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Heidelberg nightlife is concentrated in the area around the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Ghost), in the Old Town. Don't miss a visit to one of the old student taverns that have been in business for generations.
Today's students, however, are more likely to hang out in one of the dozen or more cafés and bars on Untere Strasse, which runs parallel to and between Hauptstrasse and the Neckar River, starting from the market square.
This restaurant and bar is popular with university students, and has live music most Thursdays. Specialty drinks include cocktails made with local apple cider. There also are a few small, efficiently decorated, budget-priced rooms upstairs.
The old railway freight terminal has been reborn as an art gallery and music club for concerts and dance parties. There's a beach atmosphere in summer on the outdoor patio. Concerts generally begin at 8 pm, dance parties at 11 pm or later.
This destination for music, theater, cabaret, and cinema has moved from downtown to an outer area of Heidelberg, which city planners are creating into an events center. New is an on-site restaurant. What has not changed is that ticket prices vary, starting at around €15.
In the same location since 1703, it was a favorite of the Burschenschaften, or dueling fraternities, for two centuries. These days it's popular with Heidelberg's university students, locals, and visitors for its traditional ambience and well-priced food and beer that starts flowing at 7:30 am daily. The wood-panel walls are filled with historic photos and maps. There also are budget-price rooms upstairs.
