A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heidelberg vs. Tihany for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Heidelberg or Tihany?

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 Tihany. 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.

Where Should I go: Heidelberg or Tihany?

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

Tihany

Located on the northern coast of Lake Balaton in Hungary, Tihany is a historic village with quaint streets and bustling squares - all centered on the twin-towered Tihany Benedictine Abbey which dates back to the 11th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Hungary, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Hungary.


Which place is cheaper, Tihany or Heidelberg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Heidelberg is €142, while the average daily cost in Tihany is €41. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Heidelberg and Tihany in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Tihany 18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Tihany 36
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Tihany

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg or Tihany? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Heidelberg


Hotels in Tihany


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Heidelberg Hotel Prices and Tihany Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Tihany 10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Tihany?

Prices for flights to both Tihany and Heidelberg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Heidelberg 37
    Tihany 17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heidelberg 11
    Tihany 4.52

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.

  • 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
  • Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
  • Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
  • Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
  • Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373

Tours and Activities in Tihany

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tihany.

  • The best of Keszthely walking tour: $98
  • Erotic Renaissance Wax Museum Entrance Ticket: $5.45
  • Lake Balaton: Paddle Board Tour of Tihany National Park: $43
  • Lake Balaton: Sunset SUP Tour Tihany: $43
  • Romantic tour around Keszthely for couples: $98
  • Special Magical Christmas Walking Tour in Keszthely: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heidelberg 17
    Tihany 6.17

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295

Sample the Local Flavors in Tihany

Also in Tihany, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Budapest: Wine Tasting At Balaton Full Day Private Tour: $1,219


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

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


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Tihany?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Tihany. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Tihany, 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 Tihany?

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 Tihany in the Summer?

Both Tihany and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In July, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Tihany. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 21°C (69°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Tihany. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Tihany. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F) 
    Tihany 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Tihany in the Autumn?

Both Tihany and Heidelberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Tihany in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 152 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in October than Tihany. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Tihany in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Tihany. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Tihany can be very cold during winter. Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Heidelberg is much warmer than Tihany. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heidelberg in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Tihany averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Tihany during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Tihany receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives more rain than Tihany. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F) 
    Tihany -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Tihany in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Tihany. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Tihany. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 11°C (52°F), and Tihany fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Tihany. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tihany receives 178 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in April than Tihany. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Tihany receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F) 
    Tihany 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Tihany and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Tihany
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) -1°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 27 mm (1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)