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

Should you visit Leiden or Antwerp?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Antwerp can help you decide which place is right for you.

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Leiden travel costs.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a genuine, cultural, and historical port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Antwerp travel costs.

Leiden and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Antwerp?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Leiden is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its many museums and renowned university. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also home to Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Leiden different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Antwerp and Leiden.

Many visitors head to Leiden specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Antwerp can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

Is the Food Better in Leiden or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Leiden and Antwerp offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Leiden has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antwerp makes for a great culinary experience. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Leiden or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

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

Antwerp has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

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 Leiden or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antwerp. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Antwerp?

Antwerp is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Antwerp specifically to go shopping. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

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 Leiden or Antwerp Better for Families?

Leiden is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Leiden is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Antwerp offers lots of family activities. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Is Leiden or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Both Leiden and Antwerp are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Leiden is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Antwerp is a nice destination for couples. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Leiden or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden and Antwerp are both good destinations for backpackers.

Leiden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Is Leiden or Antwerp Better for Students?

Both Leiden and Antwerp are very good destinations for students.

Leiden is very popular with students. 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.

Antwerp is a great city to visit as a student. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

Is Leiden or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Leiden and Antwerp.

Leiden has some public transit options. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Antwerp, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

Is Leiden or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Leiden and Antwerp are very good when it comes to walkability.

Leiden is a very walkable destination. 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.

Antwerp is very walkable. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Leiden and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antwerp than in Leiden. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

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

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

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

One day in Leiden or Antwerp?

In Leiden, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Leiden or Antwerp?

In Leiden, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Leiden has to offer.

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Leiden or Antwerp?

Leiden is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Leiden or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Leiden. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Antwerp. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Antwerp, we can see that Leiden 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 Leiden Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Antwerp, 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 Leiden or Antwerp?

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 Leiden or Antwerp in the Summer?

Both Antwerp and Leiden during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Leiden because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In July, Leiden is generally around the same temperature as Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Antwerp, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Leiden. In the summer, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in July than Antwerp. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Antwerp. The shopping scene are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Leiden is cooler than Antwerp in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during autumn. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leiden usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Leiden or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Antwerp. Many travelers come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leiden. In the winter, Leiden is much colder than Antwerp. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Antwerp averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in January than Antwerp. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Leiden is generally cooler than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during spring. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leiden usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Leiden