A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heidelberg vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a world-famous, spectacular, and scenic national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Heidelberg and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park than Heidelberg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Plitvice Lakes National Park is better known for its hiking, while Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Heidelberg and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is famous for the terraced chain of lakes. Heidelberg is well known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Heidelberg different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heidelberg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Heidelberg for the nightlife scene. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Heidelberg offers plenty to see. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Heidelberg is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Heidelberg. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Heidelberg and Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Heidelberg and Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Is Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Heidelberg is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Is Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Heidelberg is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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 generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very easy national park to get around on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Heidelberg than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Heidelberg, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With around the scenic national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Heidelberg is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

With around the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 national park.

Five days in Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Heidelberg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a popular national park, 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The charming town of Heidelberg offers shopping and nightlife. 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 a variety of activities to choose from.

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Heidelberg and Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Heidelberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the cuisine.

The weather in Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold. Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. Heidelberg is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In the spring, Heidelberg is cooler than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Heidelberg