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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik. 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 lively, charming, and scenic town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Heidelberg and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Reykjavik?

You'll generally find more things to do in Heidelberg than Reykjavik. Heidelberg is bigger than Reykjavik, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Heidelberg is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik is more popular for its hiking. Heidelberg is well known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Also, Heidelberg is famous for The Heidelberg Castle. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Heidelberg different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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 Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Heidelberg or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Heidelberg has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Heidelberg or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Heidelberg or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is an amazing city to visit for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Reykjavik?

If you're looking to go shopping, Heidelberg and Reykjavik both offer plenty of notable spots.

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Reykjavik is a great destination for shopping. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Heidelberg or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is a great city 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 Reykjavik. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Heidelberg and Reykjavik both great 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.

Reykjavik is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Heidelberg or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Heidelberg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Reykjavik is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Heidelberg or Reykjavik Better for Students?

For students, both Heidelberg and Reykjavik are notable places to visit.

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.

Reykjavik is a good town to visit for students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Heidelberg is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Heidelberg or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Reykjavik are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Reykjavik is very walkable. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Reykjavik?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Heidelberg than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint town of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heidelberg has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With shopping and nightlife around the friendly city of Reykjavik, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the charming destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Reykjavik, 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. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Heidelberg or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic town of Heidelberg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reykjavik, a popular city, 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 city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Reykjavik?

Heidelberg is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heidelberg and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Reykjavik?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Heidelberg is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heidelberg usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Reykjavik. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In October, Heidelberg is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Reykjavik. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. Heidelberg is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Heidelberg usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Heidelberg during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the spring, Heidelberg is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reykjavik. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Heidelberg