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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Leiden?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Leiden 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: Copenhagen or Leiden?

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark. It has a small town vibe but is still a cosmopolitan city with lots of shopping, culture, and nightlife. It's a very safe and comfortable city that is easy to explore on foot. Copenhagen is the birthplace of many old fairytales, but also has modern, world class architecture and a liberal vibe. The people of Copenhagen are diverse and international. Most residents are Danes, but some come from Germany and Sweden and there are also many Middle Eastern immigrants.

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 Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Leiden or Copenhagen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $208, while the average daily cost in Leiden is $143. 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 Copenhagen and Leiden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $89
    Leiden $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $178
    Leiden $166
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Leiden

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen


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: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Leiden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $71
    Leiden $28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

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

  • Private transfer to/from hotel from/to airport Copenhagen: $143
  • Private Transfers in Copenhagen – to/from airport or hotel: $146
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Copenhagen Airport CPH: $130
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Roskilde Airport RKE: $61
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel/address: $63
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Airport: $67
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen CPH to Copenhagen Port by Sedan: $123
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Port: $104
  • Private Transfer Copenhagen City Center to Kastrup Airport (CPH): $67
  • Private Luxury Van Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen: $123
  • Private Copenhagen Airport Transfer to Copenhagen: $117
  • Luxury Vehicule Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen CPH: $123

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 Copenhagen or Leiden?

Prices for flights to both Leiden and Copenhagen 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
    Copenhagen $61
    Leiden $41
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Nørrebro District: $91
  • Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $147
  • Private Authentic Home Indian Cooking & Dining Experience: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Leiden $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    $8.56
  • Coffee
    $14

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

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

  • 3 Hours Tour To Wonderful Copenhagen Highlights: $262
  • 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Copenhagen: $62
  • Light Version Adventures in Forgotten Giants : $144
  • 1-Hour Private Segway Tour Copenhagen: $73
  • 2 Hour Copenhagen Segway Tour: $77
  • 2 Hour Copenhagen Tour on Electric Scooter "Stand Up Bike" : $77
  • 2 Hours Copenhagen E-Bike Guided Tours: $77
  • 2 Hours Guided Kayak Tour in Copenhagen Harbor: $58
  • 2-Hour Private Copenhagen Segway Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour Private Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour: $118
  • 3-hour Culinary Bike Tour in English: $97
  • Bagsværd Lake Boat Tour : $15

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: $21
  • Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour: $33
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour in Leiden: $163
  • Highlights Walking Tour in Leiden with Audio and GPS Guide: $7.57
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $320
  • Leiden City Tour with Live guide in Netherlands: $41
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Guided City Canal Cruise: $13
  • Hortus Botanicus Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Walking City Tour with Live guide: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $13
    Leiden $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alternative Nightlife Pub Crawl: $36
  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $43
  • Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn: $358

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 Copenhagen and Leiden, we can see that Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Leiden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Leiden?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Leiden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Copenhagen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Leiden averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Leiden. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F) 
    Leiden 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Leiden in the Autumn?

Both Leiden and Copenhagen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Copenhagen is generally around the same temperature as Leiden. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 10°C (50°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Leiden. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F) 
    Leiden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Leiden. The winter months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Leiden in the winter. The weather in Copenhagen can be very cold. Copenhagen is much colder than Leiden in the winter. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Leiden. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Leiden 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Leiden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Leiden. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year.

In the spring, Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Leiden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Copenhagen in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Leiden averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Leiden. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Leiden 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Leiden and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Leiden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)