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

Should you visit Heidelberg or Venice?

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 Venice. 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Heidelberg and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heidelberg or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice than Heidelberg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Venice is very popular for its museums, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Heidelberg and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Heidelberg different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Heidelberg or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Heidelberg or Venice Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Venice has a world-famous historical area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Is the Shopping Better in Heidelberg or Venice?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Venice is a great city 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 Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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.

Is Heidelberg or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Heidelberg and Venice are high quality 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Heidelberg or Venice Better for Students?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Heidelberg is a good town to visit for students. 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.

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

Venice is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Venice is top-notch. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Is Heidelberg or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Heidelberg?

How long in Heidelberg or Venice?

Both Heidelberg and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Heidelberg. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heidelberg, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Venice 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 Venice.

One day in Heidelberg or Venice?

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 food around the cultural city of Venice, 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 Venice?

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 food and shopping around the destination of Venice, 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 Venice?

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.

Venice, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Heidelberg or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic 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.

Venice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heidelberg and Venice, we can see that Venice is more expensive. And not only is Heidelberg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heidelberg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heidelberg 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice than you might in Heidelberg.

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

Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice 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 Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Heidelberg is cooler than Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Venice. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Heidelberg or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Heidelberg is cooler than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heidelberg in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets less sunshine than Venice. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets less rain in October than Venice. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Venice in the Winter?

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

The weather in Venice can be very cold. Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. In January, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Venice. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 3°C (37°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Venice during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Venice. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Venice in the Spring?

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

Heidelberg is cooler than Venice in the spring. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Venice. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Heidelberg