Heraclides the Critic was a Greek author who lived during the 3rd century BCE, a period known as the Hellenistic era. He is identified with the Pythagorean philosophical tradition, though the details of his life and education are not well documented. His epithet "Criticus" likely refers to his role as a critic or judge of cultural matters.

His primary known work is On the Cities in Greece, a descriptive travel account of Greek city-states. The work survives only in fragments, most of which are preserved by the later writer Athenaeus. It combines geography with cultural commentary, offering witty and sometimes critical observations on local customs, products, and the character of different places.

Heraclides the Critic is significant as a source for understanding Hellenistic geography and cultural attitudes. According to modern scholars, his fragments provide valuable insights into how Greek cities were perceived during his time, distinguished by their humorous and evaluative tone. His work was used by later authors as a reference for unique local details across the Greek world.