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

Should you visit Heraklion or Reims?

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 Reims 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 accessible, bustling, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Reims

Reims is a scenic, cultural, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Reims?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Reims. While Reims is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Reims is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Reims is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral.

How is Heraklion different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Heraklion can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Reims 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 Reims have been singled out for their culinary prowess. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Heraklion is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Heraklion or Reims Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beach. However, Reims is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Heraklion. 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.

Reims is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Reims?

Reims is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Reims is well-known for its shopping. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Reims Better for Families?

Heraklion is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Heraklion or Reims Better for Couples?

Reims is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Reims is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Heraklion or Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is well known for backpackers. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heraklion is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Reims is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Heraklion and Reims.

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

You'll find some public transit in Reims, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Heraklion or Reims a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Reims are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Reims?

In either Heraklion or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Heraklion because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Reims 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 Reims?

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this accessible 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 Reims. 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 Reims?

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 scenic destination of Reims. 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 Reims?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful city of Reims. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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.

Reims 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

Both Reims and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Reims because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In Reims, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Reims. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Reims. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Reims. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

In October, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Reims during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Reims. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Reims in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Reims. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reims. Heraklion is much warmer than Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Reims. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Heraklion is much warmer than Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Reims during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Reims. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reims and Heraklion