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

Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a undiscovered, cultural, and charming city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a energetic, lively, and charming town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bucharest than Heidelberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bucharest is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Heidelberg is known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. It is also home to The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bucharest is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Heidelberg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is renowned for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Heidelberg is one of the most recognized in 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.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Heidelberg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Heidelberg and Bucharest.

Bucharest offers some nice shopping areas. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Bucharest or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Heidelberg is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is well known for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Heidelberg is a good destination for students. However, Bucharest 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bucharest and Heidelberg.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

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

Is Bucharest or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Heidelberg is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Heidelberg?

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

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

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

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint town of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heidelberg has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bucharest, 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lively destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Heidelberg?

Bucharest, 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the character-filled town of Heidelberg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Bucharest or Heidelberg?

Bucharest 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.

Heidelberg is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Heidelberg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Heidelberg?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In the summer, Bucharest is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Heidelberg. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bucharest is generally around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. Bucharest is much colder than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in January than Heidelberg. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bucharest is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Bucharest