Which place is cheaper, Bonn or Heidelberg?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Heidelberg and Bonn. 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 is a charming, scenic, and character-filled town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.
Bonn is a outdoorsy, lively, and cultural city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
You'll generally find more things to do in Bonn than Heidelberg. Bonn is bigger than Heidelberg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bonn is better known for its museums and shopping, while Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Bonn and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Also, Bonn is famous for The Bonn Minster.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bonn and Heidelberg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Bonn 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 Bonn. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.
Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.
Heidelberg is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.
Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.
Heidelberg is a great town for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.
The nightlife in Heidelberg has something for everybody. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.
There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.
Heidelberg is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.
Heidelberg has a world-famous historical area. 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 is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.
Bonn is a great city 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 Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.
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.
Bonn 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, Bonn is very family-friendly. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.
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.
Heidelberg is a great town for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Heidelberg is a great town if you're traveling as 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.
Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.
Heidelberg is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.
Bonn is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.
Bonn 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 Bonn. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.
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.
Heidelberg and Bonn both offer superb public transit to get you around.
Heidelberg offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.
Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Bonn. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.
Heidelberg and Bonn are superb when it comes to walkability.
Heidelberg is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable.
Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Bonn Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heidelberg and Bonn. In our opinion, Heidelberg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heidelberg than Bonn. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Bonn than Heidelberg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bonn, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Heidelberg than Bonn. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Heidelberg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Bonn 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.
Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.
With museums and nightlife around the lively city of Bonn, 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 Bonn, one day is sufficent for most.
Heidelberg is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
With nightlife and food around the destination of Bonn, 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.
You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Heidelberg. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Bonn, a popular city, 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.
The historic town of Heidelberg offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.
Bonn 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.
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 Bonn is €154. 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 Bonn in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg or Bonn? 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.
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.
Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Also for Bonn, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Bonn 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.
For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bonn.
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:
When comparing the travel costs between Heidelberg and Bonn, we can see that Bonn 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 Heidelberg Expensive? and Is Bonn Expensive?.
Bonn has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Bonn, 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.
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.
Both Bonn and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Bonn averages at about 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Bonn and Heidelberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In October, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Bonn. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun.
Heidelberg usually gets more rain in October than Bonn. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Bonn. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Bonn can be very cold during winter. Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Bonn in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Bonn during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Bonn. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Heidelberg is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Bonn averages at about 10°C (50°F).
In the spring, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun.
Heidelberg usually gets more rain in April than Bonn. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Heidelberg | Bonn | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Feb | 4°C (39°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
Mar | 7°C (45°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) |
Apr | 11°C (52°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
May | 16°C (60°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Jun | 19°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
Jul | 21°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
Nov | 7°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Dec | 4°C (38°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |