A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Koblenz vs. Heidelberg for Old Town, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Koblenz or Heidelberg?

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 Koblenz and Heidelberg. 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.

Koblenz

Koblenz is a charming, vibrant, and dynamic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Koblenz travel costs.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a lively, charming, and scenic town. The famous beauty of Heidelberg is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife. See Heidelberg travel costs.

Koblenz and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Koblenz or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heidelberg than Koblenz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Koblenz is known for its museums and attractions and small town charm. Koblenz is popular for its location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, its popularity with river cruises, and its many nearby vineyards. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also home to The Heidelberg Castle.

How is Koblenz different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koblenz or Heidelberg?

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Koblenz is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Koblenz. Most visitors head to the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached by chairlift. Also make sure you visit the Forum Confluentes, the State Museum, the Romanticum, and the Koblenz Sparkling Wine Museum.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Heidelberg. 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.

Koblenz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city is large enough to have a diversity of restaurants that serve everything from local German specialties to other European dishes. If you want to enjoy some regional cuisine, try the Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated beef), Döppekooche (potato cakes), or locally brewed beer.

Is Koblenz or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Heidelberg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Koblenz doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a smaller city, but there are still pubs around town that attract a crowd. Enjoy the local beer and chat with the locals on a relaxing night out.

Is Koblenz or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its old town. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Koblenz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is fun to explore with its beautiful churches and quaint ice cream shops.


Is the Shopping Better in Koblenz or Heidelberg?

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Shopping is a popular activity in both Heidelberg and Koblenz.

Koblenz offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of clothing shops in the old town where you can find a deal or splurge on a new outfit.

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Koblenz or Heidelberg More Beautiful?

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Koblenz is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Heidelberg is one of the main draws. The views from the castle and the picturesque old town all make this a truly beautiful city.

Koblenz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koblenz or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Koblenz is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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

For families, Koblenz is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy the chairlift across the river that leads to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It's also fun to take a stroll along the river, grab ice cream in old town, and play at one of the parks around town.


Is Koblenz or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Koblenz and Heidelberg both excellent destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Koblenz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Seeped in romantic walks and historic buildings, couples will enjoy visiting this beautiful German town. Sip Reisling at one of the many restaurants or wander through the quaint old town.

Heidelberg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Koblenz or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koblenz
Heidelberg

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

Heidelberg is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koblenz. There are a few affordable accommodation options around town. Food is reasonably priced as well so backpackers can enjoy a visit without breaking the bank.

Is Koblenz or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a good destination for students. However, Koblenz is not popular with students.

Heidelberg is popular with 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.

Koblenz is not popular with students.


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

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is well known for its public transit. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Heidelberg has some very good public transit options. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

While Koblenz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel the major routes around town. There's also a cable car that takes you up to the fortress.

Is Koblenz or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Koblenz
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Koblenz is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Koblenz is a somewhat walkable city. If you stay in the old town, you'll have no trouble walking around, but the train station is a good distance from the old town.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Koblenz?

How long in Koblenz or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koblenz and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Heidelberg than in Koblenz. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Koblenz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heidelberg than Koblenz 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 Heidelberg.


  • How many days in Koblenz or Heidelberg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Koblenz 1-2 
    Heidelberg 1-3

One day in Koblenz or Heidelberg?

With museums and food around the charming city of Koblenz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koblenz, one day is sufficent for most.

In Heidelberg, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Koblenz or Heidelberg?

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

In Heidelberg, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heidelberg has to offer.

Five days in Koblenz or Heidelberg?

Koblenz, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Heidelberg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Koblenz or Heidelberg?

Koblenz 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Heidelberg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


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


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Koblenz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Koblenz is €144, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is €169. 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 Koblenz and Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koblenz 67
    Heidelberg 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koblenz 134
    Heidelberg 186
Compare Hotels in Koblenz and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Koblenz or Heidelberg? 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 Koblenz


Hotels in Heidelberg


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: Koblenz Hotel Prices and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koblenz 42
    Heidelberg 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $162
  • Badenweiler Thermal to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Transfer: $162
  • Badenweiler to Basel Airport (BSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $263

Is it cheaper to fly into Koblenz or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Koblenz 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
    Koblenz 49
    Heidelberg 65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

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

  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $733

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koblenz 30
    Heidelberg 11

Tours and Activities in Koblenz

Here are a few actual costs in Koblenz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 hour Christmas cruise with mulled wine around Koblenz: $23
  • 1 hour sightseeing cruise around Koblenz: $17
  • 2 hours sightseeing cruise around Koblenz: $21
  • Bicycle Picnic Boat Tour from to Cochem Private Tour: $114
  • By canoe to the winemaker from to Cochem Private Tour: $114
  • Cochem 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $16
  • Cochem Private Guided Walking Tour: $289
  • Discover Wesel with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $29
  • Koblenz - Guided tour of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: $349
  • Koblenz Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide: $273
  • Koblenz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $266
  • 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise on the Rhine: $20

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

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

  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Heidelberg Interactive City Tour: $5.64
  • Villingen-Schwenningen Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.21
  • Wangen im Allgäu Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.21
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $6.21
  • Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.94
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.24
  • Ulm City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $9.24
  • Heidelberg Secrets Quest: Self-Guided Old Town Adventure: $12
  • Walking Tour of the Old Town: $15
  • Night Watchman Historic Adventure Tour: $16
  • Entertaining Guided Tour to Old Town Highlights: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koblenz 7.79
    Heidelberg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Koblenz

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

  • Discovery tour - cellar tour with wine tasting: $21
  • Reichsburg Ship and Wine Tour Cochem Private Tour: $87
  • Private pub crawl with insider guide & free shots: $321

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

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

  • Pub crawl through the old town including drinks: $39
  • Private pub crawl with insider-guide & shots: $321


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

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


Which is Bigger, Koblenz or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Koblenz. When comparing the sizes of Koblenz and Heidelberg, 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 Koblenz or Heidelberg?

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 Koblenz or Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Koblenz during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Koblenz because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In the summer, Koblenz is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koblenz in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Koblenz often gets less sunshine than Heidelberg. Koblenz gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Koblenz usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Heidelberg. Koblenz gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koblenz 19°C (66°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koblenz and Heidelberg. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Koblenz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Koblenz is generally around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Koblenz average around 12°C (53°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Koblenz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during autumn. Koblenz gets 109 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Koblenz usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Koblenz gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Koblenz or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Koblenz as well as Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Koblenz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Koblenz. Koblenz is around the same temperature as Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Koblenz averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Koblenz often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Koblenz gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Koblenz usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Heidelberg. Koblenz gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koblenz 3°C (37°F) 
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Koblenz or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Koblenz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Koblenz in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Koblenz is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koblenz in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Koblenz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during spring. Koblenz gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Koblenz usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Koblenz gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koblenz 10°C (50°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Koblenz

Koblenz Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)