A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bristol vs. Leuven for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Bristol or Leuven?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Leuven can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Bristol or Leuven?

Bristol

A city rich in maritime history, Bristol is the unofficial capital of the West Country of England. The city also has some wonderful sights and festivals and it currently rates fourth for travel destinations in England. Most of the city's important festivals take place during the summer months so that is easily the best time of year to visit the area. In addition to the many sights within the city, Bristol also makes a great base for exploring the West Country. There is plenty of affordable accommodation and a large selection of restaurants and bars. It also lacks many of the touristy gimmicks of more popular nearby towns. The live music scene has also been on the rise in recent years. The young population is traveling to Bristol in growing numbers because of the influences of many popular bands that have performed in the area. As recently as 2010, Bristol was voted as Britain's most musical city.

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Bristol?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bristol is £91, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £152. 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 Bristol and Leuven in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bristol £49
    Leuven £79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bristol £98
    Leuven £158
Compare Hotels in Bristol and Leuven

Looking for a hotel in Bristol or Leuven? 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 Bristol


Hotels in Leuven


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: Bristol Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bristol £13
    Leuven £52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bristol

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Bristol Airport BRS to Bristol by Business Car: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bristol Airport BRS to Bristol by Luxury Car: $85
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bristol Airport BRS to Bristol City in Business Car: $90
  • Bristol Airport (BRS) to Southampton hotels - Arrival Transfer: $172
  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Private Transfer to Bristol City: $148
  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Private Transfer to London city: $680
  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Transfer to Southampton city hotels: $781
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol Airport BRS to Bristol City in Luxury Van: $99
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Business Car: $90
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Luxury Car: $108
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Luxury Van: $99
  • Bristol Airport to London City Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $279
  • Transfer Brussels Airport <-> Namur MB V Class 1-7 PAX (ONE WAY): $240
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $220
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $202
  • Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen by Business Car: $177
  • Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
  • Private transfer from BRU Airport - Brussels GO BACK MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $161
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $147
  • Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $145
  • Private transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city with Mercedes V class 7 pax: $144
  • First Class transfer BRUSSELS TO ANTWERP: $140
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Bristol or Leuven?

Prices for flights to both Leuven and Bristol 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
    Bristol £32
    Leuven £42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bristol

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

  • (Thur 7pm) Comedy Magic Show includes 1x Pizza & 2 glasses of Prosecco: $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

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

  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $75
  • Mechelen Food Tour: $82
  • Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bristol £13
    Leuven £19

Tours and Activities in Bristol

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

  • Self-Guided Sightseeing Audio Tour: $5.31
  • Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour with Optional Tasting: $5.31
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bristol's Harbourside History: $5.99
  • The Harbourside's Hidden History Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Bristol's Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City: $6.99
  • Brunel’s A Self-Guided Tour from SS Great Britain to Clifton Bridge: $7.99
  • Brunel’s Iconic Engineering Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Bristol's Time-Honored Pubs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Bristol Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bristol Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Clifton Suspension Bridge Vaults Experiences: $12

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
  • Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
  • Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bristol £11
    Leuven £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Bristol

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

  • Bristol’s Best Brewery Taprooms: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bristol and Leuven, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven than you might in Bristol.

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


Which is Bigger, Bristol or Leuven?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Bristol and Leuven, 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 Bristol or Leuven?

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 Bristol or Leuven in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Leuven. Many travelers come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bristol is generally around the same temperature as Leuven. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 18°C (64°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Leuven. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bristol 18°C (64°F) 
    Leuven 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Bristol or Leuven in the Autumn?

Both Leuven and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bristol in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Leuven in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives more rain than Leuven. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bristol 13°C (55°F) 
    Leuven 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Bristol or Leuven in the Winter?

Both Leuven and Bristol during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Leuven can be very cold. In the winter, Bristol is much warmer than Leuven. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bristol in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Leuven averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Leuven. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bristol 6°C (43°F) 
    Leuven 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Bristol or Leuven in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Leuven. The spring months attract visitors to Bristol because of the activities around the city.

In April, Bristol is generally around the same temperature as Leuven. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 10°C (50°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Leuven. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bristol 10°C (50°F) 
    Leuven 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leuven and Bristol

Bristol Leuven
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (43°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)