Travel Tips for Heidelberg, Germany

Cost: €€ (expensive)

Safety: 4/5 for solo female travellers

This article also includes information about a day trip to Stuttgart in Germany.

Heidelberg is known for its stunning architecture, cultural attractions, natural beauty and delicious cuisine. It has an association with romanticism and is often considered one of the most romantic cities in Germany.

The city’s location on the Neckar River, its architecture, and its enchanting atmosphere have seemingly inspired poets, writers, and artists for centuries. I would recommend visiting the city for 2 days, and overall I think it is safe for solo female travellers.

How to get there

You can fly direct from Dublin to Frankfurt am Main Airport via Aer Lingus and Lufthansa. The flight length is about 2 hours. You can also fly from Cork and Shannon but there will be stop-overs.

You will then need to get the Deutsche Bahn train from Frankfurt (Main) Hbf to Heidelberg Hbf which will take 1 hour 30 minutes. If you don’t want to travel by train, you can get the Flixbus which takes 1 hour 35 minutes.

Language, Currency & Weather

The official language in Heidelberg is German, however I managed just fine speaking English. Germany’s currency is the Euro. 

Summer is warm yet cloudy in Heidelberg, with temperatures ranging between 15 and 26 degrees Celsius. In winter, the weather is quite cold, with temperatures between 0 and 5 degrees Celsius.

Public Transport

Most journeys in Heidelberg can be made on foot or by bike. However, if you do need to use public transport, buses and trams (Strassenbahn or Stadtbahn) are the main form of transportation.

To pay for your transport, single tickets (about 2 euro) can be bought at ticket machines or with the driver. In my opinion, if you intend to use transport several times during your trip, then buy a day ticket (“Ticket 24” for 5 euro).

Where To Stay

When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Heidelberg, there are several options available. However, it depends on your preferences and budget.

My recommendations in the city centre would be Hotel zum Ritter St. Georg, Hotel & Gasthaus Backmulde, Hotel am Schloss or Hotel-Restaurant Hackteufel.

Hotel Panorama or Staycity Aparthotels are also good options, however they are a bit away from the city centre.

There are some hostels to choose from if you are on a budget, including Lotte The Backpackers and Steffis Hostel.

Where To Go & What To Do

Heidelberg offers a variety of activities and attractions that cater to different interests. My top recommendation would be to visit Heidelberg Castle, which is a stunning medieval castle perched on a hill overlooking the city.

After this, take a stroll through the Heidelberg’s Old Town, known as Altstadt and visit the medieval Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit). While you’re there, have a look at the many shops and cafés along Hauptstrasse, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets. I would also recommend you visit the German Pharmacy Museum if you’re interested in history and culture.

Meanwhile if you’re into art, visit the Kurpfälzisches Museum which houses artwork and archaeological discoveries.

Next, explore the grounds of Heidelberg University, one of Germany’s oldest universities. Take a look at the Old University Building and the Student Prison.

Hike up the Philosophenweg (“Philosopher’s Path”) for breathtaking views of Heidelberg and the Neckar River, or enjoy a boat ride along the river and take in the beauty of Heidelberg from a different perspective.

Stuttgart:

For a day trip, I travelled to Stuttgart, located in southwestern Germany. I must say it is a vibrant city that has a lot to offer.

My suggestions would be to take a stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding Stuttgart Palace. It is the former residence of the Kings of Württemberg and now houses several museums.

After this, make your way to Schlossplatz, the central square of Stuttgart that is home to the New Palace. Soak in the atmosphere, and admire the elegant buildings and fountains.

I ended my day trip with some shopping and dining along Königstrasse, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets.

What & Where To Eat

When in Heidelberg, you must try the traditional German cuisine like schnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerkraut.

For dinner, I went to the city’s oldest tavern, Zum Roten Ochsen for its bratwurst and beer – it did not disappoint!

I also tried Weinstube Schnitzelbank in the old town centre for some of the best schnitzels as well as Rothaus Tannenzäpfle beer from the Black Forest.

Wirtshaus zum Spreisel is a historical spot with views of the old bridge and the green hills. It serves traditional German meals, and has a great atmosphere. I went here for lunch.

For coffee, I stopped by Pannonica, which is a small café with great music and local artists display their work on the walls.

Have fun in Heidelberg!