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

Should you visit Dover 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 Dover and Heidelberg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a stunning, natural, and breathtaking town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a scenic, character-filled, and historic town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Dover and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heidelberg. Although Dover and Heidelberg are popular destinations, Heidelberg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heidelberg is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Dover attracts visitors for its museums and hiking. Heidelberg is more touristy than Dover and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also well known for The Heidelberg Castle. Dover is famous for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dover 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 Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Heidelberg is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Heidelberg is revered around 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Heidelberg Better for Hiking?

Dover is a great town for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Dover for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Heidelberg to go 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Heidelberg Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Heidelberg.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly town. 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 Dover or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Both Dover and Heidelberg are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Heidelberg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Dover or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heidelberg is a very popular town 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Is Dover or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Heidelberg is very good for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Heidelberg is a good 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.

Dover is not popular with students.

Is Dover 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, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Heidelberg can get you to most places easily. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Dover?

How long in Dover or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Heidelberg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

With museums and food around the rustic town of Dover, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Heidelberg, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dover or Heidelberg?

With food and museums around the destination of Dover, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Heidelberg?

Dover, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Heidelberg?

Dover 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dover as well as Heidelberg. Many visitors come to Dover in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Dover is cooler than Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dover this time of the year. In the summer, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dover is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dover in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dover usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dover or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Dover during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Dover because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Heidelberg in the winter. The weather in Dover can be very cold. In January, Dover is generally much warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 4°C (40°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Dover often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in January than Heidelberg. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Heidelberg. The natural beauty are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty.

Dover is cooler than Heidelberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during spring. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dover usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Dover