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

Should you visit Villach or Heidelberg?

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

Should I visit Villach or Heidelberg? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Villach

Villach is a nature-filled, outdoorsy, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a quaint, energetic, and lively town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Villach and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Villach or Heidelberg?

Both Heidelberg and Villach have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Villach is very popular for its museums, hiking, and small town charm, while Heidelberg attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Heidelberg is more touristy than Villach and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Villach is famous for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

How is Villach different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Villach 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 Villach. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Villach or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Heidelberg has plenty to do after the sun goes down. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Is Villach or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

Heidelberg has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Villach or Heidelberg Better for Hiking?

Villach is a great town for hiking. However, Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Villach for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Many visitors go to Heidelberg to go 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.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Villach or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Villach is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Villach. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

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.

Is Villach or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Villach and Heidelberg make for a superb place to visit.

Villach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

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.

Is Villach or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Villach and Heidelberg are superb destinations for backpackers.

Villach is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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.

Is Villach or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Heidelberg is a popular place for students. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg is notable for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Heidelberg offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Villach or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Heidelberg is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

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

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Villach?

How long in Villach or Heidelberg?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Heidelberg than Villach. 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 Villach 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 Villach or Heidelberg?

With museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy town of Villach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Villach, one day is sufficent for most.

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 Villach or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and museums around the destination of Villach, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 town.

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 Villach or Heidelberg?

Villach, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. 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 Villach or Heidelberg?

Villach 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 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Villach and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg is more expensive. And not only is Villach much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Villach would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Villach 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 Villach.

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

Which is Bigger, Villach or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Villach 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 Villach 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 Villach or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Villach as well as Heidelberg. Most visitors come to Villach for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.

Villach is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the summer. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heidelberg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Villach this time of the year. In the summer, Villach often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Villach or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Villach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In the autumn, Villach is a little warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Villach in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Villach usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Villach or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Villach during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In January, Villach is generally much warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 5°C (41°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Villach often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in January than Heidelberg. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Villach or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.

Villach is a little warmer than Heidelberg in the spring. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during spring. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Villach usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Villach