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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Korcula?

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 Korcula. 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 energetic, lively, and charming 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.

Korcula

Korcula is a laid back, historic, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Heidelberg and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Korcula?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Korcula. Although Heidelberg and Korcula are both popular with visitors, Korcula has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Korcula is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Heidelberg is known for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Korcula is popular for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. It is also home to St Mark's Cathedral.

How is Heidelberg different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heidelberg
Korcula

Korcula 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 Korcula. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Heidelberg
Korcula

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Heidelberg and Korcula can be difficult as they are each very good 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, Korcula makes for a great culinary experience. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

Is Heidelberg or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg
Korcula

Heidelberg is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options 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.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Heidelberg or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Heidelberg
Korcula

Korcula is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Korcula. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Heidelberg or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Heidelberg
Korcula

Korcula is a great island for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Korcula for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg
Korcula

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

The old town of Heidelberg is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Korcula. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Is Heidelberg or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Heidelberg
Korcula

Korcula is a great island for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Korcula for the hiking trails. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Korcula?

Heidelberg
Korcula

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

Korcula is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Heidelberg or Korcula Better for Families?

Heidelberg
Korcula

Korcula is a great island 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 Korcula. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and explore.

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 Korcula Better for Couples?

Heidelberg
Korcula

Heidelberg and Korcula both very good 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.

Korcula is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.


Is Heidelberg or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg
Korcula

Heidelberg is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Korcula 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Korcula. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Heidelberg or Korcula Better for Students?

Heidelberg
Korcula

For students, both Heidelberg and Korcula are good 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.

Korcula is a good town to visit for students. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

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

Heidelberg
Korcula

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

The public transit in Heidelberg can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

While Korcula offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.


Is Heidelberg or Korcula a more walkable city?

Heidelberg
Korcula

Heidelberg is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Korcula is a somewhat walkable town. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

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

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heidelberg and Korcula. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Korcula.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Korcula 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 Korcula? Ideal Length of Stay
    Heidelberg 1-3 
    Korcula 2-3

One day in Heidelberg or Korcula?

In Heidelberg, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With museums and food around the laid back island of Korcula, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Korcula?

In Heidelberg, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heidelberg has to offer.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Korcula, 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 island.


Five days in Heidelberg or Korcula?

Heidelberg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Korcula, a popular island, 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 Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Heidelberg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Korcula 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 from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula 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 Korcula is €90. 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 Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Korcula 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Korcula 116
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg or Korcula? 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 Korcula


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 Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Korcula 1.40

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 Korcula

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Korcula:

  • Private One Way Transfer from Orebić to Dubrovnik: $205
  • Island Stupe / Moro Beach Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula 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
    Korcula 28

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 Korcula

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

  • Private Half-Day Cooking Workshop Gastronomy in Korcula: $87
  • Korcula walking tour and dinner for Food Lovers: $228
  • Korčula: Island Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $321

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heidelberg 11
    Korcula 11

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 Korcula

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

  • 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula : $75
  • 3 Islands Tour - HopOnHopOff - Daily Ticket : $33
  • Bits of History - Half day kayak Tour: $66
  • City tour Korćula - private walking tour: $117
  • Croatia Korcula Island Buggy Safari Tour: $120
  • Dubrovnik Republic Tour From Korcula and Orebic: $98
  • From Dubrovnik Private tour to Korčula Island: $342
  • From Dubrovnik Old Town Private yacht cruise: $3,743
  • Half Day Original Buggy Adventure and Safari Tour in Korcula: $109
  • Half day Lago di Korcula Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $64
  • Jeanneau Prestige 440 Fly Private Boat Tour: $1,497
  • Korcula Island Mountain E Bike Tour: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heidelberg 17
    Korcula 9.69

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 Korcula

Also in Korcula, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting at Black Island Winery: $31
  • Slurp of Grk Wine Tour: $92
  • Day Tour from Dubrovnik - Korčula and Pelješac Wine Tasting: $92
  • Wine Tour Korcula: $98
  • Half-Day Bike Tour in Lumbarda with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Korcula Buggy Safari With Wine Tasting: $107
  • Korcula Bike & Wine Tour: $111
  • Private Korcula wine tour and tasting : $131
  • Wine tour Korčula - private tour: $146
  • Enchanted Forest Hike and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $158
  • Korcula Island Sightseeing Tour Including Wine Tasting: $229


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

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


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Korcula?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Korcula, 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 Korcula?

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 Korcula in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Korcula. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Korcula because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heidelberg is generally cooler than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Korcula. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F) 
    Korcula 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

Heidelberg is cooler than Korcula in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Korcula. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Korcula in the Winter?

Both Korcula and Heidelberg during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Korcula for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Heidelberg in the winter. In the winter, Heidelberg is much colder than Korcula. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Korcula averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Korcula. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F) 
    Korcula 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Korcula in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Korcula. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Korcula in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Heidelberg is generally cooler than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 11°C (52°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula this time of the year. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Korcula. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)