A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Lindau vs. Heidelberg for Old Town, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Lindau or Heidelberg?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lindau and Heidelberg 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.

Lindau

Lindau is a fun-filled, scenic, and alpine town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a quaint, energetic, and lively town. The famous beauty of this place 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.

Lindau and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Lindau or Heidelberg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heidelberg. Although Lindau and Heidelberg are both popular with visitors, Heidelberg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Heidelberg is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lindau is known for its museums and small town charm. Lindau is popular for its lakefront location and quaint old town. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also home to The Heidelberg Castle.

How is Lindau different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lindau
Heidelberg

Lindau is adequate for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Lindau
Heidelberg

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Lindau and Heidelberg.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lindau. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

Heidelberg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Lindau or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Lindau
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Heidelberg know how to have a good time. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Lindau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.

Is Lindau or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Lindau
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is terrific for its old town. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Heidelberg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lindau. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.


Is the Shopping Better in Lindau or Heidelberg?

Lindau
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Heidelberg offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lindau or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Lindau
Heidelberg

Lindau is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lindau. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

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 Lindau or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Lindau
Heidelberg

Both Lindau and Heidelberg are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Lindau frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.

Heidelberg is a great town 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 Lindau or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lindau
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lindau 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 backpackers visit Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Lindau or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Lindau
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a town with good options for students. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not popular with students.

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

Lindau
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a great destination for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.


Is Lindau or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Lindau
Heidelberg

Lindau and Heidelberg both are very good when exploring on foot.

Lindau is a very walkable town. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Lindau?

How long in Lindau or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lindau and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lindau than in Heidelberg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Lindau, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Heidelberg than Lindau. 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 Lindau 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 Lindau or Heidelberg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lindau 2-4 
    Heidelberg 1-3

One day in Lindau or Heidelberg?

Lindau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Lindau or Heidelberg?

Even though Lindau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Heidelberg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Lindau or Heidelberg?

Lindau, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lindau or Heidelberg?

Lindau 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Heidelberg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Historical Tours in Germany, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Lindau?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lindau is €163, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is €142. 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 Lindau and Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lindau 91
    Heidelberg 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lindau 182
    Heidelberg 186
Compare Hotels in Lindau and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Lindau 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 Lindau


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: Lindau Hotel Prices and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lindau 40
    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: $104
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Lindau or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Lindau 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
    Lindau 45
    Heidelberg 37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

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

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $596

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lindau 27
    Heidelberg 11

Tours and Activities in Lindau

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

  • Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour: $320
  • Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour: $266
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $206

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • Heidelberg's Altstadt: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.52
  • Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.52
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.93
  • Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.93
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.51
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.32
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lindau 25
    Heidelberg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Lindau

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

  • Lake Constance wine tour > day tour > wine tasting at 3 winemakers: $195

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

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

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


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


Which is Bigger, Lindau or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Lindau 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.