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

Should you visit Leuven or Cairngorms National Park?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Cairngorms National Park? 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 Cairngorms National Park?

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.

Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is an over 1,700 square mile park in the center of Scotland and is home to some of the most beautiful sights in the country. Voted one of the top 20 places to visit in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, the park features everything from castles to wildlife tours to white water rafting. There is really no bad time to visit the park, as you will always have something to see and do here! In the winter, from late November-March, you can ski the slopes and go on snow treks. Summer, from May-September, is fantastic for walking, hiking, and canoeing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park 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 Leuven and Cairngorms National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Cairngorms National Park 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Cairngorms National Park 130
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Cairngorms National Park

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Cairngorms National Park? 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 Cairngorms National Park


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 Cairngorms National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Cairngorms National Park 62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Brussels APT-HTL(BRU): $81
  • Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport : $109
  • Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport: $131
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport->Brussels MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $109
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX: $130
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $235
  • Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $130
  • Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $109
  • Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
  • Transfer Brussels airport <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $104
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $130
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $201

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Cairngorms National Park?

Prices for flights to both Cairngorms National Park 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
    Cairngorms National Park 35

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
    Cairngorms National Park 31

Tours and Activities in Leuven

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

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

Tours and Activities in Cairngorms National Park

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

  • Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland: $114
  • Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike: $168
  • Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $177
  • Private Guided Ridge Scrambling Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Rock Climbing Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountaineering Experience in the Cairngorms: $222

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Cairngorms National Park 9.83


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

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



When is the best time to visit Leuven or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Leuven or Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Cairngorms National Park. Additionally, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Leuven is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Cairngorms National Park. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Leuven is generally a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leuven usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Leuven during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Cairngorms National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Cairngorms National Park can be very cold during winter. Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. Leuven is around the same temperature as Cairngorms National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in January than Cairngorms National Park. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Cairngorms National Park. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Leuven is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Leuven

Leuven Cairngorms National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)