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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre. 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 energetic, lively, and charming town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Heidelberg and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Heidelberg and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its nightlife and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Heidelberg and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Heidelberg different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region 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 Cinque Terre, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Heidelberg has a large number of nightlife venues. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Heidelberg or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

Is Heidelberg or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heidelberg or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre offers a nice beach destination. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Heidelberg and Cinque Terre.

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.

Cinque Terre has a world-famous historical area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Is Heidelberg or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Cinque Terre is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Cinque Terre?

Heidelberg is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Heidelberg or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Cinque Terre are nice 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.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly place to visit. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Heidelberg or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

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

Cinque Terre is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers 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.

Cinque Terre is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Heidelberg or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Heidelberg is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Heidelberg or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

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

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Cinque Terre?

In either Heidelberg or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

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

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

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

One day in Heidelberg or Cinque Terre?

In Heidelberg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Cinque Terre?

Heidelberg is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 coastal region.

Five days in Heidelberg or Cinque Terre?

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre, a popular coastal region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Cinque Terre?

Heidelberg is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Cinque Terre?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Heidelberg is cooler than Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Heidelberg is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heidelberg in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. In January, Heidelberg is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Heidelberg during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Heidelberg is cooler than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Heidelberg