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

Should you visit Oxford or Heidelberg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Heidelberg, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a charming, scenic, and character-filled town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oxford and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Heidelberg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Heidelberg than Oxford, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Heidelberg is better known for its food, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Oxford is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Heidelberg is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Also, Heidelberg is famous for The Heidelberg Castle. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford is a great college town for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Oxford. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Heidelberg. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Heidelberg.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Heidelberg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Is Oxford or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Heidelberg has a world-famous historical 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Heidelberg?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Oxford and Heidelberg.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

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.

Is Oxford or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Oxford and Heidelberg are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heidelberg. 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 Oxford or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Oxford and Heidelberg are both great to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Heidelberg is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Oxford is an amazing college town to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Oxford is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Heidelberg is a good college 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.

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

Heidelberg is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Oxford and Heidelberg are great when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Heidelberg. In our opinion, Heidelberg has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Heidelberg than Oxford. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Heidelberg than Oxford. 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 Oxford 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.

One day in Oxford or Heidelberg?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, one day is sufficent for most.

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 Oxford or Heidelberg?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this college 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 Oxford or Heidelberg?

Oxford, a popular college town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Oxford or Heidelberg?

Oxford 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 historic 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 United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Heidelberg?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Oxford is generally cooler than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Oxford or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Heidelberg. Many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Heidelberg. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. Oxford can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Oxford is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Oxford usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In April, Oxford is generally cooler than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Oxford