9:00 AM – Start at Bismarckplatz (Main Square)

Grab a coffee and a quick German pastry at a café like Kaffeezimmer or Mahou Coffee. This is the gateway to the Old Town.

9:30 AM – Walk the Hauptstrasse (Main Street)

This charming pedestrian street is lined with boutiques, bakeries, and historical buildings. Stroll your way toward the castle.

10:30 AM – Visit Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg)

Take the funicular (Bergbahn) up to the castle.

• Explore the courtyards, ruins, and the world’s largest wine barrel.

• Visit the Pharmacy Museum inside the castle.

Tip: Buy a combination ticket that includes the funicular, castle entry, and museum.

Lunch (12:30 PM)

Head back down to the Old Town and eat at Schnitzelbank or Wirtshaus zum Seppl – both serve hearty German food and local wine/beer.

Afternoon

2:00 PM – Philosopher’s Walk (Philosophenweg)

Cross the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke) and follow signs to the Philosophenweg.

• Great views of the castle and Old Town from above.

• Quiet, peaceful path with historical info along the way.

3:30 PM – Ice Cream or Coffee Break

Back in town, try Gelato Go, Yilliy for vegan options, or a cozy café for Kaffee & Kuchen (coffee and cake).

4:00 PM – Student Prison & University Library

Visit the quirky Studentenkarzer, a historic student jail with graffiti left behind.

Then check out the University Library and surrounding campus area – one of the oldest universities in Germany.

Evening

6:00 PM – Dinner

Eat along the river at Heidelberger Kulturbrauerei – a local brewery with great atmosphere.

Or try Vetter’s Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus for traditional dishes and house-made beer.

8:00 PM – Stroll by the Neckar River

Enjoy a peaceful sunset walk along the river or grab a drink at a riverside bar.

Want it more nature-focused, romantic, or food-oriented? Let me know and I can tweak it.