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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg. 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 scenic, character-filled, and historic 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming, picturesque, and impressive city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Strasbourg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Strasbourg than Heidelberg. Strasbourg is bigger than Heidelberg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Strasbourg is better known for its museums and shopping, while Heidelberg is more popular for its nightlife, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is well known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Strasbourg is well known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Also, Strasbourg is famous for The Strasbourg Cathedral.

How is Heidelberg different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Heidelberg and Strasbourg can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Strasbourg makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Heidelberg or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a great town for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Heidelberg or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Heidelberg and Strasbourg.

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.

Strasbourg has a world-famous historical area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Strasbourg?

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg Better for Families?

Both Heidelberg and Strasbourg are notable 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Heidelberg or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Heidelberg and Strasbourg both high quality 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.

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Is Heidelberg or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Heidelberg or Strasbourg Better for Students?

For students, both Heidelberg and Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg is a good town to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Heidelberg and Strasbourg both offer high quality 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 Strasbourg. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Heidelberg or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Heidelberg and Strasbourg are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heidelberg and Strasbourg. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg?

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

With museums and nightlife around the impressive city of Strasbourg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Heidelberg or Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Heidelberg, 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 town.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

Heidelberg, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Strasbourg, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Strasbourg?

Heidelberg 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.

Strasbourg 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Strasbourg?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

Both Strasbourg and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Strasbourg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg and Heidelberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in October than Strasbourg. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Strasbourg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Strasbourg. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Strasbourg can be very cold. Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. Heidelberg is a little warmer than Strasbourg in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Strasbourg during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Strasbourg. The spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

In the spring, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in April than Strasbourg. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Heidelberg