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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Positano?

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 Positano. 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 historic, quaint, and energetic 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. 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 shopping, food, and beaches.

Heidelberg and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Heidelberg and Positano are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Heidelberg and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also well known for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Heidelberg different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village 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 Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

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 Positano Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Heidelberg or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

Is Heidelberg or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heidelberg or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

Positano offers a nice beach destination. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Positano Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Positano has a world-famous historical area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Heidelberg or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Positano for the hiking trails. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Positano?

Positano is a great Mediterranean village 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 Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

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 Positano Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Positano 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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Heidelberg or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for couples. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Positano is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Heidelberg or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Heidelberg or Positano Better for Students?

Heidelberg is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano 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.

Positano is not popular with students.

Is Heidelberg or Positano 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. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

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

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Heidelberg or Positano a more walkable city?

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

Positano is a very easy Mediterranean village to get around on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Positano?

Both Heidelberg and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Heidelberg. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Positano 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 Positano?

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.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Positano?

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.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this Mediterranean village.

Five days in Heidelberg or Positano?

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.

Positano, a popular Mediterranean village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this Mediterranean village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Positano?

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.

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this Mediterranean village has to offer. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heidelberg and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Heidelberg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heidelberg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heidelberg 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano than you might in Heidelberg.

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Positano?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

Heidelberg is cooler than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Positano. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Heidelberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Heidelberg is cooler than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heidelberg in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Positano. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Positano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Positano. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In January, Heidelberg is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Positano. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Positano. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Heidelberg