A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Heidelberg for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lisbon or Heidelberg?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Heidelberg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a character-filled, historic, and quaint town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Lisbon and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Heidelberg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisbon than Heidelberg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lisbon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Heidelberg is famous for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Lisbon different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Lisbon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Heidelberg makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Lisbon or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Lisbon has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Heidelberg offers plenty to do in the evening. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Is Lisbon or Heidelberg Better for Music?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Heidelberg is not a live music destination.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Heidelberg is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Heidelberg Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a good destination for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Lisbon offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both Lisbon and Heidelberg.

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Heidelberg?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. 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 Lisbon or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Lisbon is a great city 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 Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

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 Lisbon or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Heidelberg make for a superb place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Couples visit Heidelberg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Lisbon or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is an amazing city 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 Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Lisbon is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Many students visit Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

Heidelberg is a good city to visit for 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.

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

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Lisbon is top-notch. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Is Lisbon or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Lisbon is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Lisbon is a very easy city to get around on foot. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Heidelberg. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

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

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

One day in Lisbon or Heidelberg?

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Lisbon or Heidelberg?

When visiting Lisbon, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Lisbon or Heidelberg?

Lisbon, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. 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 Lisbon or Heidelberg?

Lisbon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lively 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Heidelberg?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Heidelberg?

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 Lisbon or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Heidelberg. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Heidelberg. The autumn months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In the autumn, Lisbon is much warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in October than Heidelberg. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In January, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Lisbon is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Heidelberg. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Lisbon