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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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. 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Heidelberg and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Budapest?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Budapest than Heidelberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Budapest is more popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Heidelberg is known for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Budapest is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also home to The Hungarian Parliament Building.

How is Heidelberg different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Budapest 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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Heidelberg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Heidelberg or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Budapest offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Heidelberg or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is terrific for its old town. Also, Budapest is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Heidelberg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Many visitors go to Budapest to see the historical old town. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Budapest?

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Budapest 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.

Budapest is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Heidelberg or Budapest Better for Couples?

Heidelberg and Budapest both high quality destinations for a couple.

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.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for couples. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

Is Heidelberg or Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Budapest, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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.

Is Heidelberg or Budapest Better for Students?

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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.

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

Budapest is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Budapest is top-notch. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Is Heidelberg or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest 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.

Budapest is a very easy city to get around on foot. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Budapest?

In either Heidelberg or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Heidelberg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest than Heidelberg 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 Budapest.

One day in Heidelberg or Budapest?

The beautiful town of Heidelberg offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Budapest?

Heidelberg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heidelberg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

When visiting Budapest, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Budapest?

Heidelberg is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Budapest, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Budapest?

Heidelberg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Budapest 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heidelberg and Budapest, we can see that Heidelberg is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg than you might in Budapest.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heidelberg Expensive? and Is Budapest Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Budapest. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Budapest in the Autumn?

Both Budapest and Heidelberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Budapest in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in October than Budapest. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Budapest. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Heidelberg is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Budapest averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Budapest. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Budapest in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Budapest. The spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In April, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Budapest. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 11°C (52°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in April than Budapest. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Heidelberg