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

Should you visit Belfast or Leiden?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Leiden, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Belfast or Leiden?

Belfast

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the second largest city on the island of Ireland after Dublin. It has a population of about 270,000 and almost 500,000 in the metropolitan area. It's located on the mouth of the River Lagan and is set between many low hills that rise up around it.

One of the most famous, and tragic times in Belfast's history is referred to as "The Troubles." During this time, between 1969 and 1997, there were many bomb and gun attacks throughout the city. This left many areas as essentially no-go zones. Neighborhoods became completely lawless do to the lack of security and the damage is still visible today in some areas. In 1998 the Good Friday Agreement was signed and much of the politically motivated violence ended. The city actually received praise recently as the safest city in the UK based on crime rate. Tourism is growing and many visitors enjoy seeing this less popular travel destination. The city has a lot of character and will give you an interesting take on Irish and British history.

Belfast has a temperate climate and temperature and precipitation have little variation throughout the year. The climate is influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, making it warmer than many cities that are found at the same latitude. Rain is common with precipitation falling an average of 157 days a year. Snow is much less common, although it does happen about ten days a year. The warmest days during the summer may reach a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius and the coldest days have lows that drop just below freezing.

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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Leiden or Belfast?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Leiden is £114. 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 Belfast and Leiden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Leiden £66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Leiden £132
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Leiden

Looking for a hotel in Belfast 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 Belfast


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: Belfast Hotel Prices and Leiden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Leiden £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Private Transfer from Dundonald to Belfast Airport (BFS): $94
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City to Belfast Airport (BFS): $84
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tynan: $147
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tempo: $241
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Tandragee: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Sixmilecross : $193
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rosslea: $214
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Rathfriland : $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Poyntzpass: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portavogie: $96
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Portadown: $122
  • Private Transfer from Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Newtownstewart: $172

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: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Leiden?

Prices for flights to both Leiden and Belfast 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
    Belfast £51
    Leiden £33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast £18
    Leiden £15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour : $25
  • Belfast The Troubles cab tour Adventure 2hrs personal guide : $113
  • Historical Private Tour in Belfast : $76
  • 2 Hour Fungi Experience in Belfast: $62
  • 2 hour Private Political History & Murals Tour Belfast: $70
  • 2 hours Belfast Original Drivers The Troubles Black Taxi Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour extended Murals Tour: $101
  • A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour : $28
  • Antrim Coast Carrickfergus and Gobbins Cliff Experience: $437
  • Award winners Express 2 hrs Black Taxi tours and Mural Taxi Tour: $158
  • Belfast Black Taxi Tour of Murals and Peace Walls 2 hours: $114
  • Belfast Famous Black taxi political mural peace wall tour 2 hour: $125

Tours and Activities in Leiden

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

  • Highlights Walking Tour in Leiden with Audio and GPS Guide: $7.57
  • Hortus Botanicus Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Guided City Canal Cruise: $13
  • The Hidden Stories of Leiden - Self-guided audio tour: $14
  • Self-Guided City Trail Kids Tour in Noordwijk (4-8 years): $21
  • Windmill cruise through Warmond: $21
  • 90 minutes Walking tour and Escape room in Leiden: $21
  • Self-guided city trail - JOLA's Schnipseljagd Noordwijk Sea Tour: $26
  • Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Self-guided city trail - JOLA's Schnipseljagd Leiden Tour: $32
  • Self-guided city trail - JOLA's Schnipseljagd Noordwijk Tour: $32
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belfast £7.86
    Leiden £22

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119

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: $21
  • Leiden Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Leiden, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Leiden much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Leiden would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leiden and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in Leiden.

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


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Leiden?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast or Leiden?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Belfast or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Belfast during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Belfast is generally cooler than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 15°C (59°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Leiden. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Leiden 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Leiden. The autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Belfast is cooler than Leiden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during autumn. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Belfast usually receives more rain than Leiden. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Leiden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Leiden. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leiden. It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. In the winter, Belfast is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Belfast in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Leiden averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Belfast often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in January than Leiden. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Leiden 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city.

In April, Belfast is generally around the same temperature as Leiden. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 8°C (46°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during spring. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Leiden 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Leiden and Belfast

Belfast Leiden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)