One Day in Heidelberg: A Guide to the Best Sights and Sounds

• Heidelberg Castle - Start your day by visiting the iconic Heidelberg Castle that offers stunning vistas of the Old Town. The Gothic-Renaissance style castle is located on the hills of the Neckar River and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It's a perfect place to take photos and learn about the rich history of Heidelberg.
• Old Bridge - Head down to the Old Bridge where you can see the beautiful views of the Neckar River and the Old Town. You might also come across some street performers and musicians who add to the charming atmosphere of the area.
• Heiligenberg - After crossing the Old Bridge, climb on the other side to the Heiligenberg which is a forested hill that has scenic walking trails, the ruins of the Monastery of St. Michael, and the world's largest wine barrel at the Heidelberg Tun.
• Marktplatz - Next head to the Marktplatz to see the beautiful architecture of the historical Market Square. It has been the center of the city's social and commercial life since the 14th century. Be sure to visit the iconic Heidelberg fountain and enjoy the bustling surroundings.
• Philosophenweg - Finish the day off at the Philosophenweg which is a philosopher's walk. It offers breathtaking views of the Old Town and the Neckar River. The walk takes you through gardens, vineyards and historical landmarks that gives you a glimpse into the daily lives of Heidelberg's scholars and philosophers.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Heidelberg Castle (2 hours, 10 EUR)
• Old Bridge (45 minutes, free)
• Heiligenberg (2 hours, 5 EUR)
• Marktplatz (1 hour, free)
• Philosophenweg (1.5 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs: 15 EUR

Transportation

Most of the sights are within walking distance of each other, but visitors can also take public transportation like buses or trams. A single ticket for the entire network costs 2.50 EUR and is valid for 1 hour. Taxis are also available but can be much more expensive, costing around 15-20 EUR for a short ride.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a boat tour on the Neckar River, exploring the University Library or visiting the Karl Theodor Bridge. If you have less time, consider skipping the Philosopher's Walk or only visiting Heidelberg Castle and the Old Bridge.

Airports

Heidelberg is primarily served by the Frankfurt Airport, which is the largest airport in Germany and located approximately 80 km north of Heidelberg. The airport code is FRA. Travelers can use trains, buses or taxis to get to the city center which takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the mode of transportation.