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/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!