Surrounded by mountains and packed with quaint baroque architecture, Heidelberg is a popular tourist destination in the south of Germany! As one of the few cities spared from bombing during the Second World War, Heidelberg is the perfect destination for discovering the nation’s vast history.

As it is quite a safe city, most areas are great for staying in. This can make it challenging to figure out where the best spot is – especially since the city is so spread out along the river.

That’s where we come in! We’ve discovered the seven best areas in and around Heidelberg to help you decide where you should stay during your time in this charming city.

So let’s get started!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Heidelberg

• Where to stay inHeidelberg for your first time? Neuenheim
• Where to stay in Heidelberg close to everything? Weststadt
• Where to stay in Heidelberg for nightlife? Altstadt
• Best neighborhood in Heidelberg for families? Rohrbach
• Where to stay in Heidelberg on a budget? Bergheim
• Where to stay in Heidelberg for couples? Handschuhsheim
• Best neighborhood in Heidelberg off the beaten path? Ziegelhausen

Where to Stay in Heidelberg

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Heidelberg.

Heidelberg 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighbourhoods in Heidelberg. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 – Neuenheim

 Best neighbourhood in Heidelberg for your first time!

• COOLEST thing to do in Neuenheim – take a walk around the University of Heidelberg Botanic Gardens – a beautiful green space in the heart of the area
• BEST place to visit in Neuenheim – Alte Johanneskirken im Neuenheim is a centuries-old church on the main street

Though many tourists head straight to the Altstadt in their first few days in the city, Neuenheim is another great area for first-time visitors! Just on the opposite side of the river from the main tourist center, Neuenheim offers a combination of historic sights, local culture and laid-back living that will enrich your stay in the city.

Neuenheim is very well connected with the surrounding areas of Heidelberg, however, it has a much more peaceful atmosphere that makes staying here a breeze! For first time visitors, Neuenheim is a much more eclectic experience than the more traditional areas.

• Head to Heidelberg Zoo – located in neighboring Neuenheimer Feld, it is quite a large attraction with multiple enclosures
• During the summer, CocoSUP offer stand-up paddleboard hire which gives you a unique way to take in the city centre
• Neckarwiese Heidelberg is the large parkland that flanks the river – perfect for a relaxing stroll to take in the sights!
• Bar Central Heidelberg is an easy going nightlife venue where you can enjoy a good meal late into the evening and great prices on drinks
• For a great cup of coffee, you can’t go wrong with Cafe Blank and its warm, local atmosphere

Best Budget Hotel in Neuenheim

Rafaela Hotel Heidelberg

One of the best-rated budget hotels in the entire city, Rafaela Hotel Heidelberg is right on the main street in Neuenheim – giving you easy access to the best the area has to offer as well as to the Altstadt! A complimentary breakfast buffet is included as part of the rate.

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Best Mid-range Hotel Hotel in Neuenheim

BS Boutique Hotel

A boutique and modern hotel located centrally in Neuenheim this is the perfect place to stay on a trip to Heidelberg if you’re on a mid-range budget. BS Boutique Hotel is a small hotel, but is packed full of fantastic and deluxe amenities along with a free continental breakfast that is served every morning!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Neuenheim

House of Hütter Heidelberg Suites & Spa

Included in the international Small Hotels of the World collection, Boutique Hotel has a warm and welcoming atmosphere whilst still providing you with the same comforts as larger hotel chains! There is a large private spa area on site offering a wide range of holistic therapies and facilities.

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Before your trip, find out about Berlin’s best hostels!

Neighborhood #2 – Weststadt

 Where to stay in Heidelberg close to everything!

• COOLEST thing to do in Weststadt – Bergfriedhof is a famous cemetery in the area – though seemingly a bit of a morbid activity, it is great for exploring
• BEST place to visit in Weststadt – check out the S-Printing Horse – an interesting monument to modern life in Heidelberg

Located west of the Altstadt, Weststadt is a major transportation hub in the city. As the location of the main train station, Weststadt is the perfect base for getting around Heidelberg easily – as well as further afield within the Baden-Wüttermberg province. For those only visiting for a short time, or arriving late, Weststadt is worth considering!

Though a little bit more residential than the city centre, Weststadt still has some interesting attractions in its own right! There are some fantastic green spaces around the area allowing you to soak up the laid back nature of the city. It also has some great local restaurants!

• The Hauptbahnhof itself has some great bike hire facilities surrounding it – a great way to take in the city!
• Unwind at Massage Heidelberg – one of the best-rated spa facilities in the city, this is the perfect way to end a long day of exploring
• Fans of holistic therapies and wellness will also enjoy Salzraum – a heated salt room facility where you can relax and even enjoy some yoga
• Dine at Krokodil Restaurant – their menu offers some excellent German cuisine, and the quirky decor features plenty of crocodiles
• If you’re up for a typical hipster brunch, you can’t go wrong with Nomad – their avocado toast is famous across the city!

Best Budget Hotel in Weststadt

ibis Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof

Known across the globe for their budget-friendly comfort, we had to include the ibis on this list! A breakfast buffet is served from 4am to midday, giving you plenty of time to grab that first meal to prepare you for the day. High-speed WiFi can be accessed in all rooms and common areas.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Weststadt

Hotel Restaurant Krokodil

Hotel Restaurant Krokodil is a traditional and intimate hotel in Westdat that boasts a tasty on-site eatery serving up a storm of tasty German cuisine. The hotel also has a fantastic location near the center of Heidelberg with top attractions including the castle, Old Bridge, and Neckartal-Odenwald nature park being just moments away from the property.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Weststadt

Boutique Suites Heidelberg

Our top pick for splurge hotels in the city, this is another great boutique option for those looking for laid back luxury! The rooms are innovatively designed to combine modern elegance with traditional flair. A complimentary buffet breakfast is provided every morning, and there is free parking on site.

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Neighborhood #3 – Altstadt

 Where to stay in Heidelberg for nightlife!

• COOLEST thing to do in Altstadt – ride on the Konigstuhl Funicular for marvellous views across the city
• BEST place to visit in Altstadt – Deutsches Verpackungs Museum is a quirky attraction dedicated to historic packaging and advertising

We’ll be honest – Heidelberg isn’t your typical nightlife city. If you want loud clubs, the bigger cities are your best bet. If you want laid-back, local dive bars with a great selection of beer and great vibes, then Heidelberg Altstadt is the place to be! This is where you will experience how Germans have partied for centuries.

As the Old Town, it is also the home of most of the city’s historic attractions! This makes it the main tourist hub, so be aware it can get quite busy in the summer. Nevertheless, if you want to be in the heart of the action, you absolutely need to stay in the Altstadt.

• The Student Jail is one of the most popular attractions in the city where you can learn about history, culture and graffiti in Southern Germany
• Whilst the German Pharmacy Museum might not sound like an exciting attraction, it is incredibly well-rated thanks to its deep insight into the colorful history of the profession
• Take a walk along Steingasse at night – this is where most of the popular bars are located in the city
• Marktplatz is the main hub of Heidelberg where you can admire the awe-inspiring historic architecture and unwind at the bars and restaurants

Best Budget Hotel in Altstadt

Hotel Villa Marstall

Despite being a budget hotel, this gorgeous hotel is almost an attraction in itself thanks to the traditional furnishings and historic façade! It overlooks the river, giving you an unparalleled location in the heart of the Altstadt. Guests are provided with a complimentary breakfast buffet every morning.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Altstadt

Hotel Anlage Heidelberg

A traditional hotel with a grand historical exterior, Hotel Anlage, is a unique place to stay in Alstadt. The hotel also features incredible facilities, including deluxe bedrooms equipped with en-suites along with a beautiful terrace that boasts impeccable views overlooking the city.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Altstadt

Hotel Europäischer Hof

One of the highest rated hotels in Heidelberg, this five star gem has a historic reputation for providing unbeatable levels of service in the heart of the Altstadt! There is a large spa facility on site with saunas, steam rooms and a pool. There is also a well-equipped fitness centre and excellent WiFi.

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Don’t worry! We have more hostels in our article on the best party hostels in Berlin!

Neighborhood #4 – Rohrbach

 Best neighbourhood in Heidelberg for families!

• COOLEST thing to do in Rohrbach – take on the hiking trails by the side of the nearby mountain area – Mittlerer Weg is great for most abilities
• BEST place to visit in Rohrbach – Boulderhaus Heidelberg is a great indoor rock climbing arena that’s perfect for families

Though quite far out of the city, Rohrbach is a very community focussed area that makes it a great option for families that want a peaceful stay in the city! There are plenty of excellent recreational facilities in the area thanks to its residential nature, helping to keep you away from the bustling tourist zones.

The locally oriented facilities mean most of the restaurants and shops have a homely atmosphere and give you a more authentic experience! Despite the distance from the centre, public transport keeps Rohrbach well connected with the Altstadt and beyond.

• Kartonmodell Museum Heidelberg is a fascinating exhibit dedicated to cardboard models of various local attractions and international icons
• Heimatmuseum Rohrbach is a small building that has exhibits showcasing the history of the local area – great for learning about the community
• Sportzentrum Sud has plenty of recreational facilities where you can try out a variety of sports and activities
• Located within a traditional building, and beautifully updated with modern design, Traube Rohrbach is the perfect restaurant to try out German cuisine with the family
• There are also plenty of excellent Italian restaurants in the area thanks to immigrant communities – including Leone Doro

Best Budget Hotel in Rohrbach

Hotel Rose

This family-run hotel is the most centrally located accommodation in Rohrbach, taking you to the heart of the community! Rooms are well equipped with modern conveniences, and the rates are unbeatable for the area. Hotel Rose has great communal areas, giving you a sociable experience despite the private rooms.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Rohrbach

Hotel ISG Heidelberg

A little bit further out, this hotel is located right next to Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park – allowing you to experience the lush natural beauty surrounding the city! Though rooms are basic, they have everything you need for a short trip to the area. There is also a fitness centre and sauna on-site.

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Short on time in Berlin? Doesn’t matter we have trips from Berlin you can do in one day!

Best Luxury Hotel in Rohrbach

Boardinghotel Heidelberg

For a little more privacy, Boardinghotel Heidelberg offers fully serviced apartments alongside the convenience of hotel-style accommodation! This is perfect for families that are self-catering in the city. Free parking facilities are available to all guests, as well as high-speed WiFi in every apartment.

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Neighborhood #5 – Bergheim

 Where to stay in Heidelberg on a budget!

• COOLEST thing to do in Bergheim – take an easy going trip through Heidelberg with CitySeg’s Segway tours
• BEST place to visit in Bergheim – Koerperwelten Museum is a darkly fascinating attraction featuring anatomical displays

Despite its relatively central location, Bergheim is a haven for budget travellers! Located right next to the Altstadt, and with easy access to both Weststadt and Neuenheim, this is a great base for people that don’t want to spend too much on accommodation and food whilst still being within walking distance of the main attractions.

Even staying within the area is a rewarding experience thanks to the myriad of tourist attractions, locally owned restaurants and quirky boutiques! There are many well-priced tour companies based in Bergheim, allowing you to experience the city with those in the know.

• Sample cheap cocktails, mingle with locals and dance the night away at SKYlounge Der Turm, the most popular nightlife venue in the area
• Heidelberger Trabi Tour allow you to explore Heidelberg on four wheels – perfect if you want an easy going overview of the stunning German city
• If you’re keen on shopping, head to Altes Hallenbad where you can pick up some unique homewares and souvenirs
• Sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine at Das Bootshaus – a nautical themed bar right on the riverfront
• If you just need a taste of home, Moe’s Roadhouse has a surprisingly excellent range of American cuisine – it’s also very popular with locals!

Best Budget Hotel in Bergheim

GuestHouse Heidelberg

GuestHouse Heidelberg is a collection of two studio apartments, giving you a little more privacy whilst still offering budget-friendly rates! Apartments are well designed with sleek, modern furnishings and cutting edge technology. The high-speed WiFi is also well rated by previous guests, and complimentary coffee is provided.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Bergheim

Boardinghotel Westarkaden Suites

A basic but super modern and clean apartment hotel in the heart of the Bergheim neighborhood, you are sure to have a comfortable stay at Boardinghotel Westarkaden. The hotel features several different room options, many of which come with kitchenettes and en-suites.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Bergheim

Qube Heidelberg

Though Qube Heidelberg is a four star hotel, it offers slightly lower rates than other luxury options giving you five star service at mid-range prices! This ultra-modern hotel is packed with additional facilities to ensure you have a comfortable stay. A buffet breakfast is included as part of the rate.

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Neighborhood #6 – Handschuhsheim

 Best neighbourhood in Heidelberg for couples!

• COOLEST thing to do in Handschuhsheim – climb to the top of Heiligenberg, the towering mountain that looks over Handschuhsheim
• BEST place to visit in Handschuhsheim – Tiefburg Handschuhsheim is a historic church in the heart of the area

Located in the far north of the city, Handschuhsheim has long been one of the most desirable areas in the city for locals! For visitors, this allows you to enjoy a luxurious experience as you wander around the top-notch restaurants and shopping streets. This makes it the ideal spot for couples visiting Heidelberg.

Handschuhsheim is also surrounded by natural wonders – including the Heiligenberg mountain. This has long been a popular hike for locals, and is a little bit less touristy than the mountains close to the Alstadt – perfect for a romantic trek in the German countryside!

• Though Heidelberg isn’t the first place you think of when seeking fun wine tasting experiences, VinoOnTour aims to change that with their excellent offering
• Take a day at the spa at Chada Thai Massage – aside from the massages, they have a wide range of Thai spa treatments that are perfect for couples
• St Vitus Church is a major historic landmark in the city and contains one of the many gorgeous cemeteries that have become tourist attractions over the past few years
• Tuck into hearty German grub amongst a bright and airy setting at Alt Hendesse – perfect for date night!

Best Budget Hotel in Handschuhsheim

Deutscher Kaiser

This is the perfect choice for young couples on a budget, and gives you a bit of an upgrade whilst still remaining well priced! The spacious rooms are equipped with modern furnishings that create an open and airy space to unwind after a long day of exploring. Free WiFi can also be accessed throughout the hotel.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Handschuhsheim

AUERSTEIN-Hotels auerstein & auerstein-mono

With a city center location and spectacular city views from both the large terrace area and some of the boutique hotel rooms, this is a great mid-range hotel in Handschuhsheim. Its city center location also means plenty of hospitality options and attractions are nearby the hotel including the Theatre Heidelberg and the Castle Heidelberg.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Handschuhsheim

Das Lamm

This historic hotel was recently upgraded to four star status thanks to the fantastic levels of service and great facilities! The traditional ambience is perfectly complemented by the decor, allowing you to experience a piece of Heidelberg history. They offer both rooms and apartments and serve an Italian style breakfast.

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MUST READ! We’ve organized the best places to stay in Munich for all types of trips!

Neighborhood #7 – Ziegelhausen

 Best neighbourhood in Heidelberg off the beaten path!

• COOLEST thing to do in Ziegelhausen – take a hike through the vast Odenwald forests that surround Ziegelhausen
• BEST place to visit in Ziegelhausen – Stift Neuberg is a benedictine monastery just outside Ziegelhausen that is open to visitors

Ziegelhausen provides an entirely different experience than other areas of Heidelberg! Separated from the city centre by mountains and the large Odenwald forest area, Ziegelhausen feels like its own little town on the outskirts of the city, giving you a more local experience than in the centre.

For those looking for an off the beaten path experience, Ziegelhausen has plenty to offer! Whether you want to explore functioning monasteries or discover untouched nature, there’s a little something for everyone in Ziegelhausen if you are willing to travel out this far.

• Max Berk is a textile museum in the centre of Ziegelhausen, detailing the production of various textiles in the area across history
• For less experienced hikers, Neckar Meadows runs along the riverfront and is a fairly easy walk that caters to most abilities
• Despite serving mostly international cuisine, Bursali Doener Haus is a very typical experience for the local area and great for mingling with locals
• Capri takes Heidelberg’s obsession with Italian cuisine to the next level, with an excellent al fresco dining area overlooking the river
• Head north to neighboring Peterstal, located in a valley it is surrounded by dramatic viewpoints and challenging hikes

Best Budget Hotel in Ziegelhausen

Hotel Neckarlux

Right in the heart of Ziegelhausen, Hotel Neckarlux is the best located for discovering the area! Guests are rewarded with mesmerising views across the Neckar river, and excellent levels of service. An Italian style breakfast buffet is provided every morning, which comes with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Ziegelhausen

Hotel Garni Steinbacher Tal

Hotel Garni Steinbacher Tel is a homely guest house with comfortable facilities and a super-welcoming team of staff who will go above and beyond to make sure you have a great stay in the city. The hotel also offers a hearty breakfast, which is the perfect way to energize yourself for a day of exploring Heidelberg.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Ziegelhausen

Hotel Garni

There aren’t any splurge hotels in Ziegelhausen due to the lack of tourism in the area, however, the Hotel Garni offers both luxury and budget friendly rooms – making it great for a variety of visitors to the area! The cosy hotel is well equipped for a short stay in the area.

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Heidelberg?

Heidelberg is a very touristy city, but with good reason! Its historical attractions are a rarity for cities in Germany, making it a great base to discover ancient architecture and traditional culture. There are also plenty of great restaurants and shops waiting to be explored.

For the best area, we are going to have to go with the obvious choice – the Altstadt! Everything you need is based in this area, and it provides easy access to all other sections of the city.

Nevertheless, if you are looking for something specific then one of the other areas mentioned on this list might be the best choice for you. We hope we have helped you to plan your upcoming trip to this Southern German gem!

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments!

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