A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auckland vs. Leiden for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Auckland or Leiden?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Leiden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Auckland travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Auckland and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auckland or Leiden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Auckland than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Auckland is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Auckland different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auckland or Leiden?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Auckland and Leiden.

Many visitors head to Auckland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Leiden can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a huge number of museums around town. Some are affiliated with the museum, while others are not. Some of the favorites include the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden), Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Boerhaave Museum, the Corpus Museum, and the National Ethnological Museum.

Is the Food Better in Auckland or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Auckland and Leiden offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Auckland has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Dining out in Leiden is an experience not to be missed. There's a diverse food scene with many international flavors such as Japanese, Chinese, and French. The cafe culture influences the culinary scene and you'll find many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat.

Is Auckland or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Auckland has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

Leiden has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The large student population means that there is a good nightlife scene. There are a variety of bars, pubs, and cafes where you can enjoy a drink, with options ranging from cozy, intimate spots to larger, more vibrant venues. The Oude Markt area, with its charming historic setting, is a hotspot for nightlife, offering a mix of traditional Dutch bars and international-themed pubs.

Is Auckland or Leiden Better for Beaches?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Leiden is not a beach destination.

Auckland is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Leiden is not a beach destination.

Is Auckland or Leiden Better for Hiking?

Auckland is very good for its hiking trails. However, Leiden is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Auckland. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Leiden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Auckland or Leiden?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Leiden is a great destination for shopping. There are a mix of unique boutiques, international brands, and charming local stores. The Breestraat and Nieuwe Rijn are popular shopping streets, and they're lined with a variety of shops selling everything from fashion and accessories to books, art, and antiques. The city also has several markets, including a weekly Saturday market near the Pieterskerk, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and vintage items.

Is Auckland or Leiden Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Auckland or Leiden.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Auckland is very family-friendly. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Leiden is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has a mix of educational, cultural, and fun activities for all ages. There are many family-friendly museums like Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where kids can explore dinosaurs and wildlife, and the National Museum of Antiquities, which brings history to life. There's also the Corpus Museum, which takes visitors on a unique, interactive journey through the human body.

Is Auckland or Leiden Better for Couples?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Leiden is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy charming towns and world class museums will enjoy their time here. The town also has picturesque canals, historic bridges, and cozy street cafes. Couples can explore places like the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, or enjoy a quiet moment in the scenic Leidse Hout Park.

Is Auckland or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Auckland is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

It's common for backpackers to visit Leiden. The city offers affordable accommodations, including hostels and budget-friendly hotels, as well as reasonably priced eateries serving Dutch classics and international cuisine. Many of Leiden’s attractions, like its historic canals, charming streets, and open-air markets, can be enjoyed for free.

Is Auckland or Leiden Better for Students?

Both Auckland and Leiden are very good destinations for students.

Auckland is very popular with students. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Leiden is a great city to visit as a student. It feels like a university town and it's home to Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands. The university is known for its academic excellence and vibrant student community. The town also has a young atmosphere with plenty of affordable cafes, bars, and cultural events that influence the student life. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate by bike, and the abundance of libraries, study spaces, and museums provides ample resources for learning and inspiration. Housing can be difficult to find though.

Is Auckland or Leiden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Auckland and Leiden.

Auckland has some public transit options. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

You'll find some public transit in Leiden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Leiden Central Station is the main hub for trains, which connect the city to other towns throughout the country. Around town there are buses that are reliable and convenient.

Is Auckland or Leiden a more walkable city?

Leiden is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Leiden is a very walkable city. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with many of its attractions, cafes, shops, and historical sites located within walking distance of each other.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Auckland Worth Visiting? and Is Leiden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Auckland?

How long in Auckland or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Auckland or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Auckland than Leiden because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Auckland, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

Couples should spend more time in Auckland than Leiden. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Auckland that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Leiden 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 Auckland.

One day in Auckland or Leiden?

Auckland is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Leiden offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Auckland or Leiden?

Auckland is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Leiden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Leiden, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Auckland or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Leiden is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Auckland or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the thrill-seeking big city of Auckland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Leiden is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When comparing the travel costs between Auckland 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. Even though Auckland is in Pacific and Leiden is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Auckland Expensive? and Is Leiden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Auckland or Leiden?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Leiden?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Auckland is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Leiden has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Auckland or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year.

In the summer, Auckland is a little warmer than Leiden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Auckland in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Leiden averages at about 17°C (62°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Leiden. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auckland. Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Leidenin July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auckland or Leiden in the Autumn?

Both Leiden and Auckland during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene.

In April, Auckland is generally much warmer than Leidenin October. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 16°C (61°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Leidenin October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in April than Leidenin October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auckland or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Leiden. Many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Leiden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. Auckland is much warmer than Leiden in the winter. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F)in January.

Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Leidenin January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auckland or Leiden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Leiden. Many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Auckland is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Auckland in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Leiden averages at about 8°C (46°F)in April.

In the spring, Auckland often gets more sunshine than Leidenin April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Leidenin April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Auckland