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

Should you visit Belfast or Heidelberg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast 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.

Belfast

Belfast is a authentic, affordable, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and shopping.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a character-filled, historic, and quaint town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Heidelberg?

Both Heidelberg and Belfast have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Belfast is better known for its big city activities, while Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Belfast and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Belfast is well known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles".

How is Belfast different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Heidelberg?

Both Belfast and Heidelberg are notable shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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 Belfast or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Belfast and Heidelberg are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly city. 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 Belfast or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Belfast and Heidelberg are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Belfast is a good city to visit for students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Plenty of students visit Heidelberg. 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 Belfast or Heidelberg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Belfast and Heidelberg. In our opinion, Heidelberg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Heidelberg than Belfast. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Heidelberg than Belfast. 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 Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Heidelberg?

With shopping and nightlife around the under-rated city of Belfast, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Belfast, one day is sufficent for most.

In Heidelberg, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Belfast, 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 city.

In Heidelberg, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heidelberg has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Heidelberg?

Belfast, a popular city, 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.

Heidelberg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Belfast or Heidelberg?

Belfast 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Heidelberg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Belfast and Heidelberg, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Heidelberg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Heidelberg?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Belfast is generally cooler than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

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

Belfast is cooler than Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Belfast or Heidelberg in the Winter?

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

The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. Belfast can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Belfast is much warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Heidelberg. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Heidelberg. The spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In April, Belfast is generally cooler than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

In April, Belfast usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Belfast