A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Heidelberg vs. Hannover for Old Town, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Heidelberg or Hannover?

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 Hannover. 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 charming, scenic, and character-filled 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hannover

Hannover is a diverse, vibrant, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Hannover: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Hannover?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hannover than Heidelberg. Hannover is bigger than Heidelberg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hannover is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Heidelberg is more popular for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Hannover and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Hannover is well known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. Also, Hannover is famous for The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen.

How is Heidelberg different from Hannover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hannover is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hannover. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Heidelberg. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Heidelberg or Hannover Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Heidelberg and Hannover.

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.

Hannover offers plenty to do in the evening. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

Is Heidelberg or Hannover Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its old town.

Heidelberg has a world-famous historical 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 people head to Hannover to see the old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Hannover?

If you're looking to go shopping, Heidelberg and Hannover 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.

Hannover is a great destination for shopping. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Heidelberg or Hannover Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Hannover 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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Is Heidelberg or Hannover Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is a great town for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Is Heidelberg or Hannover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Heidelberg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Heidelberg or Hannover Better for Students?

Hannover is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Many students visit Hannover. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

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 Hannover Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Heidelberg and Hannover both offer excellent 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 Hannover. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

Is Heidelberg or Hannover a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Hannover are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Hannover is very walkable. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Hannover or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Hannover?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heidelberg or Hannover to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heidelberg than Hannover because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Hannover.

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

Couples should spend more time in Heidelberg than Hannover. 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 Hannover 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 Hannover?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Hannover, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hannover, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Hannover?

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.

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

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.

Hannover, 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 Hannover?

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.

Hannover 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Hannover?

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

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 Hannover in the Summer?

Both Hannover and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hannover this time of year.

In the summer, Heidelberg is a little warmer than Hannover. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Hannover averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives more sunshine than Hannover during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Hannover. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Hannover in the Autumn?

Both Hannover and Heidelberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hannover for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Heidelberg is generally a little warmer than Hannover. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 104 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Heidelberg or Hannover in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Hannover. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hannover in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hannover can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. Heidelberg is much warmer than Hannover in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Hannover fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Hannover during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hannover. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Hannover in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Hannover. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hannover for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Heidelberg is a little warmer than Hannover. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Hannover averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 150 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in April than Hannover. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hannover and Heidelberg