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

Should you visit Istanbul or Leiden?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul 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.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a diverse, beautiful, and high-energy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Istanbul attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Istanbul travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a historic, cultural, and scholarly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Leiden travel costs.

Istanbul and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Leiden?

You'll generally find more things to do in Istanbul than Leiden. Istanbul is bigger than Leiden, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Istanbul is more touristy than Leiden and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. Also, Istanbul is famous for The Blue Mosque. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Istanbul different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Istanbul has many famous sights for visitors. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Istanbul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Leiden makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Istanbul or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

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

Istanbul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

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 Istanbul or Leiden Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Istanbul can be explored in its historical center. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Leiden?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

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 Istanbul or Leiden More Beautiful?

Istanbul is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Istanbul attracts visitors from all around. With its many beautiful mosques and historic sights, it is a beautiful city by the Bosphorus.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Istanbul or Leiden Better for Families?

Istanbul and Leiden are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Leiden is very family-friendly. 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 Istanbul or Leiden Better for Couples?

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

Istanbul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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 Istanbul or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Istanbul, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Leiden Better for Students?

Istanbul and Leiden are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Students come from all over to stay in Leiden. 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 Istanbul or Leiden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Istanbul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Istanbul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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 Istanbul or Leiden a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Leiden both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Istanbul or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Istanbul than Leiden because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

One day in Istanbul or Leiden?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Istanbul or Leiden?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. 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 Istanbul or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Istanbul or Leiden?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Leiden?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Leiden because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Leiden. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Leiden. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Leiden this time of year.

Istanbul is much warmer than Leiden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Leiden. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leiden. In the winter, Istanbul is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Leiden averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Leiden. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Leiden in the Spring?

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

In April, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Istanbul