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

Should you visit Basel or Heidelberg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Heidelberg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a scenic, character-filled, and historic town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Basel and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Basel. Although Basel and Heidelberg are roughly the same size, Basel has more sights and attractions for tourists. Basel is more popular for its museums and shopping, while Heidelberg is known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Basel and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. It is also home to The Kunstmuseum Basel.

How is Basel different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Basel. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Heidelberg. 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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Heidelberg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Heidelberg is revered around the world. 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.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Heidelberg?

Basel is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Basel. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Basel 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 Basel. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is notable for backpackers. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heidelberg is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Basel is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Is Basel or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Basel 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 Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Both Basel and Heidelberg offer great public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Heidelberg can get you to most places easily. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Is Basel or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Basel is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Basel is a very easy city to get around on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Basel?

How long in Basel or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Heidelberg. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Basel or Heidelberg?

With museums and nightlife around the beautiful city of Basel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Basel, one day is sufficent for most.

In Heidelberg, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Basel, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Heidelberg?

Basel, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Heidelberg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Heidelberg?

Basel 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the lively destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Heidelberg, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Heidelberg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heidelberg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heidelberg 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Heidelberg.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Heidelberg?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Basel as well as Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Basel is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Basel this time of the year. In the summer, Basel often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Heidelberg. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Basel during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. Basel can be very cold during winter. Basel is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in January than Heidelberg. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Heidelberg. The spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In the spring, Basel is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Basel