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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 scenic, character-filled, and historic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful, charming, and historic coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Heidelberg and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Heidelberg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Heidelberg is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Heidelberg is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Heidelberg different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor and Heidelberg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Heidelberg makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is a good destination for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Heidelberg and Kotor.

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.

Kotor has a world-famous historical area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Kotor?

Heidelberg is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Kotor 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.

Kotor is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor Better for Couples?

Heidelberg and Kotor 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.

Kotor is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Heidelberg and Kotor are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Heidelberg. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor Better for Students?

Heidelberg is very good for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Heidelberg can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Heidelberg or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Kotor is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Heidelberg or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kotor than Heidelberg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kotor that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kotor than Heidelberg 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 Kotor.

One day in Heidelberg or Kotor?

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.

Kotor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Kotor?

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.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Heidelberg or Kotor?

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.

Kotor, a popular coastal town, 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 Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic 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.

Kotor 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Kotor?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heidelberg is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Heidelberg is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In October, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Kotor. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. Heidelberg is much colder than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Kotor. The spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the spring, Heidelberg is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Kotor. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Heidelberg