A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Heidelberg for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Aegina or Heidelberg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aegina or Heidelberg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aegina

Aegina is a active, relaxing, and vibrant island. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Aegina travel costs.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a lively, charming, and scenic town. The famous beauty of Heidelberg is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Heidelberg travel costs.

Aegina and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Aegina or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aegina. Although Aegina and Heidelberg are popular destinations, Aegina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aegina is very popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, and small town charm, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Aegina is famous for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. It is also well known for the Temple of Athena Aphaia. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Aegina different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Heidelberg and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Heidelberg?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Aegina is a great island for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Aegina. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Aegina or Heidelberg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Heidelberg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Heidelberg

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Heidelberg has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

The nightlife in Heidelberg has something for everybody. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Is Aegina or Heidelberg Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Aegina is a good destination for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Aegina offers a nice beach destination. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.


Is Aegina or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Heidelberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Heidelberg?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Heidelberg and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Heidelberg. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Aegina or Heidelberg More Beautiful?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Aegina is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Heidelberg is one of the main draws. The views from the castle and the picturesque old town all make this a truly beautiful city.

Aegina is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Aegina or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Heidelberg.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Heidelberg offers lots of family activities. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Aegina or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great destination for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Heidelberg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Aegina or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heidelberg is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.


Is Aegina or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a popular place for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Heidelberg is popular with students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Aegina is not popular with students.

Is Aegina or Heidelberg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Heidelberg offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

While Aegina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Is Aegina or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Aegina
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.


For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Heidelberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aegina and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Heidelberg than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

Families should spend more time in Heidelberg than Aegina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Heidelberg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Heidelberg than Aegina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Heidelberg that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Aegina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Heidelberg.


  • How many days in Aegina or Heidelberg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Heidelberg 1-3

One day in Aegina or Heidelberg?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant island of Aegina, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aegina, one day is sufficent for most.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Aegina, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Heidelberg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Heidelberg?

Aegina, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Aegina or Heidelberg?

Aegina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Heidelberg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €117, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is €142. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aegina and Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Heidelberg 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Heidelberg 186
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Heidelberg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aegina


Hotels in Heidelberg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aegina Hotel Prices and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Heidelberg 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $106
  • Badenweiler Thermal to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $77
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $254
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Aegina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aegina 59
    Heidelberg 37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Rainy Day Sightseeing Food Tour with Umbrellas Provided: $72
  • Food Tour typical German: $86
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $706

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Heidelberg 11

Tours and Activities in Aegina

Here are a few actual costs in Aegina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Aegina Discovery Tour: $97
  • Aegina Walking Tour: $32
  • Organic Pistachio Orchard Tour with Factory Visit: $53

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.

  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.48
  • Old Town Self-Guided Tour in Heidelberg: $6.03
  • Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.59
  • Heidelberg in 1 Day - Walking Tour - Audioguide in 7 languages: $7.32
  • Heidelberg in 1 Day: Walking Tour - Audioguide 7 languages: $8.15
  • Ulm City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $8.78
  • Heidelberg Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $8.78
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Tübingen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Villingen-Schwenningen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Self Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour in Heidelberg: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Heidelberg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:

  • Pub crawl through the old town including drinks: $38
  • Pub crawl with guide, shots & drink games: $391


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg than you might in Aegina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aegina Expensive? and Is Heidelberg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Heidelberg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Aegina or Heidelberg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aegina or Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Aegina during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.

Aegina is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the summer, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Heidelberg. The autumn months attract visitors to Aegina because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In the autumn, Aegina is much warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aegina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aegina usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Heidelberg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In January, Aegina is generally much warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 10°C (51°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in January than Heidelberg. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Aegina is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during spring. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Aegina

Aegina Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)