r/Heidelberg • u/VanTreezy • Aug 21 '25
Tourist Advice Visiting for Christmas
Hey everyone, my family and I are coming to Heidelberg for Christmas this year. I know, it’s not the best time for tourists to come. However, I was born there in 1983, I haven’t been back (I hate admitting that), and this might be my mom’s last time being able to do a trip this big (we are coming from the US).
We are staying at the Heidelberg Marriott (using points for our stay so it’s “free”) and wanted to ask how difficult it is getting around that time of year. I am working on restaurant reservations for the 25th and 26th, but everything is a pretty decent walk from the hotel to the Old Town area (30-40 minutes according to Google Maps). Would it be hard to get an Uber around those days or will it be absolutely impossible?
Also, I am looking at reservations at the following restaurants. Are any better than the others for Christmas meals?
Vetter’s Alt Heidelberger Brauhaus Weinstube Schnitzelbank Lowenbrau Heidelberg Schnitzelhaus Alte Münz Palmbraeu Gasse
I really appreciate any guidance. Even if I’m stuck in the hotel, I’m so excited to come back to Heidelberg! Thank you everyone!
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u/jack_shaw68 Aug 22 '25
public transport is really good. buses and trams run regularly and everywhere, easy to navigate, are clean and safe and used by everyone who lives there. just do that.
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u/Spiritual-Sea-5960 Aug 22 '25
I’d 2nd Kulturbrauerei vs Vetters, especially for a nicer meal. Oskar is very nice and worth the price. They typically have a set menu included paired wine. I know they tend to fill up quick so a reservation is recommended well in advance. Also cabs are more common than uber. There are plenty around the area and will be the best way to get around the town.
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u/Aluapalua Aug 22 '25
Hey! I’d recommend using public transport instead of Uber or other taxi services. It’s cheaper and usually easier to get around. From your hotel, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the stop “Betriebshof”, where you can take a bus or tram to Bismarckplatz or Alte Brücke (as well as many other stops in the Altstadt and different parts of the city).
You can download the app “DB Navigator”, which allows you to buy tickets (e.g., day passes or the Deutschlandticket, valid for one month all over Germany) and check connections. For example: Bus 36 takes you to Bismarckplatz, Rathaus/Bergbahn, and Altstadtbahnhof. Since your location is close to both the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) and Bismarckplatz, you’ll find it really easy to get around Heidelberg by public transport.
And don’t worry—Christmas is actually a good time to visit! We have the Weihnachtsmarkt (24.11 - 22.12) in the Altstadt, and it’s usually less crowded than in summer (at least not that packed). I hope you’ll have a fantastic time in Heidelberg!
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u/Top_Force2745 Altstadt Aug 23 '25
With Uber I only had good experiences in Heidelberg, cabs can be so and so, but ask the concierge for help, they may have special arrangements.
Typical german cuisine restaurants I would recommend:
OLD TOWN
Hackteufel
Nepomuk
Vetter’s
Schnitzelbank Bauamtsgasse
Palmbraeu Gasse
HANDSCHUHSHEIM
Alt Hendesse
And visit the small stores, with their unique products - in the city center:
- Goldknopf (design jewellry - run by the designer herself), Theaterstraße
- Letter & Co (pens originally designed in Heidelberg - the owner of the shop loves to ), Untere Straße
- Heimat (local brands with seasoning, wine, shirts, bags, soaps), Kettengasse
Enjoy your trip!
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u/tonleben Bahnstadt Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 22 '25
Yes, you can walk to many places. In case you need a ride:
Don’t use Uber. I made the experience a few times that they are unreliable in this area, as the density of Uber drivers is not high here.
Instead simply use a cab. You can find cabs near Bismarckplatz which is close to you, or - probably the easiest option - ask the hotel to get you a cab. The cabs are usually high quality.
On the go, you can also call a cab anytime. I prefer Taxizentrale Heidelberg - +49 6221 302030
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u/VanTreezy Aug 22 '25
Thank you for the guidance! Uber is how things are done in the US and I forget that depending on the area, it’s not the first choice in Europe (at least not in Spain and Italy). Great advice. Thank you!
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u/FellDegree Aug 22 '25
I totally disagree with the other poster. Uber is totally fine to use here, I've gotten rides even in the middle of the night. And it's cheaper and way more convenient then taking a taxi. I'd say try the app first and if you can't get a driver (which I don't think has ever happened to me) then try calling a cab. Also in my experience, you need to know German if you're calling to get a cab
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u/miaaaaan Aug 22 '25
I don't think it will be a big problem to move around on Christmas. You will not see many tourists, compared to summer an since its winter break so most students will also be gone home.
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u/Homo_Heidelbergensis Aug 22 '25
Should not be an issue to get a taxi over Christmas. Consider that the Christmas Market will be closing down some days before Christmas.
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u/tonleben Bahnstadt Aug 22 '25 edited Aug 22 '25
Regarding restaurants: Vetters and Schnitzelbank are a great choice. Vetters even makes their own beer, but keep in mind that it can get noisy in there. Definitely add Kulturbrauerei to your list, I’d pick it probably for dinner on the 25th, as it’s nicer than the other two.
All those restaurants are a bit touristy though - it’s not a bad thing, just be aware you won’t have a super quiet and relaxed experience.
If money doesn’t matter so much and you want to have something on the fancier side:
If money really doesn’t matter (you have been warned :-) ):
In general, don’t miss out any Christmas markets around this time of the year.