A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Heidelberg vs. Bremen for Old Town, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Heidelberg or Bremen?

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 Bremen. 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 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bremen

Bremen is a lively, historic, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Bremen: 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
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Bremen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bremen than Heidelberg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bremen is very popular for its museums and shopping, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its food, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Bremen and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Bremen is famous for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. It is also well known for The Historic Marktplatz.

The Historic Marktplatz
The Historic Marktplatz

How is Heidelberg different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bremen 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 Bremen?

Heidelberg
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Heidelberg
Bremen

Heidelberg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Heidelberg or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg
Bremen

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Heidelberg and Bremen.

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.

Bremen offers plenty to do in the evening. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

Is Heidelberg or Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg
Bremen

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Heidelberg and Bremen.

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.

Bremen has a world-famous historical area. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.


Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Bremen?

Heidelberg
Bremen

Bremen 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 Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

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 Heidelberg or Bremen Better for Families?

Heidelberg
Bremen

Bremen is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bremen. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

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 Heidelberg or Bremen Better for Couples?

Heidelberg
Bremen

Heidelberg is notable for couples. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Bremen is a nice destination for couples. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.


Is Heidelberg or Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg
Bremen

Heidelberg is notable for backpackers. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

Is Heidelberg or Bremen Better for Students?

Heidelberg
Bremen

Heidelberg is very good for students. However, Bremen 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.

Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg
Bremen

Heidelberg and Bremen both offer high quality 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 Bremen. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.


Is Heidelberg or Bremen a more walkable city?

Heidelberg
Bremen

Bremen 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.

Bremen is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Heidelberg or Bremen. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bremen 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 Bremen.

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

Couples should spend more time in Heidelberg than Bremen. 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 Bremen 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 Bremen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Heidelberg 1-3 
    Bremen 2-4

One day in Heidelberg or Bremen?

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 historic city of Bremen, 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.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Bremen?

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 Bremen, 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.


Five days in Heidelberg or Bremen?

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.

Bremen, 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.

A week in Heidelberg or Bremen?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the energetic 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.

Bremen 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.


Which place is cheaper, Bremen 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 Bremen is €147. 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 Bremen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Bremen 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Bremen 152
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Bremen

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg or Bremen? 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 Bremen


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 Bremen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Bremen 45

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: $104
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $250

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bremen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bremen:

  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg With a 2 Hour Stop: $232
  • Private Transfer From Bremen to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $175
  • Private Transfer From Bremen City to Hanover City: $94
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Port to Hamburg Airport (HAM): $65
  • Private Transfer from Bremerhaven Cruise Port to Hamburg Hotels: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Bremen?

Prices for flights to both Bremen 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
    Bremen 36

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: $596

Typical Food Prices in Bremen

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


  • Croissant & Cappacino
    3.90
  • Fish and Chips
    3.20
  • Pizza and Cola
    7.00
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    8.00
  • Vietnamese Soup
    5.00
  • Sandwich and Coffee
    8.00
  • Pastry and Coffee
    4.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heidelberg 11
    Bremen 34

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: $3.20
  • 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: $6.38
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.52
  • Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.52
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.93
  • Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.93
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.51
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.32
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11

Tours and Activities in Bremen

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

  • Bremen : Private Walking Tour With A Tour Guide ( Private Tour ) : $51
  • Bremen Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide: $195
  • Bremen City Exploration Private Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.51
  • Bremen Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Bremen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $220
  • Bremen Schnoor Area Tour: $24
  • Bremen Schwachhausen: Crime Mystery Tour: $35
  • Bremen Tour: Full-Day Canoe Rental on the Wümme River: $48
  • Übersee Museum Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Bremen's Underground Guided Tour: $17
  • City Sightseeing Bus Tour: $27
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $7.41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heidelberg 17
    Bremen 34

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: $293

Sample the Local Flavors in Bremen

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

  • 3-Hour Beck's Brewery Tour: $22


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


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Bremen?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Bremen, 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen in the Summer?

Both Bremen and Heidelberg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bremen in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets more sunshine than Bremen. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Bremen. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F) 
    Bremen 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Bremen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Bremen. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bremen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Heidelberg is a little warmer than Bremen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heidelberg in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bremen averages at about 10°C (50°F).

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

In October, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bremen. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F) 
    Bremen 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Bremen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Bremen. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Bremen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bremen can be very cold. Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. In January, Heidelberg is generally much warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bremen. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F) 
    Bremen 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Bremen in the Spring?

Both Bremen and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bremen this time of year.

Heidelberg is a little warmer than Bremen in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Bremen fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Bremen. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F) 
    Bremen 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Bremen and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Bremen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (33°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (35°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)