Altstadt (Old Town)
Altstadt (Old Town)
4.5
About
The Old Town of Heidelberg starts from Sofienstrasse and brings you to the castle. In the middle there is the University Area (the oldest university in Germany), the main shopping street (Hauptstrasse) and it includes to famous Karl-Theodor-Bridge / the Old bridge.
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- Kelly BIowa5,608 contributionsPicturesqueQuite a lovely place to walk around. It was very crowded when we were there. We parked at a nearby transit station, and then took the train in (about a 5 minute ride). The streets are very narrow, and it seemed like parking would be a nightmare.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 25, 2023
- Aniello SaggeseBaronissi, Italy2,085 contributionsVisiting the Old TownThe first time I heard the name Heidelberg was during my studies in computer science. Some pretty good software tools were developed within its university. While nearby, I heard that Heidelberg is also a popular tourist destination, so we decided to spend a day visiting the Old Town and in particular its castle. The old town, developed between the castle hill and the river Neckar, was a little damaged during the Second World War and is very pleasant to visit. Here, there are monuments, religious buildings, beautiful squares and, to finish, its famous church and old bridge. A Beautiful panoramic view may be enjoyed from the terraces of the castle.Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten January 6, 2024
- StellayinParis, France289 contributionsBeautiful old town but disappointing public toiletsWe had an old town city tour with a guide 4 days ago. The overall experience was very nice, until when we needed a break to go to the toilets The tourist guide brought us to the public toilets which are located nearby the church. The public toilets are free of charge but very dirty and smell really bad.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 30, 2024
- therese lCobleskill, New York934 contributionsOld Town HeidelbergJust wandering around the Old Town can take an entire day as you explore the shops, cafes, and churches as well as soaking in the feel of the area. Be prepared for lots and lots of other people doing the same thing! We were pleasantly surprised by a South African youth group singing and dancing along the street when we arrived - didn't have that one on my bingo card for Heidelberg.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Paul L
Lintgen, Luxembourg307 contributions
Jun 2022
Quaint little narrow streets off the main street, a bustling area of shops cafe's, restaurants and bars. Some beautiful architecture, buildings, church and cobbled streets. Students and tourists in abundance gives it a great atmosphere.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KTLeber
Frankfurt, Germany1,002 contributions
Aug 2023
One of the few large old town areas in Germany that have been preserved. It is worth strolling through the side streets of the very long main street. There are still some gems to be discovered there.
And then there are some comments to be made about some of the reviews that you can read here:
1. Anyone who has not yet noticed that Heidelberg is at the top of the list of German sights in the world and that the city is therefore full of tourists has lost touch with reality.
2. Tourists who complain about too many tourists should be aware that they are part of the problem.
3. I don't go to an old town like this to shop.
4. When I book a hotel in the old town, I have to ask whether there are parking spaces. Anything else is ignorant.
And then there are some comments to be made about some of the reviews that you can read here:
1. Anyone who has not yet noticed that Heidelberg is at the top of the list of German sights in the world and that the city is therefore full of tourists has lost touch with reality.
2. Tourists who complain about too many tourists should be aware that they are part of the problem.
3. I don't go to an old town like this to shop.
4. When I book a hotel in the old town, I have to ask whether there are parking spaces. Anything else is ignorant.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue M
Williamsburg, VA1,536 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We walked the Old Town, covering numerous Heidelberg sights. Such a lovely old town with lots of great shops and plenty of places to eat. I'm so glad that we decided to do this Viking included tour of Heidelberg from our river cruise. I read Rick Steve's guide book on Germany and he did not recommend visiting Heidelberg, saying that it was too modernized. I usually like his travel recommendations but I definitely disagree with his opinion of Heidelberg. It was worthwhile visiting.
Written May 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steveage
Rexburg, ID3,129 contributions
Jun 2019
Heidelberg and particularly this downtown area were not what I expected. It was beautiful, but utterly hammered with thousands of tourists on June 30. We walked up and back from the Schloss Castle to this old town area. I really wanted to see Heiliggeistkirche in this market/plaza area. However, something special was going on inside, so it was closed. Heiliggeistkirche is literally surrounded with tourist shopping booths. Nothing sold here is made in Germany, but tourists go for these little junky trinkets - well, my wife does too! Anyway, be aware, this is a very popular destination, which usually this means the shop owners are accustomed to all the tourists. It just didn't have the friendly feel, on the contrary, shop owners seemed to be a bit perturbed.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therese l
Cobleskill, NY934 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Just wandering around the Old Town can take an entire day as you explore the shops, cafes, and churches as well as soaking in the feel of the area. Be prepared for lots and lots of other people doing the same thing! We were pleasantly surprised by a South African youth group singing and dancing along the street when we arrived - didn't have that one on my bingo card for Heidelberg.
Written September 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Massimiliano P
Novara, Italy44,885 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Heidelberg is a very lively and animated town, an important university center and a well-known tourist destination. The old city, which develops between the castle hill and the bank of the Neckar river, is quite pleasant to visit, with the presence of numerous eighteenth-century baroque architecture, some interesting religious buildings, beautiful squares and monuments and finally the famous old Bridge. A town, little damaged during the Second World War, very pleasant to visit. The panoramic view of the historic center from the castle terraces is beautiful.
Written November 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ulrich F
Berlin, Germany343 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
I know many old German cities (Bamberg, Nuremberg, Augsburg, Würzburg etc.)
Heidelberg does not play in the first division for me.
The houses and squares are partly worth seeing.
But the streets and squares overflow hopelessly.
In the narrow streets in every 2nd House a locality. And if only one row of tables “sticks” to the house wall, all tables are occupied. Eat and see and be seen. Those who like it are right here.
At the beginning of September there were still semester breaks, when the students join in, then it will be really cozy.
Heidelberg does not play in the first division for me.
The houses and squares are partly worth seeing.
But the streets and squares overflow hopelessly.
In the narrow streets in every 2nd House a locality. And if only one row of tables “sticks” to the house wall, all tables are occupied. Eat and see and be seen. Those who like it are right here.
At the beginning of September there were still semester breaks, when the students join in, then it will be really cozy.
Automatically translated
Written September 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laczkozsu
Debrecen, Hungary2,431 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
We spent a day in this charming university town just passing through. First we walked around the heart of the city, in the Old Town. We discovered many small boutiques, cosy cafés and traditional beer gardens in the narrow cobbled streets between the timber-framed houses. Here you can relax for a while. The main square, the Marktplatz, is the centre of the Old Town, with beautiful buildings, including the Town Hall. In the middle of the square stands the Hercules Fountain. You could spend more time here.
Written December 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stellayin
Paris, France289 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We had an old town city tour with a guide 4 days ago.
The overall experience was very nice, until when we needed a break to go to the toilets
The tourist guide brought us to the public toilets which are located nearby the church.
The public toilets are free of charge but very dirty and smell really bad.
The overall experience was very nice, until when we needed a break to go to the toilets
The tourist guide brought us to the public toilets which are located nearby the church.
The public toilets are free of charge but very dirty and smell really bad.
Written May 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thomas r
26 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
The place is a disappointment overall If you have traveled much this is a let down with a lot of hype . Old town bland not colorful not many buildy worth a second look.The castle is a VERY SMALL RUIN and if you ever traveled in the UK or Ireland a let down .Save your time n go elsewhere
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
해용 강
Bucheon, South Korea
Best parking place for looking around old town?
Hope not too expensive..
Written May 19, 2019
Parkhaus Kornmarkt/Schloss is best parkingspot in Heidelberg.
Written May 19, 2019
Is Heidelberg castle open to tourists on a sunday
Written April 22, 2018
Yes, but take into account that it's Sunday and you might face a queue after 11 a.m. On the other hand if you want to take advantage of the surroundings you can walk to the castle from downtown area is not so far. But this depends on how much you like walking!
Written April 23, 2018
Pretendo visitar a cidade num bate e volta de trem com base em Frankfurt. Porém vi que a estação de trem de Heidelberg é um pouco longe do centro e do castelo. Além disso, o Caminho dos Filósofos fica mais longe ainda. Gostaria de saber qual a melhor forma de mobilidade la, especialmente para o trajeto entre o centro turístico e a estação de trem.
Written July 20, 2017
Para a altstadt tem transporte público, para o caminho dos filósofos talvez tenha que pegar táxi.
Written July 20, 2017
Are most of the places open on Easter Monday?
Written January 13, 2017
I'm not 100% sure but you are likely to find attractions such as Heidelberg Castle open (at least limited hours) on Easter Monday. We were there on Dec 26th and while it is a public holiday in Germany (St. Stephens Day) and most of the businesses were closed, some restaurants were open in the old town and a few tourist shops. To expand further it is generally not permitted to sell commercial goods on Sundays and public holidays.
As I mentioned, we were able to tour Heidelberg Castle on a public holiday so if that is one of the attractions you want to visit on Easter Monday, I would just double-check their website. The same for any other attraction you might be interested in visiting while you are in this lovely old city. Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Written January 16, 2017
During the week the shops are open until about 9pm. Saturdays they allow for weekend tourists many places stay open until well past 9pm. Of course restaurants, bars etc are open later. Area appeared to be very safe, had no problems. Although they say that Sunday shops are closed we found quite a few open in the afternoon. Most are going to church in the AM.
Written October 17, 2016
HI again, what is the best way to travel from Dusseldorf to Heidelberg? I'm assuming the train but not sure what train. Thanks for your help!
Written May 2, 2016
deed the train is ideal, if you do not have a car. It is a smooth ride. trains go on the average every hour, but you will have to check the DB schedule. They have fast as well as slower trains, depending on the number of stops. there also are first and second class cabins. enjoy.
Written May 3, 2016
HI! We will be in Heidelberg June 3-5 (traveling from Dusseldorf) and are trying to find accommodations in Old Town (Altstadt). Any suggestions? Maybe an apartment or studio for the weekend?
Written May 2, 2016
I only recommend hotels that I have stayed in and rate 5* or 4*. In Heidelberg I recently stayed at Hotel zum Ritter St Georg in the Aldstadt. It's on the Haupstrate and looks down towards the old bridge. Originally a merchant's house, it has been a hotel for 250+ years. The interior has had a complete makeover so the rooms are tasteful and comfortable. You might assume that the bustle in the street will be one awake at night but that's not the case - the Aldstadt is very quiet after 10.00 pm, apart from the tolling of the clocks, which is quaint. What you will get from staying here for a couple of nights is a beautiful sense of history, and you'll remember that for a long time, believe me. You can find my recent review of Hotel zum Ritter St Georg on tripadvisor
Written May 3, 2016
Hi! We have been to the castle . We want to see the old town center, the cathedral, but what else is there?
Written May 17, 2015
Something else to see the old town is the University which is the oldest in Germany and one of the most important specially in science. Also there is the Studentenkarzer (the student Jail) created around 1386. The buildings around that are also from the same time.
The church of the Holy Spirit is one of the most important downtown Heidelberg. Its original structure is from the XIII century and it was finished around the 1440.
Also you can see the Zum Ritter Hause in Market Square, which is a beautiful building that is now a hotel.
Carl-Theodor-Brücke or the Alte brucke has a very nice entrance, but I will recommend to go to the other side where you will have a beautiful view of the castle and some buildings of the old town that you may be able to see when you go back to the other side. Take a stroll by the river Neckar is a very nice experience. Also on the other side of the riveryou will find the Philosophenweg where you will have very nice views of the city.
Then go visit Karlsplatz, another nice place with a fountain and Kornmarket which many people say it is the pretiiest square in the Old Town. There are many restaurantes, stores of many different things, from fossils, to amber, clothing etc.
Written May 19, 2015
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