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

Should you visit Delft or Heidelberg?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Delft and Heidelberg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Delft

Delft is a quaint, charming, and historic town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Delft travel costs.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a historic, quaint, and energetic town. Heidelberg is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Heidelberg travel costs.

Delft and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Delft or Heidelberg?

You'll generally find more things to do in Heidelberg than Delft. Heidelberg is bigger than Delft, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Heidelberg is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Delft is more popular for its museums and attractions. Heidelberg is more touristy than Delft and is known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town. Also, Heidelberg is famous for The Heidelberg Castle. Delft is well known for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery.

How is Delft different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Delft 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 Delft. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Delft or Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Delft or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Delft. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

Is the Shopping Better in Delft or Heidelberg?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Delft and Heidelberg.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Delft. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Heidelberg offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Delft or Heidelberg More Beautiful?

Heidelberg is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Heidelberg is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The views from the castle and the picturesque old town all make this a truly beautiful city.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Delft or Heidelberg Better for Families?

Both Delft and Heidelberg are notable to visit with kids.

Delft is a family-friendly town. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

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 Delft or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for romance. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Delft makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Delft or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Delft is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Delft is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some affordable accommodation options, but many backpackers head to Delft as a day trip from the nearby city of The Hague.

Is Delft or Heidelberg Better for Students?

Delft is a great town for its student-friendly activities. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Many students visit Delft. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

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.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Delft and Heidelberg.

Public transit in Delft is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

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

Is Delft or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

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

Delft is a very easy town to get around on foot. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Delft?

How long in Delft or Heidelberg?

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

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

With museums and food around the historic town of Delft, 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 Delft, one day is sufficent for most.

In Heidelberg, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this lively destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Delft or Heidelberg?

The destination of Delft offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Most people find that a weekend is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heidelberg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Delft or Heidelberg?

Delft, a popular town, 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Delft or Heidelberg?

Delft 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint destination of Heidelberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Delft or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Delft 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 Delft 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 Delft or Heidelberg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Delft and Heidelberg. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Delft this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Delft is generally cooler than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Delft average around 17°C (62°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heidelberg this time of the year. In Delft, it's very sunny this time of the year. Delft usually receives less sunshine than Heidelberg during summer. Delft gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Delft usually receives around the same amount of rain as Heidelberg. Delft gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Delft or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Delft as well as Heidelberg. Many travelers come to Delft for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Delft is cooler than Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Delft averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Delft often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg. Delft gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets more rain in October than Heidelberg. Delft gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Delft or Heidelberg in the Winter?

Both Heidelberg and Delft are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Delft in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Heidelberg can be very cold during winter. Delft can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Delft is cooler than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Delft in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Delft usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during winter. Delft gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Delft usually receives more rain than Heidelberg. Delft gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Delft or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Delft during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the natural beauty.

In April, Delft is generally cooler than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Delft average around 8°C (46°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Delft often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heidelberg. Delft gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets less rain in April than Heidelberg. Delft gets 52 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 Delft