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

Should you visit Vienna or Heidelberg?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna 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.

Vienna

Vienna is a classical, traditional, and artistic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

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.

Vienna and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Heidelberg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Heidelberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more popular for its museums, music, and shopping, while Heidelberg is known for its nightlife and quaint atmosphere. Vienna is more touristy than Heidelberg and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Heidelberg is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vienna is a great city for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Heidelberg can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Dining out in Heidelberg is an experience not to be missed. 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 Vienna or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Heidelberg Better for Music?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Heidelberg is not a live music destination.

Vienna has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Heidelberg is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Vienna and Heidelberg both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian 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 the Shopping Better in Vienna or Heidelberg?

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

Many people travel to Vienna specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Vienna and Heidelberg are both good destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

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 Vienna or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

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

Vienna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Vienna is a good city to visit for backpackers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Vienna or Heidelberg Better for Students?

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

Vienna is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Heidelberg is a good city 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 Vienna or Heidelberg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vienna is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Vienna is top-notch. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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.

Is Vienna or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

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

Vienna is a very easy city to get around on foot. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Heidelberg. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Heidelberg?

With live music and food around the traditional city of Vienna, 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.

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 Vienna or Heidelberg?

With food and shopping around the destination of Vienna, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Vienna or Heidelberg?

Vienna, a popular city, 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 city. 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 Vienna or Heidelberg?

Vienna 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 scenic 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Heidelberg?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vienna is around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°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 Vienna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vienna usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Heidelberg. Many visitors come to Vienna in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, 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.

In October, Vienna is generally around the same temperature as Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Heidelberg. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vienna 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. Vienna can be very cold during winter. Vienna is cooler than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Heidelberg in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Vienna is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vienna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the spring, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Vienna