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

Should you visit Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a scholarly, charming, and historic university town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a historic, quaint, and energetic town. It's 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.

Cambridge and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Heidelberg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heidelberg. Although Cambridge and Heidelberg are about the same size, Heidelberg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Heidelberg is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cambridge is more popular for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Cambridge is well known for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. Heidelberg is well known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Also, Heidelberg is famous for The Heidelberg Castle.

How is Cambridge different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cambridge is a great university town for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Cambridge and Heidelberg offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

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.

Is Cambridge or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Cambridge 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.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Cambridge or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

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.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Heidelberg?

Cambridge is a great university 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 Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

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 Cambridge or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Both Cambridge and Heidelberg are notable family-friendly destinations.

Cambridge is a family-friendly university town. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

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 Cambridge or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Cambridge and Heidelberg both excellent destinations for a couple.

Cambridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

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.

Is Cambridge or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Cambridge or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Cambridge is an amazing university town to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Heidelberg is a good university 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 Cambridge 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, Cambridge 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 Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Cambridge or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

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

Cambridge is a very easy university town to get around on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cambridge and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Heidelberg than in Cambridge. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cambridge, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the beautiful university town of Cambridge, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cambridge, 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 Cambridge or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cambridge, 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 university town.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the quaint 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 Cambridge or Heidelberg?

Cambridge, a popular university town, 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 quaint 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 Cambridge or Heidelberg?

Cambridge 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 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge 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.