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

Should you visit Dundee or Heidelberg?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Heidelberg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dundee

Dundee is a historic, coastal, and cultural 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 lively, charming, and scenic 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.

Dundee and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Dundee or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dundee. Although Dundee and Heidelberg are roughly the same size, Dundee has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dundee is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Dundee and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Dundee is well known for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. Also, Dundee is famous for Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dundee
Heidelberg

Dundee 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 Dundee. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Dundee
Heidelberg

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

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Dundee 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 Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is Dundee or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Heidelberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Heidelberg?

Dundee
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Dundee
Heidelberg

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dundee or Heidelberg.

Dundee is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

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 Dundee or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Dundee
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee 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 Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.


Is Dundee or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dundee
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Dundee
Heidelberg

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

Dundee is a good city to visit for students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

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

Dundee
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Heidelberg can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.


Is Dundee or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Dundee
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee 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.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Heidelberg?

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

Families should spend more time in Heidelberg than Dundee. 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 Dundee. 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 Dundee 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.


  • How many days in Dundee or Heidelberg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Heidelberg 1-3

One day in Dundee or Heidelberg?

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dundee or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dundee, 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.

Heidelberg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Dundee or Heidelberg?

Dundee, 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dundee or Heidelberg?

Dundee 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Heidelberg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Dundee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is £121. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dundee and Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Heidelberg £79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Heidelberg £158
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Heidelberg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dundee


Hotels in Heidelberg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dundee Hotel Prices and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Heidelberg £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Dundee change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dundee £47
    Heidelberg £32
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Heidelberg £9.82
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $83
  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.54
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.54
  • Uncover A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Time: $11
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Heidelberg £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dundee and Heidelberg, we can see that Dundee 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 Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee 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 Dundee Expensive? and Is Heidelberg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Heidelberg?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Heidelberg. Most visitors come to Dundee for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dundee is generally cooler than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 14°C (58°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, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

Dundee is cooler than Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Dundee usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during autumn. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Dundee during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. It's quite cold in Dundee in the winter. In the winter, Dundee is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dundee in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Dundee often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets more rain in January than Heidelberg. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Dundee for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Dundee is generally much colder than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 7°C (45°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

In April, Dundee usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Dundee

Dundee Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)