A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leuven vs. Baden-Baden for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leuven or Baden-Baden?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Baden-Baden? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Leuven or Baden-Baden?

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

Baden-Baden

Baden Baden is the perfect spa town in Germany that lets you dip your toes in the culture, relax, and mingle with the locals all while soaking your weary travel bones in the nourishing mineral waters or sweating out the toxins from one too many German beers.

Baden Baden is located about 2 hours directly South of Frankfurt, making it the perfect day trip. Alternately, Baden Baden is still an easy day trip from Bavaria or other nearby regions of Germany or you can even create a whole weekend in the Black Forest, complete with Cuckoo Clock shopping and more. It's also not far from Stuttgart.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Baden-Baden or Leuven?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Baden-Baden is €154. 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 Leuven and Baden-Baden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Baden-Baden 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Baden-Baden 174
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Baden-Baden

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Baden-Baden? 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 Leuven


Hotels in Baden-Baden


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: Leuven Hotel Prices and Baden-Baden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Baden-Baden 33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels city - Arrival Private Transfer: $33
  • Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
  • Private transfer from Airport(BRU) to Brussels City Center: $44
  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to City hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels city Business car: $54
  • Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58
  • Private Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels: $65
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $70
  • Private Transfer from Brussels Airport to the city of Brussels: $73
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $74

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Baden-Baden?

Prices for flights to both Baden-Baden and Leuven 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
    Leuven 49
    Baden-Baden 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.

  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $75
  • Mechelen Food Tour: $82
  • Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven 23
    Baden-Baden 34

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
  • Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
  • Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
  • Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373
  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Baden-Baden 12


When comparing the travel costs between Leuven and Baden-Baden, we can see that Leuven 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 Leuven Expensive? and Is Baden-Baden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Baden-Baden?

Leuven has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Baden-Baden, 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 Leuven or Baden-Baden?

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 Leuven or Baden-Baden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Baden-Baden. Furthermore, many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Leuven is around the same temperature as Baden-Baden in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baden-Baden this time of the year. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Baden-Baden during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baden-Baden. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Baden-Baden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Baden-Baden. Additionally, most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Leuven is around the same temperature as Baden-Baden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Baden-Baden. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 91 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Baden-Baden. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Baden-Baden in the Winter?

Both Baden-Baden and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Baden-Baden can be very cold. Leuven can be very cold during winter. In January, Leuven is generally much warmer than Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Baden-Baden during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 35 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leuven usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baden-Baden. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Baden-Baden in the Spring?

Both Baden-Baden and Leuven during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year.

Leuven is around the same temperature as Baden-Baden in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 154 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets less rain in April than Baden-Baden. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Baden-Baden and Leuven

Leuven Baden-Baden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)