A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands Lisse vs. Leiden for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisse or Leiden?

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

Should I visit Lisse or Leiden? 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: Lisse or Leiden?

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

Leiden

Leiden is a city in the province of South Holland. It is south of the Netherlands capital, Amsterdam, and has a population of about 190,000. It is known for its university, museums, markets, and of course, canals. Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and is a sister school of Oxford, which is England's oldest university.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Adventure Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Leiden or Lisse?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisse is €145, while the average daily cost in Leiden is €133. 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 Lisse and Leiden in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisse 79
    Leiden 78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisse 158
    Leiden 156
Compare Hotels in Lisse and Leiden

Looking for a hotel in Lisse or Leiden? 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 Lisse


Hotels in Leiden


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: Leiden Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisse 23
    Leiden 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leiden

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

  • Zero Emission Tesla Taxi Transfer from Leiden Area to the Airport: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisse or Leiden?

Prices for flights to both Leiden and Lisse 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
    Lisse 47
    Leiden 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse

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

  • Haarlem's Food-steps: A self-guided Food Tour: $52
  • WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisse 30
    Leiden 17

Tours and Activities in Lisse

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

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $31
  • 2-Hour Private History and Highlights of Haarlem Walking Tour: $239
  • 90 minute Cheese and Wine Cruise through the Canals of Haarlem: $43
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $27
  • Amsterdam: Private Sightseeing Tour to Keukenhof: $224
  • Bloemendaal Highlights: Guided Bike Tour close to Amsterdam: $54
  • Cheese, Clogs, Flowers and Windmills Tour: $618
  • CuliWalk Haarlem,Historic + Cultural audiotour with a Culinary Twist (selfguided: $49
  • Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
  • Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • Escape Experience Haarlem The Escape of Kenau: $30
  • From Amsterdam: Private Keukenhof and Tulip Experience Tour: $312

Tours and Activities in Leiden

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

  • 90 minutes Walking tour and Escape room in Leiden: $27
  • Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour: $33
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour in Leiden: $163
  • Highlights Walking Tour in Leiden with Audio and GPS Guide: $7.54
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $319
  • Leiden City Tour with Live guide in Netherlands: $41
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Guided City Canal Cruise: $13
  • Hortus Botanicus Entry Ticket: $9.59
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Walking City Tour with Live guide: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisse 23
    Leiden 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse

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

  • Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Leiden

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Leiden:

  • Leiden Private Self-Guided Pub Crawl Pub Quiz: $21
  • Leiden Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22


When comparing the travel costs between Lisse and Leiden, we can see that Lisse 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 Lisse Expensive? and Is Leiden Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lisse or Leiden?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Lisse and Leiden, 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 Lisse or Leiden?

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 Lisse or Leiden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Leiden.

In the summer, Lisse is around the same temperature as Leiden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisse in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Leiden averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leiden this time of the year. In Lisse, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during summer. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisse 17°C (62°F) 
    Leiden 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Leiden.

In October, Lisse is generally around the same temperature as Leiden. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 11°C (51°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Leiden. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisse 11°C (51°F) 
    Leiden 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Leiden in the Winter?

Both Leiden and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Leiden can be very cold during winter. Lisse can get quite cold in the winter. Lisse is around the same temperature as Leiden in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Lisse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during winter. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lisse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisse 2°C (36°F) 
    Leiden 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Lisse during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Lisse is around the same temperature as Leiden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisse in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Leiden averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Leiden. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisse 8°C (46°F) 
    Leiden 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Leiden and Lisse

Lisse Leiden
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)