A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Heidelberg for Old Town, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Heidelberg can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a park-filled, charming, and historic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and theater.

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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heidelberg. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Heidelberg are both popular with visitors, Heidelberg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its museums, theatre productions, and small town charm. Heidelberg is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also home to The Heidelberg Castle. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg?

Stratford-upon-Avon is adequate for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Stratford-upon-Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an amazing town to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Heidelberg is not a theatre destination.

Stratford-upon-Avon is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Heidelberg is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Heidelberg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Heidelberg has a large number of nightlife venues. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Heidelberg offers plenty to see. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heidelberg. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Heidelberg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Heidelberg is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Heidelberg. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon 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. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Heidelberg can get you around easily. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Heidelberg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Heidelberg than in Stratford-upon-Avon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Stratford-upon-Avon, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

Families should spend more time in Heidelberg than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the theater. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stratford-upon-Avon, one day is sufficent for most.

In Heidelberg, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the theater. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Many people visit Heidelberg for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heidelberg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg?

Stratford-upon-Avon, a popular 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.

The beautiful destination of Heidelberg offers food and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the theater. 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.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Heidelberg. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stratford-upon-Avon and Heidelberg, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. And not only is Heidelberg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heidelberg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heidelberg 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon than you might in Heidelberg.

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

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Heidelberg. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°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. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Heidelberg. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Heidelberg. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold. Stratford-upon-Avon is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

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

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

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon