A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leipzig vs. Calais for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Leipzig or Calais?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Leipzig or Calais, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a dynamic, cultural, and historic city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Leipzig and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Leipzig or Calais?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Calais than Leipzig. While Leipzig is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights and attractions for tourists. Calais is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Leipzig is more popular for its museums, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Leipzig is more touristy than Calais and is popular for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is Leipzig different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Leipzig or Calais?

Leipzig
Calais

Leipzig is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Leipzig offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Leipzig or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Leipzig
Calais

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Leipzig and Calais.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Leipzig or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Leipzig
Calais

The vibe at night is notable in both Leipzig and Calais.

If you're looking for night time activities Leipzig has a few options to choose from. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Calais. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Leipzig or Calais Better for Beaches?

Leipzig
Calais

Calais is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Leipzig is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Leipzig is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Leipzig or Calais?

Leipzig
Calais

Leipzig is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Leipzig. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Leipzig or Calais Better for Families?

Leipzig
Calais

Leipzig and Calais are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Leipzig offers lots of family activities. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

Calais is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Leipzig or Calais Better for Couples?

Leipzig
Calais

Leipzig and Calais are both notable to visit as a couple.

Leipzig is a nice destination for couples. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.

Calais makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.


Is Leipzig or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leipzig
Calais

Leipzig is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Leipzig. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Leipzig or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Leipzig
Calais

Leipzig is well known for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Leipzig. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Leipzig or Calais a more walkable city?

Leipzig
Calais

Leipzig and Calais are notable when it comes to walkability.

Leipzig is somewhat walkable. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.

Calais is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.


For even more information, also check out Is Leipzig Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Leipzig?

How long in Leipzig or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Leipzig and Calais. In our opinion, Leipzig has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Leipzig than Calais. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Leipzig than Calais 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 Leipzig.


  • How many days in Leipzig or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Leipzig 1-3 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Leipzig or Calais?

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

In Calais, 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.

A weekend in Leipzig or Calais?

Leipzig 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.

In Calais, 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 Calais has to offer.

Five days in Leipzig or Calais?

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

Calais 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.


A week in Leipzig or Calais?

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

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, The Best Walking Tours in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Leipzig?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leipzig is €166, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. 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 Leipzig and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leipzig 91
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leipzig 182
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Leipzig and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Leipzig or Calais? 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 Leipzig


Hotels in Calais


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: Leipzig Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leipzig 27
    Calais 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

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

  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Leipzig or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Leipzig 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
    Leipzig 53
    Calais 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

For Leipzig, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leipzig 36
    Calais 8.92

Tours and Activities in Leipzig

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Leipzig.

  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • Leipzig's Communist Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of the City's Communist Past: $6.99
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Sighteeing Tour: $12
  • Guided Crime-Themed Walking Tour: $13
  • Old Town Guided Tour: $13
  • 1.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour in German: $14
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour - Explore Your Way: $14
  • Guided Tour of the Southern Cemetery: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leipzig 26
    Calais 12


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

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


Which is Bigger, Leipzig or Calais?

Leipzig has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Leipzig and Calais, 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 Leipzig or Calais?

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 Leipzig or Calais in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Leipzig as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Leipzig in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Leipzig is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Leipzig average around 19°C (67°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leipzig this time of the year. In the summer, Leipzig often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Leipzig gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets more rain in July than Calais. Leipzig gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Leipzig are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Leipzig for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Leipzig is around the same temperature as Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leipzig averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Leipzig usually receives less sunshine than Calais during autumn. Leipzig gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leipzig usually receives less rain than Calais. Leipzig gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Leipzig during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Leipzig because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. The weather in Leipzig can be very cold. In the winter, Leipzig is much colder than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leipzig in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Leipzig often gets less sunshine than Calais. Leipzig gets 45 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets less rain in January than Calais. Leipzig gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Calais in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leipzig and Calais. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Leipzig is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Leipzig average around 10°C (49°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Leipzig usually receives less sunshine than Calais during spring. Leipzig gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leipzig usually receives more rain than Calais. Leipzig gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Leipzig

Leipzig Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)