Heidelberg is one of Germany’s prettiest cities and well worth a visit. It’s a popular destination for both German and international tourists. Amidst the popular attractions and crowded streets, there are hidden local gems waiting to be discovered by those willing to explore beyond the beaten path.
Make this most of your time in Heidelberg with these hidden locals gems. I’ve spent a lot of time in Heidelberg and treat it as my home base between trips. I love spending time here, there’s so much to do and see here beyond the top touristy sights. This is a collection of the best places to eat, to drink and to explore, showcasing the hidden local gems in Heidelberg for your next trip.
About Heidelberg
It would be a good idea to preface this post with a little bit about Heidelberg. If you’re just after the local gems skip to the list below.
Located on the banks of the Neckar River in southwestern Germany. Heidelberg is nestled between forested foothills and the river and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. It’s is a university town, with a university that dates from the 14th Century. There’s a lot of young people here with almost 1/4 of the cities population students.
Visitors to Heidelberg are spoilt for choice. Take in the gothic church towers over the cafe-lined Marktplatz, stroll across the beautiful old bridge and admire the incredible views from Heidelberg Castle. And this is just the beginning. There’s much more to Heidelberg than just the main sights. This guide is here to help you discover more of the local delights.
Getting around Heidelberg
There are many options for getting around Heidelberg. One of the best and easiest ways to get around is by bus or tram. If you’re staying outside the old town, I would recommend starting in Bismarckplatz. From Bismarckplatz, Heidelberg is compact enough that almost all the major sights are within walking distance. If you do need to go further, the buses/trams are frequent and easy to understand. Just use Google Maps to work out where you’re going.
Bike: If you’re interested in riding around, check out the bike share app called nextbike. There’s bike stations all over the city (and other cities in Europe) and you can rent a bike for €1 per 15 mins.
Walking: Heidelberg old town is easy to navigate on foot. However, If you’re interested in more walking around Heidelberg, check out my list of best short walks here.
The Heidelberg Hidden Gems
1. Best Gelato – ok kool
If you have not already realised, I am a sucker for ice cream. But only good ice cream. To curb down my spending I have a self-imposed minimum star rating of 4.4 on Google Maps. Anything less than 4.4 stars and I won’t be visiting it. ok kool not only passed the review threshold, but it also more than exceeded my expectations.
To get to ok kool, walk from the main street (Hauptstrasse) towards the river. You can find ok kool opposite the university dining hall. ok kool’s prices are low, the flavours delicious, the quality high and it’s significantly less touristy than the ice cream shops on the main street. This hidden local gem in Heidelberg is more than worth the short detour.
Find it here.
2. Best beer – Brauerei zum Klosterhof GmbH
One of my favourite hidden local gems in Heidelberg on this list. On a sunny day I recommend getting here via a walk through the forest. The brewery – Brauerei zum Klosterhof (literally translated as ‘brewery at the monastery courtyard’) is on the grounds of an old monastery. They make all their own beer here. The location is stunning and they sell seriously good (and cheap) beer. I have been here multiple times and often take friends here during nicer weather.
To get to the brewery there are three main options:
- Hike through the forest,
- Walk next to the river,
- Get a bus.
There’s also a restaurant within the monastery grounds for when you get hungry.
Find the brewery here.
Best Short Walks in Heidelberg
Looking for something more active to do while in Heidelberg? Check out my list of best walking in and around Heidelberg here.
3. Best Viewpoint(s)
I thought long and hard about where the best viewpoint in Heidelberg was. In the end I’ve decided that it isn’t possible to give you just one. There’s a reason why Heidelberg is considered one of the prettiest cities in Germany. These viewpoints take full advantage of Heidelberg’s beauty, allowing you to see it from all angles.
Depending on the time you have available, here are four great options:
- Heidelberg Castle Gardens – keep walking past the castle for excellent views.
- Königstuhl – walk or catch the funicular from near the castle.
- Philosophers Way – On the opposide side of the river to the old town.
- Tower Aussichtsturm auf dem Heiligenberg – Higher up the hill above the Philosophers way, combine this with number nine below.
You can’t go wrong with any of the views. Especially if you visit at sunset.
4. Best Cheap Lunch – Nachbarschaft or Mahmoud’s
Looking for a bite to eat for lunch in Heidelberg? These hidden local gems are great value and very popular with locals. You can’t go wrong with either option. Both places feature fresh ingredients, healthy meals and delicious foods. There are many excellent vegetarian and vegan lunch options available at either location.
Find Nachbarschaft here.
Find Mahmoud’s here (old town) or here (bergheimer).
5. Best Park – Neckarwise
Bring a picnic, soak up some sunshine and sit by the river to make the beautiful Neckarwise Park. On a warm summer evening you will find the area filled with locals making the most of the good weather. Just be careful of the geese and all the geese poo. There are also several bars nearby for an afternoon drink in the sunshine.
Find the park here.
6. Best non-German meal – Die Maske Afrikas
If you’re looking for something different from typical European cuisine, I highly recommend visiting this place. It’s a little bit of a detour out from the centre but is will more than scratch that itch for something different. Plus it’s a great way to see more of Heidelberg including more of the suburban life. The food is delicious! I’ve been here multiple times and will be going back again in the future.
Find it here.
7. All you can eat German Pizza – Flammkuchenhof
If you’ve never tried German pizza, known as Flammkuchen, then this is the place to go. Flammkuchen is traditional for this region, making Heidelberg the perfect place to try it. Flammkuchenhof is a popular location for locals and university students. It’s known for its good value and all you can eat German pizza.
Find it here.
8. Best Schnitzel – Weinstube Schnitzelbank
I first discovered this place through a friend who told me that Weinstube Schnitzelbank was THE best schnitzel they had ever eaten. Despite these lofty expectations (and that schnitzel is traditionally Austrian), the schnitzel here more than exceeded my expectations. If you’ve never had a schnitzel before, go here. The restaurant is very popular and on any given night you’ll find a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the delicious food. I recommend getting schnitzel with spätzle (pronounced Shpetzluh) for an extra dose of authenticity. Be sure to reserve a table during the summer.
While not a hidden local gem in Heidelberg, this place is too good not to mention.
Find it here.
9. Hidden Ruins – Thingstätte and Michaelskloster
Heidelberg has A LOT of history, and it’s not just the old castle that’s worth seeing. From the old town, cross the river and walk up the hill to the Thingstatte and Michaelskloster. The walk takes you through beautiful, lush forest and offers excellent views along the way. I recommend walking past by the tower Aussichtsturm auf dem Heiligenberg (see hidden local gems number 3 above) for excellent views over the city. Walk through the Thingstatte and continue uphill to reach the Michaelskloster Heiligenberg. Michaelskloster also has a tower with some great views. I go here regularly as it’s such a lovely walk to get here. Check out the best route here.
Find it here.
10. Best Cake(s)
Germans love cake. So if you’re looking for good cake, you’ve come to the right place. There’s many decent options available throughout Heidelberg. But not all cakes are baked equal. These two places have some of the best cakes I’ve eaten in Heidelberg. They both have a good variety of options and delicious flavours. Chocolaterie Yilliy Heidelberg is located close to the old bridge and is perfect for a cozy afternoon. If you’re looking to sit outside, than Strohauer’s Café Alt Heidelberg offers great indoor and outdoor seating.
Find Chocolaterie Yilliy here.
Find Strohauer’s Café here.
Conclusion – Hidden Delights
Heidelberg is a fantastic smaller city in Germany filled with hidden local gems. It’s compact, there’s a lot to do and it offers stunning views around every corner. With these hidden local gems, you can go beyond the tourist traps and uncover the authentic charm and vibe of Heidelberg. Whether indulging in sweet treats, sipping on local brews, taking in stunning views or savouring traditional cuisine, these local gems promise unforgettable experiences for your next trip.
That’s it for my list of hidden local gems in Heidelberg. I hope you enjoy finding these places as much as I did.
Where are your favourite places to visit in Heidelberg?
Let me know what you think in the comments or if there’s any other great places you think I’ve missed.
Happy Exploring!
Kieren