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

Should you visit Bath or Heidelberg?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bath and Heidelberg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a charming, historical, and beautiful spa town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Bath because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bath travel costs.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a character-filled, historic, and quaint town. Heidelberg is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Heidelberg travel costs.

Bath and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bath or Heidelberg?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bath than Heidelberg. While Heidelberg is larger than Bath, Bath has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bath is better known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and small town charm, while Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Bath is well known for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums. Also, Bath is famous for The Historic Roman Baths. Heidelberg is well known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

The Historic Roman Baths

How is Bath different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bath is an amazing spa town to visit for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Bath has many famous sights for visitors. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Bath or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Heidelberg has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Bath has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Is Bath or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Heidelberg offers plenty to see. 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.

Many visitors go to Bath to see the historical old town. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Heidelberg?

Bath is a great spa town 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 Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

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 Bath or Heidelberg More Beautiful?

Bath and Heidelberg both are comparable with their first-rate scenery and beauty.

Bath is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Seeped in history, this city is one of the most beautiful in the region.

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.

Is Bath or Heidelberg Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Bath or Heidelberg.

Bath is a family-friendly spa town. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heidelberg. 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 Bath or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Bath is an amazing spa town to visit for couples. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Bath is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

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.

Is Bath or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Heidelberg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bath. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

Is Bath or Heidelberg Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bath. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Heidelberg is a good spa town 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 Bath or Heidelberg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

You'll find some public transit in Bath, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

Is Bath or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

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

Bath is a very easy spa town to get around on foot. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Bath?

How long in Bath or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bath 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Bath 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 Bath or Heidelberg?

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bath or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bath, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this spa town.

Heidelberg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bath or Heidelberg?

Bath, a popular spa town, 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Heidelberg. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bath or Heidelberg?

Bath is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

The quaint town of Heidelberg offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Bath and Heidelberg, we can see that Bath 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 Bath would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bath 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 Bath Expensive? and Is Heidelberg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bath or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Bath. When comparing the sizes of Bath 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.