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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier. 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 character-filled, historic, and quaint town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Heidelberg and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier than Heidelberg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, beaches, and shopping, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Heidelberg different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Heidelberg is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Heidelberg or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Heidelberg or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great city for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Heidelberg and Montpellier.

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.

Montpellier has a world-famous historical area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Montpellier?

Montpellier is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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.

Is Heidelberg or Montpellier Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Montpellier are nice 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.

Montpellier is a family-friendly place to visit. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Heidelberg or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Heidelberg and Montpellier both excellent 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.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Heidelberg or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Heidelberg and Montpellier are excellent 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 Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Heidelberg or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

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

Heidelberg and Montpellier 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 Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Heidelberg or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Montpellier are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heidelberg and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Heidelberg. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.

One day in Heidelberg or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the character-filled town of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Montpellier, 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 Montpellier, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Montpellier, 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 city.

Five days in Heidelberg or Montpellier?

The historic town of Heidelberg offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier, a popular city, 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Heidelberg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Montpellier. The summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

Heidelberg is cooler than Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Heidelberg is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heidelberg in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Heidelberg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In January, Heidelberg is generally much colder than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Montpellier. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Heidelberg is cooler than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Heidelberg