A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leiden vs. Versailles for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leiden or Versailles?

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

Where Should I go: Leiden or Versailles?

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.

Versailles

Versailles is the town, now part of the Paris suburbs, that is home to the historic palace of King Louis XIV. The palace, also known as The Chateau de Versailles, was originally a hunting lodge and vacation area for former kings before Louis the 14th decided to build a much larger home. Since the end of France's monarchy in 1789, the palace has been used for other functions, and is now a tourist attraction, home to a museum of French history, expansive gardens, and historical art and antiques. The palace has also been used for important historical events such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which ended the first world war. This signing took place in the famous Hall of Mirrors, which visitors can stroll through today as part of the public tour.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Versailles?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Versailles, 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 Versailles?

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 Versailles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Versailles.

In the summer, Leiden is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leiden in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Versailles averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Versailles. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Versailles. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Leiden is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 11°C (51°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Versailles in the Winter?

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

Versailles can be very cold during winter. Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. Leiden is much colder than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Versailles. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Leiden during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Leiden is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leiden in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Versailles. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Leiden