A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Heidelberg for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Lagos 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 Lagos 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a historic, quaint, and energetic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Lagos and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Heidelberg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Heidelberg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Heidelberg is more popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Lagos is more touristy than Heidelberg and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Heidelberg is well known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Lagos different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Lagos and Heidelberg offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Heidelberg has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Lagos or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Heidelberg.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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.

Is Lagos or Heidelberg Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Heidelberg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a great resort town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Heidelberg Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Heidelberg can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Heidelberg Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a great resort town for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Heidelberg?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Heidelberg and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heidelberg. 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 Lagos or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

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

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Lagos or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Heidelberg is a good destination for students. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg is well known for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Heidelberg can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Heidelberg is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lagos and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than in Heidelberg. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Heidelberg?

With shopping and nightlife around the scenic resort town of Lagos, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Heidelberg, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Lagos, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Lagos or Heidelberg?

Lagos, a popular resort town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this resort town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Heidelberg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Heidelberg?

Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the charming destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In July, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Heidelberg. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

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

Lagos is much warmer than Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Lagos for 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. In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Heidelberg. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Heidelberg in the Spring?

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

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Lagos