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

Should you visit Heraklion or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg 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 bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a historic, charming, and picturesque 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 Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Strasbourg?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Strasbourg. While Strasbourg is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Strasbourg attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, 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. Strasbourg is famous for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses.

How is Heraklion different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 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.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Strasbourg both to be superb destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Strasbourg is an experience not to be missed. 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 Heraklion or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Heraklion has something for everybody. 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.

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 Heraklion or Strasbourg Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great city for its beaches. However, Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Strasbourg?

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

Strasbourg is well-known for its shopping. 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.

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 Strasbourg Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. 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 Heraklion or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Strasbourg are superb 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 Strasbourg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Heraklion or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Heraklion is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Strasbourg Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Strasbourg is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Strasbourg has some very good public transit options. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Strasbourg are superb 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Strasbourg. In our opinion, Strasbourg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Strasbourg than Heraklion. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

Couples should spend more time in Strasbourg than Heraklion. 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion.

One day in Heraklion or Strasbourg?

With museums and nightlife around the accessible city of Heraklion, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Strasbourg. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Heraklion, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the impressive destination of Strasbourg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Strasbourg?

Heraklion, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint city of Strasbourg. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Strasbourg?

Heraklion 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 choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Strasbourg?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Strasbourg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Strasbourg. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Strasbourg this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Strasbourg. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Strasbourg. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Heraklion is much warmer than Strasbourg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Strasbourg. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Strasbourg in the Winter?

Both Strasbourg and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Strasbourg in the winter. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Strasbourg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 2°C (35°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Strasbourg in the Spring?

Both Strasbourg and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty.

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Strasbourg. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Heraklion