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

Should you visit Leiden or Berlin?

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 Berlin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Leiden travel costs.

Berlin

Berlin is a historic, cultural, and artsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Berlin travel costs.

Leiden and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Berlin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Leiden different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berlin 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 Berlin?

Berlin 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, Berlin has many famous sights for visitors. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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 Leiden or Berlin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Leiden and Berlin offer a number of excellent 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, Berlin makes for a great culinary experience. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Is Leiden or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Berlin is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

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 Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Leiden is not a live music destination.

Berlin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Leiden is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Berlin?

Berlin 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 Berlin specifically to go shopping. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

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 Berlin Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Leiden or Berlin.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Leiden. 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.

Berlin is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Is Leiden or Berlin Better for Couples?

Both Leiden and Berlin 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.

Berlin is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Leiden or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin 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 Berlin, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Leiden or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Leiden is a great city to visit as a student. 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 Leiden or Berlin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Berlin 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.

Berlin has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

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 Leiden or Berlin a more walkable city?

Leiden is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Berlin?

Both Leiden and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Leiden. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

One day in Leiden or Berlin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Leiden. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Leiden or Berlin?

Leiden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Berlin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Berlin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Leiden or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scholarly destination of Leiden. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Berlin, 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 Berlin?

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 Leiden or Berlin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Berlin. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Leiden is generally cooler than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Berlin during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Berlin. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Berlin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Berlin. Many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Berlin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Leiden is around the same temperature as Berlin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Leiden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Berlin can be very cold during winter. Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Leiden is much warmer than Berlin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Berlin averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Leiden usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Berlin. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Berlin in the Spring?

Both Berlin and Leiden during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Berlin because of the activities around the city.

In April, Leiden is generally cooler than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in April than Berlin. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Leiden