A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heidelberg vs. Saint-Etienne for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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. 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Heidelberg and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heidelberg than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than Heidelberg, Heidelberg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saint-Etienne is known for its museums and hiking. Heidelberg is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also home to The Heidelberg Castle. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Heidelberg different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heidelberg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Heidelberg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne?

Heidelberg is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Saint-Etienne are good 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

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

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Is Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne 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, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Heidelberg is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable town. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Heidelberg Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Heidelberg than Saint-Etienne. 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 Heidelberg than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

A weekend in Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and museums around the destination of Saint-Etienne, 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 city.

Five days in Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Heidelberg. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne, a popular city, 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful town of Heidelberg. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In July, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Heidelberg is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

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

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In the winter, Heidelberg is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint-Etienne. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Heidelberg