Is Heidelberg expensive to visit?
Heidelberg is a terrific town that captivates many with its charm, appealing to a wide range of travel styles and budgets. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Heidelberg has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $76 (€73) per day, mid-range travelers spend $174 (€169) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $341 (€330) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Heidelberg.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Heidelberg is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Livorno or Nottingham.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Heidelberg Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Heidelberg?
The average Heidelberg trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Heidelberg travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Heidelberg cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget in Heidelberg is important. While you might think you can save money by cutting expenses, traveling comfortably requires a bit more spending for most people. Think about your favorite vacation activities and ideal travel style. Staying in a resort or comfortable hotel, along with sightseeing and dining out are generally what many people prefer. Your travel preferences will determine how much you'll end up spending on your trip.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $76 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Heidelberg, such as Steffi's Hostel Heidelberg, Lotte - The Backpackers, and MEININGER Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few. The town also offers convenient public transit, which can help budget travelers steer clear of pricey taxi or Uber rides. Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Heidelberg, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Heidelberg. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $174 per person, per day.
In Heidelberg, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hotel Heidelberg Astoria is a great choice for families, and Arthotel Heidelberg is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Heidelberg.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $341. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the town means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Heidelberg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Heidelberg
Heidelberg offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $102, but during peak summer season, they can average $190. Prices range from $73 to $304, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Heidelberg for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $194 (€186). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $97 (€93) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Heidelberg include:
- Hotel Heidelberg Astoria starting at $89
- Bergheim 41 Hotel im Alten Hallenbad starting at $131
- Hotel & Restaurant Grenzhof starting at $123
- Qube Heidelberg starting at $105
- Arthotel Heidelberg starting at $142
While Heidelberg has a great public transit system, staying outside the town to save on accommodation could mean higher transportation costs and less convenience if you're short on time.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Walking is a favored way to experience Heidelberg, so finding a central accommodation is a great idea. Just remember, this might come with a steeper price tag.
The town's historic old town draws many tourists. While accommodations in this area might be expensive, they often come with a lot of charm and are well-placed for easy access to everything.
Transportation Budget in Heidelberg
In Heidelberg, the public transportation system is excellent. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station. For quick and affordable travel, use public transit, though taxis and rideshares are available for convenience.
Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. The old town is particularly walkable.
Public Transit: 



(great)
Walkability: 



(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $18 (€17) per person, per day, on local transportation in Heidelberg. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Heidelberg is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
€17
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer for $54 details
- Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer for $107 details
- Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden for $147 details
How much does it cost to go to Heidelberg? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Heidelberg will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Heidelberg
The food scene in Heidelberg is incredible, so be sure to spend time tasting all the local dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Heidelberg can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Heidelberg is $68 (€65) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$68
€65
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Heidelberg is around $67 (€65) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $129. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Heidelberg are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $27
- Dinner: $20 to $47
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
There's a surprising variety of restaurants around town with some great ethnic restaurants including sushi, Thai, and of course, pizza. There are also some great beer gardens where you can relax and enjoy a cold drink in a great outdoor setting. Some of the bars are clearly geared toward tourists, while others are more popular with the student crowds. There are also plenty of clubs and discos around town, so if you're looking for a lively nightlife, you'll likely to find it here.
One good restaurant that serves modern German cuisine is BrunnenStube. Prices are reasonable and the food is good. There are seasonal specialties and the fish or lamb are both recommended.
There are plenty of budget options for accommodation around town, including hostels and small bed and breakfasts. There are some great options in the mid range budget, and if you're looking for a splurge there are a couple of high end options as well.
Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Save some money and appreciate the beautiful scenery by having a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, pick out some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic spot for your meal.
Carry your own water bottle instead of spending on drinks. It's also a positive step for the environment.
Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Heidelberg, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Craft Beer and Street Food Tour for $670 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Heidelberg
People come to Heidelberg in droves for historical sights, food, nightlife, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Heidelberg typically cost an average of $12 (€11) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$12
€11
You'll find a lot of Heidelberg's main sights concentrated around Altstadt, which is the city's main historic district. The main street through town is Hauptstrasse, which is a mile long, pedestrian only street that has some great shopping and fascinating people watching opportunities. The city's castle is a must see. It is a combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Although the Castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, it is interesting to see the combination of styles and uses through the years. There is also a park that surrounds the castle that is enjoyable to walk through. It's possible to purchase an audio tour of the castle if you're particularly interested in the details.
Other sights around town include the Thingstatte on top of Heiligenberg, the Kurpfalzisches Museum, the old university on Universitatsplatz, Jesuitenkirche, and the Heilggeistkirche church. The Philosophenweg, on the northern side of the city, has some great views of the city as does Heiligenberg mountain.
There are more than eight theaters in town. These include Stadttheater, the large state run theater, and Zimmertheater, which is Germany's oldest private theater.
Another popular activity is to take the train to the top of Konigstuhl Mountain, which offers excellent views of the surrounding area. If the weather is good you can see the Northern Black Forest. It's also possible to climb to the top of the summit using the Himmelsleiter (Heaven's Ladder), which is a stairway of 1200 steps.
Historical Sights:
The old town, steeped in history, draws in a wide array of visitors. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Heidelberg. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg for $45 details
- Kayak-Tour in Heidelberg on river Neckar for $62 details
- Alternative Heidelberg Tour. For $68 details
Nightlife Budget in Heidelberg
In Heidelberg, the nightlife is always buzzing with activity, and visitors delight in spending their nights at the local bars, clubs, and parties. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang out.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $18 (€17) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Heidelberg per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$18
€17
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
When you're out at night and drinking, be aware of what's going on around you. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so it's safest to stay in groups.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Heidelberg. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Pub crawl through the old town including drinks for $36 details
- Private pub crawl with insider-guide & shots for $294 details