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

Should you visit Vilnius or Heidelberg?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Heidelberg. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a authentic, historic, and religious city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a lively, charming, and scenic town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Vilnius and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Heidelberg?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heidelberg than Vilnius. While Vilnius is larger than Heidelberg, Heidelberg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heidelberg is more popular for its food, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Vilnius is known for its museums. Heidelberg is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. It is also home to The Heidelberg Castle. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history.

How is Vilnius different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vilnius 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 Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Vilnius and Heidelberg.

Vilnius has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

Heidelberg has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.

Is Vilnius or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is an amazing town to visit for its old town. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Heidelberg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Heidelberg?

Both Vilnius and Heidelberg are good shopping destinations.

Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Heidelberg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Vilnius or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Heidelberg are good family-friendly destinations.

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly city. 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 Vilnius or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Vilnius is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Is Vilnius or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Vilnius and Heidelberg are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Is Vilnius or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Vilnius and Heidelberg are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Vilnius is a good city to visit for students. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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.

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

Heidelberg is notable for its public transit. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Heidelberg has some very good public transit options. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Is Vilnius or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Heidelberg is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vilnius and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vilnius than in Heidelberg. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

Families should spend more time in Heidelberg than Vilnius. 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 Vilnius. 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Heidelberg?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Vilnius, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Vilnius, 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 Vilnius or Heidelberg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Vilnius, 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.

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 Vilnius or Heidelberg?

Vilnius, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Vilnius or Heidelberg?

Vilnius 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, 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 Vilnius and Heidelberg, we can see that Heidelberg is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vilnius would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vilnius 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 Vilnius.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Heidelberg?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Heidelberg. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Heidelberg. The summer months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In the summer, Vilnius is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 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 Vilnius this time of the year. In the summer, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Vilnius or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

Both Heidelberg and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Vilnius this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Vilnius is generally much colder than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Vilnius during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Heidelberg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Vilnius. Vilnius is much colder than Heidelberg in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Heidelberg. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Heidelberg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Heidelberg. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Vilnius is much colder than Heidelberg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Vilnius