A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Leiden for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Athens or Leiden?

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 Athens and Leiden. 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.

Where Should I go: Athens or Leiden?

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

Leiden

Leiden is a city in the province of South Holland. It is south of the Netherlands capital, Amsterdam, and has a population of about 190,000. It is known for its university, museums, markets, and of course, canals. Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and is a sister school of Oxford, which is England's oldest university.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Leiden or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Leiden is €133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Leiden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Leiden 78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Leiden 156
Compare Hotels in Athens and Leiden

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Leiden? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Athens


Hotels in Leiden


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Leiden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Leiden 26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Vip Transfer From/To Piraeus Port - Athens Airport: $276
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $276
  • Vip Transfer From /To Athens Center - Athens Airport : $221
  • VIP High Class Limos & Chauffeurs Transfer to Athens: $66
  • VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $253
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $253
  • Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens city centre hotel: $41
  • Transfer from/to Athens International Airport to city centre: $127
  • Transfer from and to Athens International Airport : $42
  • Transfer from RAFINA PORT to ALL ATHENS & PIRAEUS HOTELS, up to 4 customers: $98
  • Transfer from Piraeus port to Athens Airport and Vice Versa 22:30PM - 06:29AM: $125
  • Transfer from PIRAEUS PORT to TOLO, up to 4 customers: $267

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leiden

Also for Leiden, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Zero Emission Tesla Taxi Transfer from Leiden Area to the Airport: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Leiden?

Prices for flights to both Leiden and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Athens 37
    Leiden 39
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $52
  • Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $53
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $58
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $61
  • Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $63
  • Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $64
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $64
  • Ramen & Gyoza - Vegan Cooking Course in Athina: $65
  • Moroccan Cuisine: Vegan Cooking Course in Athina: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Leiden 17

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $94
  • Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $183
  • DISCOVER ATHENS IN 6HRS Private Tour BEST INTRODUCTION-FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS : $221
  • EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $165
  • Food Experience in Athens including Unlimited Lunch : $64
  • Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $160
  • Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $194
  • Private Tour in Athens : $193
  • Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $287
  • Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $60
  • "Athens Highlights Tour : Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and more.": $157
  • "Acropolis Half-day Tour and Guided City Visit": $157

Tours and Activities in Leiden

For Leiden, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 90 minutes Walking tour and Escape room in Leiden: $27
  • Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $28
  • Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour: $33
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour in Leiden: $165
  • Highlights Walking Tour in Leiden with Audio and GPS Guide: $6.12
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $274
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $270
  • Leiden City Tour with Live guide in Netherlands: $42
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $33
  • Guided City Canal Cruise: $14
  • Hortus Botanicus Entry Ticket: $9.77
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Leiden 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Premium Wine Tastings: $36
  • Athens Speakeasy & Alternative Bar Crawl: Discover Hidden Gems: $39
  • Athens Old Town: Wine Tasting based on Ancient Greek Grapes: $40
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • Organic and Vegan Indigenous Wine Tasting Private Experience: $44
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $44
  • Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $53
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $54
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $54
  • Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis: $60
  • Greek Wine Tasting with Acropolis view: $72
  • Athens Small-Group Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75

Sample the Local Flavors in Leiden

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Leiden:

  • Leiden Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $22
  • Leiden Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22


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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Leiden?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Leiden, 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 Athens or Leiden?

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 Athens or Leiden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Leiden. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Athens is much warmer than Leiden in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leiden this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Leiden. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Leiden 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Athens or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Leiden. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Leiden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Leiden. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Leiden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Athens or Leiden in the Winter?

Both Leiden and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Leiden can be very cold. In January, Athens is generally much warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Leiden. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Leiden 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Athens or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Athens is much warmer than Leiden in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Leiden. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Leiden 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Leiden and Athens

Athens Leiden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)