A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Heidelberg for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Athens or Heidelberg?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Heidelberg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a character-filled, historic, and quaint town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Heidelberg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens than Heidelberg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Athens is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its impressive beauty and quaint atmosphere. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Heidelberg makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Athens or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Athens has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Heidelberg offers plenty to do in the evening. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Is Athens or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Athens and Heidelberg.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

The rich history of Heidelberg can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Heidelberg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Heidelberg both offer plenty of nice spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. 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 Athens or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Athens is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Athens or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Heidelberg is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Heidelberg. 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.

Is Athens or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Athens is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Heidelberg is a good city to visit for 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.

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

Athens and Heidelberg both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Heidelberg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Is Athens or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Athens and Heidelberg are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Athens?

How long in Athens or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Heidelberg. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Heidelberg than Athens. 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 Athens than Heidelberg 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Heidelberg?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Athens or Heidelberg?

When visiting Athens, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Athens or Heidelberg?

Athens, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. 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 Athens or Heidelberg?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Heidelberg?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Heidelberg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Heidelberg. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Heidelberg. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Athens