Under $100: Heidelberg

Situated in Germany’s renowned Baden region on the river Neckar, the university city of Heidelberg is one of the country’s oldest and most reputable.

Boasting a romantic cityscape, including the famous Heidelberg Castle and a Baroque-style old town, and warm, sunny weather, Heidelberg is one of the most desirable destinations in Europe. As a university city, though, there is plenty of things to do, see, eat and drink for less than $100 a day.

Take in the views of the city on the Philosopher’s Walk, where some of Europe’s greatest thinkers used to frequent. On the walk lie the ruined 11^th-century Monastery of St. Michael, the smaller Monastery of St. Stephen, a Nazi-era amphitheater and the remains of an earthen Celtic hill fort from the 4^th century B.C.

Also while on the Philosopher’s Walk, visit Heidelberg Castle (€7 entrance fee), part of which was built as early as 1214.

Head into Old Town, located on the south bank of the river, and walk along Main Street, a mile-long pedestrian promenade boasting historic landmarks and architecture. See the old stone bridges, built in 1786 as part of the town wall; the Church of the Holy Spirit, a late Gothic church; The Karls’ Gate, built in 1775; and the Zum Rittr Sankt Georg house, one of the few buildings to survive the War of Succession.

Learn about the region’s history and famous figures at the Carl Bosch Museum (€3.50), showcasing the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning chemist, and Kurpfälzisches Museum (€3), housing Roman artifacts found in the region.

For a full cultural experience, grab a HeidelbergCARD, which grants castle entrance, free use of public transportation and discounts from more than 60 partners. The card costs only €15 per day.

As one of the warmest regions in Germany, Heidelberg and its surrounding lands boast an abundance of almond, fig and olive trees in addition to vineyards, meaning great food and great wine.

For a quick, delicious bite, head to Café Botanik, a cult favorite among students for its great coffee, salads, currywurst and more. Osteria Zafferano is a hidden gem serving coffee, local wine and some of the best pizza in the city. For a truly authentic German dining experience, head to Seppl where the décor alone immerses you in local culture.

Getting to all of these places is a breeze. Buses and trams are the main form of transportation in Heidelberg, and you can get one-day tickets for around €6, or individual trip tickets for as little as €1.60.