A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heidelberg vs. Dijon for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Heidelberg or Dijon?

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 Dijon. 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon

Dijon is a culinary, relaxing, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • 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


Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Dijon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dijon. Although Heidelberg and Dijon are roughly the same size, Dijon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dijon is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Heidelberg is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is well known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Dijon is well known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. Also, Dijon is famous for The Ducal Palace.

How is Heidelberg different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heidelberg
Dijon

Dijon 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 Dijon. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Heidelberg
Dijon

Dijon is an amazing city 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 Dijon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg
Dijon

Heidelberg is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Heidelberg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Heidelberg or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg
Dijon

Heidelberg is terrific for its historic old town. However, Dijon does not have a historic old town.

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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Dijon?

Heidelberg
Dijon

If you're looking to go shopping, Heidelberg and Dijon both offer plenty of notable 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.

Dijon is a great destination for shopping. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Heidelberg or Dijon Better for Families?

Heidelberg
Dijon

Both Heidelberg and Dijon are notable 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.

Dijon is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Heidelberg or Dijon Better for Couples?

Heidelberg
Dijon

Heidelberg and Dijon both superb 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.

Dijon is a very popular place to visit for couples. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.


Is Heidelberg or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg
Dijon

Heidelberg is notable for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget 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.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Heidelberg or Dijon Better for Students?

Heidelberg
Dijon

For students, both Heidelberg and Dijon are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to 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.

Dijon is a good town to visit for students. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

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

Heidelberg
Dijon

Heidelberg is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Heidelberg can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.


Is Heidelberg or Dijon a more walkable city?

Heidelberg
Dijon

Heidelberg is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Dijon?

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

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

One day in Heidelberg or Dijon?

In Heidelberg, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this lively destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With museums and nightlife around the culinary city of Dijon, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Dijon, there's plenty to do. 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 city.


Five days in Heidelberg or Dijon?

Heidelberg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Dijon, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Dijon?

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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dijon 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 Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Dijon 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 Dijon is €153. 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 Dijon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Dijon 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Dijon 160
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Dijon

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg or Dijon? 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 Dijon


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 Dijon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Dijon 36

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: $105
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dijon:

  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Dijon - with Hotel Transfer: $427

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Dijon?

Prices for flights to both Dijon 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
    Dijon 48

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heidelberg 11
    Dijon 25

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

Tours and Activities in Dijon

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

  • Best of Burgundy Private Tasting Tour - Premier & Grand Crus: $1,273
  • DIJON : Private Walking Tour: $176
  • Dijon : City Walking Tour with Audio Guide (Office Tourisme): $7.49
  • Dijon City Tour : Highlights Tour with Gourmet Break: $60
  • Dijon Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Dijon private guided city tour: $383
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour through the City: $5.99
  • Bike tour and Tastings in the Vineyards of Burgundy: $71
  • City Tour with a French-speaking Guide: $13
  • Historic Guided Walking Tour: $384
  • E-bike Burgundy day tour, tastings & lunch from Beaune or Dijon: $240
  • Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon: $97

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heidelberg 17
    Dijon 29

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 Dijon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dijon:

  • ✨ Masterclass Chardonnay - Wine tasting in Dijon : $37
  • Chardonnay Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Pinot Noir Masterclass - Wine tasting in Dijon: $38
  • Cheese and Burgundy Wine Tasting Workshop: $48
  • Wine Tasting Workshop with Tastings: $48
  • La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience: $59
  • Bike Tour with Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting: $66
  • Small-Group Burgundy Tour with Wine Tastings from Dijon: $74
  • Small group Burgundy tour of Beaune with Wine Tasting from Dijon: $95


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


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Dijon?

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

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 Dijon in the Summer?

Both Dijon and Heidelberg during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dijon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Dijon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Dijon averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Dijon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Heidelberg or Dijon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Dijon. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dijon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Dijon. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Heidelberg or Dijon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Dijon. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Dijon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dijon can be very cold during winter. Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. Heidelberg is cooler than Dijon in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Dijon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Heidelberg or Dijon in the Spring?

Both Dijon and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dijon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Dijon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Dijon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

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

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


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

Typical Weather for Dijon and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Dijon
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)