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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Kilkenny?

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 Kilkenny. 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. 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.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a active, ancient, and medieval town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Kilkenny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Kilkenny?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kilkenny. Although Heidelberg and Kilkenny are both popular with visitors, Kilkenny has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kilkenny is more popular for its museums, while Heidelberg is known for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Kilkenny and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Kilkenny is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. It is also home to The Kilkenny Castle.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Heidelberg different from Kilkenny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kilkenny is a great town for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Kilkenny. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Heidelberg and Kilkenny can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Kilkenny makes for a great culinary experience. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Heidelberg or Kilkenny Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Heidelberg know how to have a good time. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

If you're looking for night time activities Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Heidelberg or Kilkenny Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is terrific for its old town. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to see the historical old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Kilkenny?

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

Kilkenny is a great destination for shopping. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Heidelberg or Kilkenny Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Kilkenny. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Heidelberg or Kilkenny Better for Couples?

Heidelberg and Kilkenny both high quality 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.

Kilkenny is a very popular place to visit for couples. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Is Heidelberg or Kilkenny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Is Heidelberg or Kilkenny Better for Students?

Heidelberg is very good for students. However, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Is Heidelberg or Kilkenny a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Kilkenny are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Kilkenny is very walkable. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kilkenny or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Kilkenny?

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

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

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

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 active town of Kilkenny, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kilkenny, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Kilkenny?

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 Kilkenny, there's plenty to do. 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 town.

Five days in Heidelberg or Kilkenny?

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.

Kilkenny, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Kilkenny?

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Kilkenny?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Kilkenny, 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 Kilkenny?

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 Kilkenny in the Summer?

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

In July, Heidelberg is generally a little warmer than Kilkenny. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°F), and Kilkenny fluctuates around 15°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 Kilkenny. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 131 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Kilkenny. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Kilkenny in the Autumn?

Both Kilkenny and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Heidelberg is a little warmer than Kilkenny in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Kilkenny fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Heidelberg usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Kilkenny. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Kilkenny in the Winter?

Both Kilkenny and Heidelberg during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Heidelberg is much colder than Kilkenny. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Kilkenny averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Kilkenny. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kilkenny receives 50 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Kilkenny. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Kilkenny in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Kilkenny. The spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year.

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

Heidelberg usually receives more sunshine than Kilkenny during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Kilkenny receives 139 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Kilkenny. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kilkenny receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kilkenny and Heidelberg