Gardens are geometrically shaped inside Heidelberg Castle. In 1614, Frederick I built for his wife Elizabeth, completed by famous garden architect Salomond Goss. The garden was once considered the eighth wonder of the world and a model of the castle garden in European history. The south-east of the garden is still a man-made cave with an art fountain and a sandstone sculpture of the Rhine Father River on the left. The platform overlooks the Rhine Plain.

Day 2 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Hotel Europäischer Hof Heidelberg

Dating back to 1865, this luxury 5-star hotel in the heart of Heidelberg’s historic centre offers a modern spa centre and views of the world famous castle. High speed WiFi is free for guests.Elegant, individually styled rooms with high quality furnishings are offered at Europ?ischer Hof Heidelberg. Bathrobes and slippers are provided in the modern bathrooms.All guests can use the well equipped gym for free. Single travellers enjoy free use of the Panorama Spa Club, and this includes a pool, saunas and a steam room.The roof terrace with sun loungers offers excellent views of the city and countryside. The sophisticated Kurfürstenstube restaurant offers gourmet international cuisine, and fine wines can be enjoyed in the Europa Bar. A rich breakfast buffet can be booked each morning.The Philosophenweg Path lies just 1.5 km from Europ?ischer Hof Heidelberg, and overlooks the scenic Neckar River.

Day 3 | Morning

Old Bridge Heidelberg

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-0.5 Hours

Location: Am Hackteufel, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg Bridge (AlteBrucke), also known as Karl-Theodor-Brucke Bridge, was built in AD 1869 and has a history of more than 200 years. This old bridge with nine arches was built by Elector Karl Theodor in 1786-1788. On the left bank of the river, a solid entrance was built leading to the bridge. At the head of the bridge there were two round towers guarding the entrance to the city. The towers used to be dark prison cells.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Marios V: Heidelberg old bridge is fantastic, located in the old city. It has breathtaking views on the river Neckar and ideal to take loveky photos that you will always allows you to remember your experience there. There are many shops and restaurants after crossing the bridge and the largest pedestrian Street in the wjoke Europe

Day 3 | Afternoon

Philosophenweg nearby is the top choice before you leave Old Bridge Heidelberg and hit the road.

Philosophenweg

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Philosophenweg, Heidelberg, 69120 Germany

The Philosopher's Trail is a walking trail about two kilometers long. Because of its beautiful scenery, it has been loved by scholars and philosophers throughout history, who often wandered here to capture the inspiration of ideas. Hence the name Philosopher's Trail. Today, the trail is still a great place to overlook Heidelberg's old town from across the bank. Note that there is only one small seasonal kiosk on the Philosopher's Trail. If you need drinks and food, it is better to prepare them yourself.

Day 3 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Arthotel Heidelberg is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Arthotel Heidelberg

This boutique design hotel in Heidelberg features modern accommodation behind a historic façade. It is located beside the university in the Old Town. Schloss Heidelberg castle is 800 metres away. The rooms and suites of the Arthotel Heidelberg feature wooden flooring, a flat-screen TV and a bath tub. Free sparkling water is provided on arrival. A rich breakfast buffet is available each morning in the Romer Restaurant. Regional and international cuisine is served here for lunch and dinner. Guests are welcome to relax with a cocktail in the Romer Lounge. During the summer, meals and drinks can be served on the roof terrace or courtyard terrace. On-site parking is provided for an extra fee.

Day 4 | Morning

Neckar

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Neckar, 69115 Heidelberg

The Neckar originates in the Black Forest and is an important tributary of the Rhine in Baden-Württemberg. The Neckar runs through the city in Heidelberg, clinging to the old town. There are riverbanks for pedestrians to walk on both the north and south banks of the river, especially the north bank, with lawns and gardens, which are good places to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Day 4 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Neckar, don’t forget pay a visit to Brass Monkey Statue.

Brass Monkey Statue

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Neckarstaden, 69117 Heidelberg

There is a sculpture of a bronze monkey at the head of the Old Bridge in the old town. The bronze monkey holds a mirror in his hand, and there are two mice around him. Come here and touch the mirror in the hands of the bronze monkey, which means to bring wealth to yourself. Holding the finger extended by the bronze monkey will bless you to return to Heidelberg in the future. Touching the mouse is a blessing for you to have many children and grandchildren, which is very interesting.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.