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

Should you visit Leuven or Beaune?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Beaune? 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 Beaune?

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.

Beaune

The walled-town of Beaune is located at the center of the Burgundy winemaking region in France. Once the capital of the region and still surrounded by the Cote d’Or vineyards, the cobbled town is just a starting point for food and wine connoisseurs looking to taste their way through the greater countryside of Burgundy.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Beaune 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 Beaune is €166. 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 Beaune in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Beaune 83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Beaune 166
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Beaune

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Beaune? 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 Beaune


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 Beaune Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Beaune 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $87
  • Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $146
  • Airport Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
  • Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $86
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $147
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
  • Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $75
  • Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $86
  • Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
  • Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> SPA (1 to 8 PLACES): $156
  • Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Beaune?

Prices for flights to both Beaune 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
    Beaune 54

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

Typical Food Prices in Beaune

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beaune:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    9.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Coffee
    2.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven 23
    Beaune 33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Beaune

Here are a few typical costs in Beaune for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Winery Tour (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Beaune

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

  • Beguiling Beaune Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $5.99
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $13
  • Small group guided tour - Beaune 2h: $22
  • Meursault: Tour of the Vineyards on Motorbike with Sidecar: $59
  • Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Burgundy from Meursault: $60
  • Paris Private Walking Street Art Tour: $87
  • Small group tour Morning in Côte de Beaune: $102
  • Touristic highlights of Semur-en-Auxois a Private half day tour with a local: $118
  • Private city tour - Beaune the essential - 2h: $187
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $191
  • Wine walking tour through the Burgundian vineyards - 2h: $191

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Beaune 48

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

Also in Beaune, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $21
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $44
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $227
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $229
  • Wine tour - Meursault, its prestigious whites: $240
  • Wine tour - Aloxe-Corton, its great wines: $240
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $262
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945


When comparing the travel costs between Leuven and Beaune, 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 Beaune Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Beaune?

Leuven has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Leuven and Beaune, 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 Beaune?

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 Beaune in the Summer?

Both Beaune and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beaune because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Leuven is cooler than Beaune in the summer. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Beaune fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Beaune. Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Beaune. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Beaune 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Beaune in the Autumn?

Both Beaune and Leuven during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Beaune this time of year.

In the autumn, Leuven is around the same temperature as Beaune. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leuven in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Beaune averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaune. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in October than Beaune. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Beaune 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Beaune in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Beaune. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beaune for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beaune. It's quite cold in Leuven in the winter. In January, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Beaune. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 3°C (38°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leuven usually receives more rain than Beaune. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Beaune 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Beaune in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Beaune. Additionally, many visitors come to Beaune in the spring for the small town charm.

Leuven is cooler than Beaune in the spring. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Beaune fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Beaune. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Beaune 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Beaune and Leuven

Leuven Beaune
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)