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

Should you visit Leuven or Connemara?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Connemara? 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 Connemara?

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.

Connemara

The Connemara Region is located on a peninsula on the west coast of Ireland with stunning views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The area is known for its rolling meadows, beautiful beaches, and sumptuous green mountains, which have attracted adventure enthusiasts, writers, and even film makers over the years. The majority of residents here speak both English and Irish, with many road signs and buildings being labeled in both English and Irish.

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 in Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Connemara 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 Connemara is €118. 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 Connemara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Connemara 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Connemara 106
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Connemara

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Connemara? 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 Connemara


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.

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

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 Connemara?

Prices for flights to both Connemara 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
    Connemara 37

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
    Connemara 26

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Connemara 13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Connemara, we can see that Leuven is more expensive. And not only is Connemara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Connemara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Connemara 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 Connemara.

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



When is the best time to visit Leuven or Connemara?

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 Connemara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Connemara. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

In the summer, Leuven is a little warmer than Connemara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Connemara averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Leuven usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leuven usually receives more rain than Connemara. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Connemara 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Connemara. Additionally, many travelers come to Connemara for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Leuven is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Leuven often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Leuven usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Leuven or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leuven. Leuven is much colder than Connemara in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In January, Leuven usually receives less rain than Connemara. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Connemara 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Leuven during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Connemara for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Leuven is around the same temperature as Connemara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Connemara averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Leuven often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Connemara. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 153 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in April than Connemara. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Connemara 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Connemara and Leuven

Leuven Connemara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (53°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 6°C (44°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)