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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Heidelberg?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Heidelberg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a progressive, friendly, and happy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a energetic, lively, and charming town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Copenhagen and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Copenhagen than Heidelberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Copenhagen is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Heidelberg is known for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Copenhagen and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Copenhagen is popular for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also home to Tivoli Gardens.

How is Copenhagen different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Copenhagen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Copenhagen has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is renowned for its old town. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Heidelberg?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Copenhagen specifically to go shopping. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

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 Copenhagen or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Copenhagen is very family-friendly. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

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

Copenhagen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen and Heidelberg are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Heidelberg is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Copenhagen or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Copenhagen is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Copenhagen is top-notch. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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.

Is Copenhagen or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen is a very easy city to get around on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Copenhagen and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than in Heidelberg. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen than Heidelberg 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 Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Heidelberg?

With museums and nightlife around the happy city of Copenhagen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic town of Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Copenhagen, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Heidelberg, 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 town.

Five days in Copenhagen or Heidelberg?

Copenhagen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Heidelberg, a popular 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.

A week in Copenhagen or Heidelberg?

Copenhagen 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, 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 Copenhagen and Heidelberg, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Heidelberg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Heidelberg?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Heidelberg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Heidelberg. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Copenhagen is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Copenhagen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Heidelberg. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen can get quite cold in the winter. Copenhagen is much colder than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Copenhagen during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Copenhagen is much colder than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Copenhagen