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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Beaune?

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 Heidelberg and Beaune. 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a quaint, energetic, and lively 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.

Beaune

Beaune is a culinary, quaint, and vineyard-filled town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Beaune: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Beaune?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beaune. Although Heidelberg and Beaune are both popular with visitors, Beaune has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Beaune is more popular for its museums, food, and small town charm, while Heidelberg is known for its nightlife, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Beaune is popular for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. It is also home to The Surrounding Vineyards.

How is Heidelberg different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heidelberg
Beaune

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Beaune. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Heidelberg
Beaune

Beaune is an amazing town 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 Beaune, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Heidelberg or Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg
Beaune

Heidelberg is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Heidelberg know how to have a good time. 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 Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Heidelberg or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg
Beaune

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Heidelberg and Beaune.

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.

Beaune has a world-famous historical area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.


Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Beaune?

Heidelberg
Beaune

If you're looking to go shopping, Heidelberg and Beaune both offer plenty of good spots.

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.

Beaune is a great destination for shopping. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Heidelberg or Beaune Better for Families?

Heidelberg
Beaune

Both Heidelberg and Beaune are good family-friendly destinations.

Heidelberg offers lots of family activities. 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.

Beaune is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Is Heidelberg or Beaune Better for Couples?

Heidelberg
Beaune

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

Beaune is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

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 Heidelberg or Beaune Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg
Beaune

Heidelberg is a great destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options 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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Heidelberg or Beaune Better for Students?

Heidelberg
Beaune

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

Beaune is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg
Beaune

Heidelberg is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.


Is Heidelberg or Beaune a more walkable city?

Heidelberg
Beaune

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

Beaune is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Heidelberg or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beaune due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 2-4 days is enough time in Beaune.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Beaune 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 Heidelberg or Beaune? Ideal Length of Stay
    Heidelberg 1-3 
    Beaune 2-4

One day in Heidelberg or Beaune?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the culinary town of Beaune, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Beaune?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Beaune, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.


Five days in Heidelberg or Beaune?

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.

Beaune, 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 Heidelberg or Beaune?

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.

Beaune is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Beaune or Heidelberg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Heidelberg is €142, while the average daily cost in Beaune is €166. 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 Heidelberg and Beaune in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Beaune 83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Beaune 166
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Beaune

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg or Beaune? 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 Heidelberg


Hotels in Beaune


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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices and Beaune Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Beaune 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Beaune?

Prices for flights to both Beaune and Heidelberg 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
    Heidelberg 37
    Beaune 54

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

Typical Food Prices in Beaune

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beaune:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    9.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Coffee
    2.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heidelberg 11
    Beaune 33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Beaune

Here are a few typical costs in Beaune for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Winery Tour (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Beaune

Here are a few actual costs in Beaune for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beaune - Historic Guided Walking Tour: $395
  • Beaune - Private walking tour: $192
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $5.99
  • Beguiling Beaune Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains: $267
  • Meursault: Tour of the Vineyards on Motorbike with Sidecar: $59
  • Paris Private Walking Street Art Tour: $87
  • Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Burgundy from Meursault: $60
  • Private city tour - Beaune the essential - 2h: $187
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $191
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $13
  • Small group full day tour in the Burgundy vineyards: $209

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heidelberg 17
    Beaune 48

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

Also in Beaune, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $21
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $44
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $227
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $229
  • Wine tour - Meursault, its prestigious whites: $240
  • Wine tour - Aloxe-Corton, its great wines: $240
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $262
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945


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


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Beaune?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Beaune, 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 Heidelberg or Beaune?

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 Heidelberg or Beaune in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Beaune. The summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beaune this time of year.

In July, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Beaune. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaune. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Beaune. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F) 
    Beaune 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Beaune in the Autumn?

Both Beaune and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Beaune in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Beaune fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaune. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F) 
    Beaune 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Beaune in the Winter?

Both Beaune and Heidelberg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Beaune in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beaune can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In the winter, Heidelberg is cooler than Beaune. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Beaune averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Beaune. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Heidelberg or Beaune in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Beaune. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Beaune for the small town charm during these months.

In April, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Beaune. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 11°C (52°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Beaune. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F) 
    Beaune 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Beaune and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Beaune
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)