A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. The Hague for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Heraklion or The Hague?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and The Hague 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a vibrant, accessible, and bustling city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

The Hague

The Hague is a international, bustling, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Heraklion and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Heraklion or The Hague?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than The Hague. While The Hague is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its museums and beaches, while The Hague attracts visitors for its music, shopping, and big city activities. Heraklion is more touristy than The Hague and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy.

How is Heraklion different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Heraklion or The Hague?

Heraklion
The Hague

Heraklion is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Heraklion specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Heraklion or The Hague? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion
The Hague

Foodies will find both Heraklion and The Hague both to be superb destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Dining out in The Hague is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Is Heraklion or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion
The Hague

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and The Hague.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

The Hague is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Is Heraklion or The Hague Better for Music?

Heraklion
The Hague

The Hague is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Heraklion is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in The Hague while you're in town. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Heraklion is not a live music destination.


Is Heraklion or The Hague Better for Beaches?

Heraklion
The Hague

Heraklion is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, The Hague is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

The Hague is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or The Hague?

Heraklion
The Hague

The Hague is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

The Hague is well-known for its shopping. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or The Hague Better for Families?

Heraklion
The Hague

Both Heraklion and The Hague are nice to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hague. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.


Is Heraklion or The Hague Better for Couples?

Heraklion
The Hague

Heraklion is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Heraklion or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion
The Hague

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

Heraklion is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

It's common for backpackers to visit The Hague. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Heraklion or The Hague Better for Students?

Heraklion
The Hague

The Hague is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

The Hague is a very popular city for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Heraklion is not popular with students.


Is Heraklion or The Hague Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Heraklion
The Hague

The Hague is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The Hague has some very good public transit options. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or The Hague a more walkable city?

Heraklion
The Hague

Heraklion is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Heraklion is very walkable. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

For even more information, also check out Is Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is The Hague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and The Hague. In our opinion, Heraklion has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heraklion than The Hague. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Heraklion than The Hague. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Heraklion, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than The Hague 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 Heraklion.


  • How many days in Heraklion or The Hague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Heraklion 1-3 
    The Hague 1-3

One day in Heraklion or The Hague?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Heraklion. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hague has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Heraklion or The Hague?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

People visit The Hague because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or The Hague?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Heraklion. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the bustling city of The Hague. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or The Hague?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The Hague is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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 Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague or Heraklion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in The Hague is €178. 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 Heraklion and The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    The Hague 104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    The Hague 208
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or The Hague? 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 Heraklion


Hotels in The Hague


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: Heraklion Hotel Prices and The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    The Hague 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

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

  • Wine Tasting Experience @ Lyrarakis Winery (Transfer Included): $119
  • VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
  • Transfers in Crete from-to Airports/Ports/Hotels/Villas: $128
  • Transfer Services From Heraklion To Rethymno Hotels: $96
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to PLAKA ELOUNTA area up to 7: $148
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MALIA area up to 7 customers: $80
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

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

  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $126
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $137
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $137
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $257
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.23
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $20
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $278

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague and Heraklion 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
    Heraklion 52
    The Hague 55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion

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

  • Troy Dinner-Show: $33
  • Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
  • From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
  • Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
  • Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
  • Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
  • Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
  • Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
  • Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
  • Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
  • E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

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

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    The Hague 34

Tours and Activities in Heraklion

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

  • 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
  • Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
  • Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
  • 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
  • 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
  • 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
  • Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
  • Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
  • All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
  • All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
  • Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86

Tours and Activities in The Hague

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

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.27
  • Amsterdam: The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam Private Day Tour: $535
  • Bicycle tour The Hague Highlights: $27
  • Boattour The Hague and Scheveningen: $187
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Den Haag: Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Discover Delft with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover The Hague's city center with an Outside Escape game tour: $27
  • Drive it yourself electric Dune & Summer Flower GPS audio tour: $97
  • Drive it yourself electric History and Castle GPS audio tour: $97
  • Drive it yourself electric Tulip and Flower Fields GPS audio tour: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    The Hague 30

Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion

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

  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
  • Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
  • Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
  • Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
  • Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
  • Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
  • Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
  • Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
  • Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
  • Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12


When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and The Hague, we can see that The Hague 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is The Hague Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or The Hague?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and The Hague, 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 Heraklion or The Hague?

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 Heraklion or The Hague in the Summer?

Both The Hague and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Heraklion is generally much warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in The Hague. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than The Hague. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or The Hague in the Autumn?

Both The Hague and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Heraklion is much warmer than The Hague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and The Hague fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as The Hague. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or The Hague in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and The Hague. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

It's quite cold in The Hague in the winter. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than The Hague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and The Hague averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than The Hague. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or The Hague in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as The Hague. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to The Hague for the activities around the city.

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than The Hague. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Heraklion

Heraklion The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)