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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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 energetic, lively, and charming town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a diverse, slow-paced, and coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rijeka. Although Heidelberg and Rijeka are popular destinations, Rijeka has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also well known for Trsat Castle.

How is Heidelberg different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rijeka 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 Rijeka. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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 Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Heidelberg or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find high quality options in both Heidelberg and Rijeka.

The nightlife in Heidelberg has something for everybody. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Rijeka offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Heidelberg or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is adequate for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

The beach in Rijeka is worth checking out. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Heidelberg or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Heidelberg is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Rijeka?

If you're looking to go shopping, Heidelberg and Rijeka both offer plenty of nice 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.

Rijeka is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Heidelberg or Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka is a great town 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 Rijeka. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Heidelberg or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Heidelberg or Rijeka Better for Students?

For students, both Heidelberg and Rijeka are nice 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.

Rijeka is a good town to visit for students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Heidelberg or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Rijeka?

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the diverse town of Rijeka, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rijeka, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Rijeka?

Heidelberg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Rijeka, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Heidelberg or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rijeka, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Rijeka?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Rijeka 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Rijeka?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Heidelberg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Heidelberg is cooler than Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heidelberg. In the summer, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in July than Rijeka. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Rijeka. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Heidelberg is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heidelberg in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Rijeka. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. In January, Heidelberg is generally much colder than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

Heidelberg is cooler than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Heidelberg