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

Should you visit Sigulda or Heidelberg?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sigulda and Heidelberg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Heidelberg?

Sigulda

Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Heidelberg or Sigulda?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, 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 Sigulda and Heidelberg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sigulda 16
    Heidelberg 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sigulda 32
    Heidelberg 186
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Heidelberg

Looking for a hotel in Sigulda 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 Sigulda


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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Heidelberg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sigulda -
    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: $105
  • 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
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • 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 Sigulda or Heidelberg?

Prices for flights to both Heidelberg and Sigulda 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
    Sigulda 7.81
    Heidelberg 37
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:


  • Pastry
    1.85

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.
    Sigulda -
    Heidelberg 11

Tours and Activities in Sigulda

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

  • Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218
  • From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
  • Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
  • Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74

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
    Sigulda -
    Heidelberg 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:

  • Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144

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 Sigulda and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda 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 Sigulda.

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


Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Heidelberg?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sigulda or Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Sigulda during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Sigulda usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Heidelberg. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sigulda 17°C (63°F) 
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Heidelberg. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Sigulda is much colder than Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around 7°C (45°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Sigulda usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Sigulda gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sigulda 7°C (45°F) 
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Heidelberg. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Heidelberg in the winter. The weather in Sigulda can be very cold. In the winter, Sigulda is much colder than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sigulda in January average around -5°C (23°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Sigulda usually gets less rain in January than Heidelberg. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sigulda -5°C (23°F) 
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty.

In April, Sigulda is generally much colder than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 5°C (42°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In April, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sigulda 5°C (42°F) 
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Sigulda

Sigulda Heidelberg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)