Heraclides the Critic was a Greek author of the 3rd century BCE, the Hellenistic period. He is associated with the Pythagorean philosophical tradition, though the specifics of his life and education are obscure. His epithet "Criticus" suggests his function as a critic or judge of cultural affairs.

His principal known work is On the Cities in Greece, a descriptive travel account of Greek city-states. The work survives only in fragments, predominantly preserved by the later writer Athenaeus. It blends geography with cultural commentary, providing witty and often critical observations on local customs, products, and regional character.

Heraclides the Critic is an important source for Hellenistic geography and cultural attitudes. His fragments offer valuable insights into contemporary perceptions of Greek cities, notable for their humorous and evaluative tone. His work served as a reference for later authors seeking unique local details from across the Greek world.