A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands Leiden vs. Delft for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.

Where Should I go: Leiden or Delft?

Leiden

Leiden is a city in the province of South Holland. It is south of the Netherlands capital, Amsterdam, and has a population of about 190,000. It is known for its university, museums, markets, and of course, canals. Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and is a sister school of Oxford, which is England's oldest university.

Delft

Delft is a wonderful, traditional town in the Netherlands that has historical architecture, numerous canals, bicyclists, and the popular, locally produced blue and white ceramics. The city itself is moderately sized and can easily be explored as a day trip. Alternatively, it's large enough to serve as a base if you wish to explore other parts of the region. Most people head to Amsterdam and then leave the Netherlands, but Delft offers an interesting alternative for those hoping to experience the Dutch culture on a more personal scale.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Delft or Leiden?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leiden is €133, while the average daily cost in Delft is €119. 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 Leiden and Delft in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leiden 78
    Delft 76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leiden 156
    Delft 152
Compare Hotels in Leiden and Delft

Looking for a hotel in Leiden or Delft? 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 Leiden


Hotels in Delft


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: Leiden Hotel Prices and Delft Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leiden 26
    Delft 7.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leiden

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

  • Zero Emission Tesla Taxi Transfer from Leiden Area to the Airport: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Leiden or Delft?

Prices for flights to both Delft and Leiden 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
    Leiden 39
    Delft 37

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leiden 17
    Delft 11

Tours and Activities in Leiden

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

  • 90 minutes Walking tour and Escape room in Leiden: $27
  • Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $28
  • Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour: $33
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour in Leiden: $165
  • Highlights Walking Tour in Leiden with Audio and GPS Guide: $6.12
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $274
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $270
  • Leiden City Tour with Live guide in Netherlands: $42
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $33
  • Guided City Canal Cruise: $14
  • Hortus Botanicus Entry Ticket: $9.77
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $75

Tours and Activities in Delft

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

  • Delft Private Walking Tour: $271
  • 2-Hour Christmas Walking Tour: $869
  • Canal Cruise with Guided Commentary: $14
  • Canal House Museum 'Paul Tetar van Elven' Ticket: $10
  • City Tour with Dutch Food and Drink: $86
  • Entrance Ticket for the Old and New Churches: $9.23
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $33
  • Guided Walking Tour: $174
  • Historical Walking Audio Tour on Your Phone (ENG): $8.69
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $75
  • Museum Prinsenhof Entrance Ticket and Audio Guide: $15
  • Open Boat Canal Cruise with Skipper: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leiden 26
    Delft 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Leiden

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Leiden:

  • Leiden Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $22
  • Leiden Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Delft

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Delft:

  • Delft Pub Trail : Pub crawl with interactive online game: $16


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.

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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leiden 17°C (62°F) 
    Delft 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Delft in the Autumn?

Both Delft and Leiden during the autumn are popular places to visit.

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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leiden 11°C (51°F) 
    Delft 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Delft in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Delft.

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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leiden 2°C (36°F) 
    Delft 2°C (36°F)

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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leiden 8°C (46°F) 
    Delft 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Delft and Leiden

Leiden Delft
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)