Heidelberg or Speyer?

Have a choice of either one, which one is better? Not so interested in churches.

I would pick Heidelberg. I went in 2011, and we stopped at both towns. In Speyer we saw the cathedral, and the historic jewish area. I enjoyed seeing the castle in Heidelberg and a nice lunch in town.

Have a choice of either one, which one is better? Not so interested in churches.

For Jewish history Speyer is most interesting. Heidelberg is a beautiful university town. Both are worth a visit, different strokes for different folks!

We had a choice of both in July and chose Heidelberg. We really enjoyed the castle tour(although Marksburg Castle was a better castle to tour). We also enjoyed the town itself as the main shopping blvd is over a mile long. We had already toured the Cathedral in Cologne and later Strousborg so we thought this choice added more variety.

We were fortunate to be able to visit both. Since you stated that you don't enjoy visiting churches Heidelberg wins. But Speyer has that special technology museum so if that is a special interest to you investigate that. I enjoyed the church in Speyer because they made the ancient tombs into a museum. I find that fascinating. But Heidelberg has so much more to offer in all aspects.

Heidelberg is special, don't miss it.

Speyer has the tech museum that's a dandy, and particularly if you're a war buff. Heidelberg castle is not so hot. Stop in at the cathedral in H-berg and check out if one of the students is giving an organ concert, usually around noon.

We stayed in Speyer when we did a Christmas market cruise (most went to Heidelberg....) - and we were happy we did. DH LOVED the museum - and I found it interesting as well.

Fran

I vote for Heidelberg also!!!! ( but we were able to see both )

In town they had a little sidewalk cafe called "Coffee and Kiss"....which had the coldest and best tasting beer I found in all of Germany. The Castle was a great place to see also.

For Jewish history Speyer is most interesting. Heidelberg is a beautiful university town. Both are worth a visit, different strokes for different folks!

I haven't been to Speyer yet (going in August) but I have been to Heidelburg and loved it. I thought the castle was very interesting, loved the funicular down from the castle, walked on the bridge and fell in love with the cat and mouse statue, and had lunch at a marvelous outdoor cafe. Also found some good buys on sweatshirts (with University logo) and some other unique type things. I would hate to have to make your choice!