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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo. 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 character-filled, historic, and quaint town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a cultural, beautiful, and overlooked city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Heidelberg and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Sarajevo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarajevo than Heidelberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Sarajevo is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Heidelberg is known for its nightlife, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Sarajevo and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Sarajevo is popular for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Heidelberg different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo is a great city for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sarajevo. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Heidelberg has a large number of nightlife venues. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Heidelberg or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Sarajevo has a world-famous historical area. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Is Heidelberg or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

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

Sarajevo is well-known for its hiking and trekking. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

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 Sarajevo Better for Families?

Heidelberg is a good destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly town. 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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Heidelberg or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

Heidelberg makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Heidelberg or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Heidelberg and Sarajevo are excellent places to visit.

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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

Is Heidelberg or Sarajevo Better for Students?

Heidelberg is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg and Sarajevo both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sarajevo. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

Is Heidelberg or Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable town. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Sarajevo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heidelberg and Sarajevo. In our opinion, Heidelberg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heidelberg than Sarajevo. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Heidelberg than Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo. 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 Sarajevo than Heidelberg 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 Sarajevo.

One day in Heidelberg or Sarajevo?

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.

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

A weekend in Heidelberg or Sarajevo?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sarajevo, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Sarajevo?

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.

Sarajevo 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Sarajevo. The summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sarajevo this time of year.

In July, Heidelberg is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Sarajevo. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Heidelberg is cooler than Sarajevo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Sarajevo. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In the winter, Heidelberg is much colder than Sarajevo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In January, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Sarajevo in the Spring?

Both Sarajevo and Heidelberg during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Heidelberg is generally cooler than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 11°C (52°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

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

Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heidelberg usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Heidelberg