A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heidelberg vs. Gdansk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Heidelberg or Gdansk?

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 Gdansk. 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.

Where Should I go: Heidelberg or Gdansk?

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

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 in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Gdansk 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 Gdansk is €51. 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 Gdansk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Gdansk 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Gdansk 50
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Gdansk

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg or Gdansk? 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 Gdansk


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 Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Gdansk 7.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • Transfer from Gdansk, Airport Gdansk to Torun: $291
  • Taxi Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Toruń: $268
  • Private Gdansk Transfer from Sopot: $267
  • Warsaw/Deluxe Private Transfer Service: $248
  • Taxi Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Bydgoszcz: $240
  • Transfer from Gdańsk airport to Toruń: $219
  • Private Transfer to/from Poznan: $211
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Grudziadz city: $210
  • From Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour with Transfer: $192
  • Transfer from Gdansk or Airport Gdansk to Slupsk: $189
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk (GDN) Airport to Łeba city: $188
  • Private Transfer from Gdansk or Airport Gdansk GDN to Kwidzyn: $182

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Gdansk?

Prices for flights to both Gdansk 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
    Gdansk 19

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Gdansk.

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $94
  • 4-hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • Private Food-Pairing Dinner Experience: $121
  • Gdansk foodpairing dinner: $124
  • Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Gdansk Food Tour Experience: $168
  • Gdańsk: World-Class Fine Dining Dinner on the Top Floor: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heidelberg 11
    Gdansk 7.62

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 Gdansk

Here are a few actual costs in Gdansk for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • #1 Polish Vodka Tasting Experience: $64
  • 6 Hours Guided Tour through Gdansk Highlights: $240
  • A cultural Private Tour of Gdansk Old Town: $165
  • Amber Museum and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets: $125
  • Amber Museum and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets : $128
  • Artus Court and Gdansk Old Town Private Tour with Tickets: $119
  • Best of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot in 1-Day Private Car Tour: $225
  • Bike Tour Gdańsk - Premium - Fun Guide - no Boredom. New offer : $43
  • City Tour Gdańsk Hop on Hop off plus walking tour: $40
  • Copernicus Trail in Frombork Private Tour from Gdansk by Car: $323
  • Delicious Gdansk Craft Beer Tour: $76
  • Deluxe Polish Vodka Tour Experience in Gdansk: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heidelberg 17
    Gdansk 4.44

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 Gdansk

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

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $25
  • Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heidelberg and Gdansk, we can see that Heidelberg is more expensive. And not only is Gdansk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gdansk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gdansk 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 Gdansk.

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


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Gdansk?

Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Gdansk, 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 Gdansk?

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 Gdansk in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Gdansk. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gdansk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Gdansk. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Heidelberg or Gdansk in the Autumn?

Both Gdansk and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Heidelberg is much warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heidelberg in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Gdansk averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F) 
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Gdansk in the Winter?

Both Gdansk and Heidelberg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Gdansk in the winter. The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. In January, Heidelberg is generally much warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in January than Gdansk. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F) 
    Gdansk -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Gdansk in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Gdansk. The natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

Heidelberg is much warmer than Gdansk in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Gdansk fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F) 
    Gdansk 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Gdansk and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Gdansk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) -2°C (28°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) -2°C (28°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 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) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)