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

Should you visit Mykonos 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 Mykonos 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a postcard perfect, glamourous, and party-oriented Greek island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a character-filled, historic, and quaint town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Mykonos and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Mykonos or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mykonos than Heidelberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Mykonos is more touristy than Heidelberg and is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also home to the traditional windmills near Chora. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Mykonos different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mykonos
Heidelberg

Mykonos 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 Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Mykonos
Heidelberg

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island 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 Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

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

Mykonos has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

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 Mykonos or Heidelberg Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

Mykonos is an amazing Greek island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Heidelberg is not a resort destination.


Is Mykonos or Heidelberg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

Mykonos is a great Greek island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Heidelberg Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

Mykonos is a great Greek island for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mykonos for it's beautiful beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Mykonos and Heidelberg.

With a famous historical old-town, Mykonos offers plenty to see. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

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 Mykonos or Heidelberg Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

Mykonos is mediocre for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Heidelberg?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

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

Many people travel to Mykonos specifically to go shopping. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

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 Mykonos or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.


Is Mykonos or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

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

Mykonos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

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 Mykonos or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island 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.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

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

Heidelberg is a good town 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.

Mykonos is not popular with students.


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

Mykonos
Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit 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.

Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Is Mykonos or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Heidelberg

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

Mykonos is a very easy Greek island to get around on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Heidelberg?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Mykonos or Heidelberg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mykonos 3-5 
    Heidelberg 1-3

One day in Mykonos or Heidelberg?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the opulent Greek island of Mykonos, there's plenty to do. 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.

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 Mykonos or Heidelberg?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Mykonos, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Mykonos or Heidelberg?

Mykonos, a popular Greek island, 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 Greek island. 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 Mykonos or Heidelberg?

Mykonos 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 Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Mykonos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €149, 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 Mykonos and Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Heidelberg 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Heidelberg 186
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos 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 Mykonos


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: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Heidelberg 17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • From Helicopter Transfer to Athens or Greek Island: $2,567
  • Boat Tour / Transfer in Mykonos: $1,069
  • Private Catamaran Cruise w/ Food, Drinks & Transfer: $802
  • Mykonos Airport or Port from/to Point to Point Private Transfers: $213
  • Mykonos Private Long Distance Transfer Up To 12 Persons: $204
  • Private Mykonos Transfers up to 15 persons: $158
  • Mykonos 6hrs sailing cruise: Delos Rhenia with lunch & transfer : $153
  • Combo Yacht Cruise to Rhenia and Guided Tour of Delos (free transfers): $153
  • Mykonos Private Transfer Up To 8 Persons: $152
  • Rhenia Cruise and Delos Guided Tour with Transfers: $150
  • Catamaran Cruise with Lunch, Drinks and Transfer: $145
  • Mykonos Sail Cruise to Delos&Rhenia, BBQ&Drinks, optional Delos Tour & Transfer: $136

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Mykonos 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
    Mykonos 48
    Heidelberg 37
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $70
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $100
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $108
  • Souvlaki Cooking Class in Mykonos: $109
  • Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $160
  • Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $164
  • Private Cooking Class on Naxos Island with Pick Up: $196
  • Private Authentic Greek Brunch Cooking Class in Mykonos with a Local: $254
  • Private Food Tour & Wine Tasting In Tinos Island with a Local: $284
  • Private Cooking Class At The Home Of A Mykonian Family: $610

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.
    Mykonos 23
    Heidelberg 11

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mykonos are as follows:

  • Mykonos Island Tour: $83
  • 1-Hour Guided Snorkeling Adventure with Go Pro Pictures : $38
  • 4 Hour Mykonos Tour Explorer : $164
  • 5 Hour Mykonos Beach-Club-Crawl Experience: $90
  • 6 Hours Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with Sailing Yacht: $153
  • All Inclusive Mykonos Island Tour & Greek Food Tasting: $150
  • All inclusive Delos & Rhenia Islands tour up to 12 pax (free transportation): $153
  • All inclusive Sunset Cruise Delos & Rhenia - free transpotation: $136
  • All inclusive cruise-Mykonos Delos&Rhenia beaches(free transport): $119
  • Ancient Delos Tour: $82
  • Authentic Jeep Adventure Tour: $172
  • Best of Mykonos Island 4-Hour Private Tour: $289

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: $3.21
  • 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: $6.41
  • Pure experience: Original Black Forest farmer smoke tour: $6.54
  • Heidelberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Heidelberg Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $6.95
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.54
  • Uncover A Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Time: $11
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    Heidelberg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos

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

  • Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $73
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $74
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $80
  • Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $128
  • Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $128
  • Luxurious All-in-One Mykonos Party Tour with Wine Tasting: $163

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 Mykonos and Heidelberg, we can see that Mykonos 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Heidelberg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Heidelberg?

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