Heidelberg, Germany 🇩🇪
#498
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Heidelberg is a charming city in southwestern Germany, known for its historic university, lively student scene, and beautiful landscapes along the Neckar River. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 160,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; Major banks include Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2. Prepaid options are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major providers include N26, Revolut, and traditional banks like Commerzbank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Heidelberg and MEININGER Hotel offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town (Altstadt) is recommended for its proximity to attractions and charming streets. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Neuenheim is ideal for its quiet environment, green spaces, and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | HUB Heidelberg is a popular coworking space with various amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Schafheutle offers a cozy atmosphere suited for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups for expats and entrepreneurs are often held at local cafes and co-working spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Heidelberg Expats' provide details on community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Free Now and Uber operate in Heidelberg. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Nextbike offers bike-sharing services across the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is in the town of Auerbach, approximately 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Lufthansa provides regular services from nearby Frankfurt Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lufthansa, Ryanair, and easyJet serve international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A5 and A6 highways provide access to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof (main station) connects to regional and national rail services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for local transport costs around €60. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Direct train links to cities like Mannheim, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Heidelberg University Hospital is the leading healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Loft Heidelberg offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | FitX and McFit provide modern gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat Waschsalon offers self-service and drop-off laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Lieferando are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Maultaschen (German dumplings) are a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Café offers a wide range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Gänseliesel serves delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Heidelberg Wochenmarkt (weekly market) offers fresh produce and local products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.de and eBay Kleinanzeigen for various online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Bringme delivers groceries from local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Neuenheim district has a vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Heidelberger Brauhaus offers local beer and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Weinhaus S.A. offers a selection of regional wines in an intimate setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Heidelberg's street food festivals offer various local and international options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Ciao Bella serves authentic Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Heidelberg Castle provides stunning views and historic architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The German Pharmacy Museum showcases the history of pharmacy. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Bridge (Karl-Theodor-Brücke) is an iconic landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Heidelberg's Jesuit Church is known for its beautiful baroque architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Heidelberg Christmas Market attracts visitors every December. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town (Altstadt) features cultural attractions, shops, and dining. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Heidelberg Stadttheater hosts a variety of performances including plays and concerts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Heidelberg's weekly market offers fresh produce and regional delicacies. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music, especially in the summer months. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Visitors can find murals and street art around the Weststadt area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Regular cooking classes are offered at the Heidelberger Kochschule. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kunstverein Heidelberg showcases works from contemporary artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Alte Aula of Heidelberg University is a stunning historical building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Heidelberg is famous for its long university history, dating back to 1386. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Odenwald Forest offers hiking and outdoor activities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kaiserstuhl Nature Park is an hour away and offers scenic beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Neckar River pathway is popular for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk) provides breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands around the Neckar River attract various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Areas near the Neckar River have designated zones for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Hermes service parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | MediaMarkt offers a variety of tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The local community center offers table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Volkshochschule Heidelberg offers German language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The University Library is an excellent place for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Haus der Begegnung serves as a community hub for events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Arcadia Gaming Lounge offers a place for gamers to play together. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Heidelberg offers gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €160,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €128,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €228,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €174,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% + municipal trade tax. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 26.375% including solidarity surcharge. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Germany offers special conditions for certain expatriates, but standard personal income tax applies. |