A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mamaia vs. Heidelberg for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mamaia or Heidelberg?

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

Should I visit Mamaia 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.

Where Should I go: Mamaia or Heidelberg?

Mamaia

The most popular beach resort in Romania, Mamaia sits on an 8-kilometer wisp of land between Lake Siutghiol and the Black Sea. With plenty of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and an aqua park, the resort area is a party-goer's destination with endless opportunities for fun in the sun and nighttime merriment.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Romania, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Mamaia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mamaia is $64, while the average daily cost in Heidelberg is $152. 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 Mamaia and Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mamaia $25
    Heidelberg $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mamaia $50
    Heidelberg $198
Compare Hotels in Mamaia and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Mamaia 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 Mamaia


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: Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mamaia $27
    Heidelberg $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mamaia

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

  • Mihail Kogalniceanu Constanta to Bucharest Driver - Private Guided Transfer : $272
  • Constanta to Bucharest Otopeni airport - private transfers: $251
  • Cernavoda to Bucharest - Private Guided Transfer - Car and Driver: $218
  • Private Transfer from Constanta to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $174

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Mamaia or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Mamaia 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
    Mamaia $22
    Heidelberg $40

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: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mamaia $13
    Heidelberg $12

Tours and Activities in Mamaia

For Mamaia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Day Tour: Visit Histria Winery and Ancient Citadel: $86
  • One Day Tour to Constanta (The Ancient City of Tomis): $175
  • Self-Guided Labyrinth in the Rocks Tour near Silistra: $21

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

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

  • 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
  • Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
  • Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
  • Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
  • Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mamaia $12
    Heidelberg $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Mamaia

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

  • Unveilling the Essence: Gabai Winery's Captivating Wine Tours: $44

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

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



When is the best time to visit Mamaia 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 Mamaia or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Mamaia and Heidelberg. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Mamaia is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Mamaia in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In Mamaia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Mamaia usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Mamaia gets 320 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mamaia 22°C (72°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Mamaia as well as Heidelberg. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In October, Mamaia is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Mamaia average around 14°C (56°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Mamaia often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Mamaia gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Mamaia usually gets less rain in October than Heidelberg. Mamaia gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mamaia 14°C (56°F) 
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Mamaia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. It's quite cold in Mamaia in the winter. Mamaia is much colder than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Mamaia averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Mamaia usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Mamaia gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Mamaia usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mamaia 1°C (33°F) 
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Mamaia or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Mamaia during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Mamaia is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Mamaia in April average around 10°C (51°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Mamaia often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Mamaia gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Mamaia usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Mamaia gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mamaia 10°C (51°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Mamaia

Mamaia Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 26 mm (1 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)