A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heidelberg vs. Reims for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Heidelberg or Reims?

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 Reims. 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 charming, scenic, and character-filled 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.

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Reims: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Reims?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heidelberg than Reims. While Reims is larger than Heidelberg, Heidelberg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heidelberg is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Reims attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also well known for The Heidelberg Castle. Reims is famous for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

How is Heidelberg different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heidelberg
Reims

Reims 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 Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Heidelberg
Reims

Reims is an amazing city 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 Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg
Reims

Heidelberg is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Heidelberg or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg
Reims

Heidelberg is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Heidelberg has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Reims?

Heidelberg
Reims

Reims 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 Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Heidelberg
Reims

Heidelberg is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heidelberg. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Heidelberg or Reims Better for Couples?

Heidelberg
Reims

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

Reims is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg
Reims

Heidelberg is well known for backpackers. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heidelberg is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Reims is a good town to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Heidelberg or Reims Better for Students?

Heidelberg
Reims

Heidelberg is a nice place to visit for students. However, Reims 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg
Reims

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

Heidelberg offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.


Is Heidelberg or Reims a more walkable city?

Heidelberg
Reims

Heidelberg and Reims are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Reims is very walkable. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Reims?

In either Heidelberg or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Heidelberg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Reims 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 Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Heidelberg 1-3 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Heidelberg or Reims?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic city of Reims, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Reims?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Reims, there's plenty to do. 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 city.


Five days in Heidelberg or Reims?

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.

Reims, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Reims?

You'll find nightlife and food around the charming 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.

Reims is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims 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 Reims is €131. 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 Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Reims 66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Reims 132
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg or Reims? 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 Reims


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 Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Reims 39

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 Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856
  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims 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
    Reims 40

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heidelberg 11
    Reims 19

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 Reims

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

  • Full Day Champagne Pommery Small Group Tour: $251
  • Private Tour of a Wine Estate and Oeno-olfactory Workshop: $104
  • A unique sensory experience in the vineyards: $104
  • Bubble Champagne Tour from Epernay (Small group half day tour): $169
  • Champagne Cellar tour and tasting: $43
  • Champagne Cellars & Vineyards tour from Reims full day: $229
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey : Premium Tour and Tasting: $38
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27
  • Champagne Lamiable: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $33
  • Champagne Lover Tour&Amazing Experience&With champagne sabering: $207
  • Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: $229
  • Champagne: E-Bike Champagne Day Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $182

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heidelberg 17
    Reims 22

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


When comparing the travel costs between Heidelberg and Reims, 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 Reims Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Reims. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Heidelberg is a little warmer than Reims in the summer. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Reims. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Reims. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reims because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heidelberg in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Reims averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Reims during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Reims. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Heidelberg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. In January, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Reims. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Reims in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Reims. The natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reims for the natural beauty.

Heidelberg is a little warmer than Reims in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Reims during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Reims. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)