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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Howth?

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 Howth. 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 lively, charming, and scenic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a scenic, peaceful, and coastal fishing village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Heidelberg and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Howth?

Both Howth and Heidelberg have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Howth is known for its museums, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Howth is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Heidelberg different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Howth 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 Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Heidelberg or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Heidelberg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Heidelberg or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a great fishing village for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Howth for it's beautiful beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Howth Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Heidelberg or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is a great fishing village for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Howth?

Heidelberg is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Heidelberg offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heidelberg or Howth Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Howth 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.

Howth is a family-friendly place to visit. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Heidelberg or Howth Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Heidelberg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Howth is a good town for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Heidelberg or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is well known for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heidelberg is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Heidelberg or Howth Better for Students?

Heidelberg is a popular place for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Heidelberg is popular with 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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg is well known for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Heidelberg or Howth a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Howth are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Howth is very walkable. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heidelberg or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heidelberg than Howth 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 Howth.

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

In Heidelberg, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this character-filled 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 food around the scenic fishing village of Howth, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Howth, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Howth?

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 food and museums around the destination of Howth, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this fishing village.

Five days in Heidelberg or Howth?

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.

Howth, a popular fishing village, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Howth?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic 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.

Howth 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Heidelberg and Howth, 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 Howth Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Heidelberg or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Howth. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heidelberg is generally a little warmer than Howth. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°F), and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets more sunshine than Howth. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Howth. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the autumn for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Howth in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Howth fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

In October, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Howth. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth and Heidelberg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Heidelberg is much colder than Howth. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Howth averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Howth. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Howth. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Howth in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Howth. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Heidelberg is generally a little warmer than Howth. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 11°C (52°F), and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Howth. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Howth and Heidelberg