A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands Leiden vs. Delft for Attractions, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Leiden or Delft?

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

Leiden

Leiden is a historic, cultural, and scholarly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Delft

Delft is a quaint, charming, and historic town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Delft travel costs.

Leiden and Delft: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Delft?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Delft than Leiden. While Leiden is larger than Delft, Delft has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Delft is better known for its historical sights, while Leiden is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university. Delft is well known for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery. Also, Delft is famous for the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk).

How is Leiden different from Delft?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Leiden is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Leiden. 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.

Delft offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

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

Leiden is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Leiden. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Leiden or Delft Better for Nightlife?

Leiden is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Leiden. 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.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Leiden or Delft Better for its Old Town?

Delft 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 Delft. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Delft?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Leiden and Delft.

Leiden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Delft is a great destination for shopping. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Leiden or Delft Better for Families?

Leiden is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Leiden is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Delft. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

Is Leiden or Delft Better for Couples?

Both Leiden and Delft are notable 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.

Delft is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Leiden or Delft Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Delft is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Leiden is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Delft is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some affordable accommodation options, but many backpackers head to Delft as a day trip from the nearby city of The Hague.

Is Leiden or Delft Better for Students?

Both Leiden and Delft are superb 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.

Delft is a great city to visit as a student. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

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

Delft is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Delft. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

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 Delft a more walkable city?

Delft is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Delft. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

Leiden is very walkable. 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 Leiden Worth Visiting? and Is Delft Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Delft or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Delft?

Leiden and Delft both offer plenty of fun activities. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Leiden than Delft because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 1 day is enough time in Delft.

Families should spend more time in Leiden than Delft. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Leiden than Delft 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 Leiden.

One day in Leiden or Delft?

In Leiden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Delft. 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.

A weekend in Leiden or Delft?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Delft is a great place to explore. A weekend may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Leiden or Delft?

Leiden is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Leiden. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

You'll find food and shopping around the scholarly destination of Leiden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Delft. This town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Delft, 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 Delft Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Delft?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Delft, 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 Delft?

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 Delft in the Summer?

Both Delft and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Leiden for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Delft in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Delft. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leiden. Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Delft during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Delft. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Delft receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Delft in the Autumn?

Both Delft and Leiden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Leiden in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Delft for the shopping scene during these months.

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

In the autumn, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Delft. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 105 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Delft. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Delft receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Delft in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Delft. Most visitors come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Delft because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Delft can be very cold. Leiden can be very cold during winter. Leiden is around the same temperature as Delft in the winter. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Delft fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Delft during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Delft receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Delft. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Delft receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Delft in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Delft.

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

In the spring, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Delft. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Delft receives 158 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Delft. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Delft receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Delft and Leiden