Heidelberg's flair, remaining from the 70s... and other Heidelberg, Germany Off The Beaten Path Tips

Of course the main street through Heidelberg's old town is the city's main attraction and is crammed full with shops, restaurants, cafes and street vendors. But if you need a little break and are open for some alternative & unusual things, take a step aside and walk down to the Heumarkt / Untere Strasse.

Here, there aren't any crowds. There is more shade & relief from the summer's heat and in winter you don't have to dodge so many people on slippery ice; it is quieter and there are some real hidden gems that you wouldn't find amongst the "tourist hot spots":

WELL, now that you're here:
> Enjoy some lunch or refreshments at a smaller, older and more personal cafe / deli.
> Discover some of Heidelberg's "Hippie Shops" where you can find anything from Indian Incense, to Thai silk, African furniture, fantastic alternative music and so much more.
> You'll also come across small bookstores and old, family-run confectionaries.
> There is also a lady with a lovely shop selling healing crystals, spiritual books, etc. and she also offers personal life coaching sessions, meditations, etc. I really like her and always stop-by and say "hello" when I'm in town. (her shop is right next to the fountain statue, see picture)

It's amazing how close this little gem of a street is to all of the hustle & bustle of the old town, yet the local residents aren't much disturbed by all of that craziness because hardly any of the "people traffic" ever filters down here. To me, these little streets are the "essence" of Heidelberg's spirit.

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--> How to get here?
This is very close to the University Platz (between the Hauptstrasse and the Old Bridge / Neckar River) If you are walking on the Hauptstrasse towards the Kornmarket & Church, turn left when you see the shop "Belobene" & "Starbucks" (Now, listen to me: walk straight PAST Starbucks and have a coffee in one of the nearby family-owned cafes!)

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Especially if you're not a museum-fan, you'd probably walk past this building and never think you'd missed anything: wrong. Especially during the summer months, Heidelberg's old town is filled to annoyance-point with tourists and residents alike. There are numerous street cafes and al-fresco eateries, but finding one that's not too crowded might just be impossible.

That's why I love this restaurant / cafe: it is located right on the main street in the old town, but it's relatively unknown and off the "tourist track". Walk into the main entrance of the "Kurpfalz Museum" (Hauptstraße 97). The courtyard gardens has around 20 tables and they serve a full lunch or dinner menu. We usually prefer to visit for some nice traditional coffee and home-baked-style cakes. In summer 2006, my mother and I spent just over an hour here; relaxing in the cool of the trees' shade, resting our sore shopping-trip feet & enjoying the calm surroundings. Even in winter, you can sit inside their baroque and very grand dining rooms.

Prices are relatively reasonable, considering that you're still in the tourist centre of town, service is efficient and friendly, and generally it's a very pleasant experience with surprisingly good food.

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Website: http://www.museum-heidelberg.de/