A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Dijon for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Heraklion or Dijon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Dijon can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a historic, vibrant, and accessible city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Dijon

Dijon is a laid-back, culinary, and relaxing city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Dijon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and Dijon are popular destinations, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Dijon attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Heraklion is famous for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Dijon is famous for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

How is Heraklion different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dijon and Heraklion. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Heraklion or Dijon?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Dijon.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Dijon. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Is the Food Better in Heraklion or Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Dijon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Dining out in Heraklion is an experience not to be missed. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Is Heraklion or Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Heraklion has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Heraklion or Dijon Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is notable for its beaches. However, Dijon is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is considered a top beach destination. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Dijon is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Dijon?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Dijon.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Dijon to go shopping. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Heraklion or Dijon Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Dijon are nice to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dijon. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Heraklion or Dijon Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Dijon are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

Couples visit Dijon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Heraklion or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is notable for backpackers. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Dijon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Heraklion or Dijon Better for Students?

Dijon is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

Is Heraklion or Dijon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Heraklion and Dijon.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

You'll find some public transit in Dijon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Heraklion or Dijon a more walkable city?

Heraklion is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Heraklion is very walkable. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Dijon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Heraklion or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dijon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Dijon 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 Heraklion.

One day in Heraklion or Dijon?

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Dijon. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Dijon. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Dijon?

Heraklion is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Heraklion. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing city of Dijon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling destination of Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dijon is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Dijon, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Dijon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Dijon?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Dijon, 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 Heraklion or Dijon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Heraklion or Dijon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Dijon. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dijon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dijon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Dijon. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Dijon. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Dijon in the Autumn?

Both Dijon and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Heraklion is much warmer than Dijon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Dijon during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Dijon. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Dijon in the Winter?

Both Dijon and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Dijon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Dijon can be very cold. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Dijon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Dijon averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Dijon. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Dijon. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Dijon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Dijon. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dijon this time of year.

In April, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Dijon during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Dijon. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dijon and Heraklion