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

Should you visit Lisse or Leuven?

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

Should I visit Lisse or Leuven? 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 Leuven?

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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Lisse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisse is €179, while the average daily cost in Leuven is €214. 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 Leuven in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisse 79
    Leuven 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisse 158
    Leuven 186
Compare Hotels in Lisse and Leuven

Looking for a hotel in Lisse or Leuven? 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 Leuven


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.
    Lisse 23
    Leuven 61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisse

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

  • From Rotterdam: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Keukenhof: $341
  • From The Hague: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Keukenhof: $294
  • Private Transfer from Haarlem to cruise port in Amsterdam: $84

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Antwerp City by Luxury Van: $299
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $257
  • Private transfer from BRU Airport - Brussels GO BACK MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $257
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Namur MB E Class 1-3 PAX (ONE WAY): $245
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $221
  • Private transfer DE BRU Airport - - > Gent MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $203
  • Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $191
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Luxury Van: $182
  • Private transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city with Mercedes V class 7 pax: $167
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX (ONE WAY): $167
  • Transfer Brussels Airport (BRU) -> City Center 7 PAX (ONE WAY): $167
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX: $167

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisse or Leuven?

Prices for flights to both Leuven 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 81
    Leuven 85

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: $43
  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $106

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

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

  • Mechelen Food Tour: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisse 30
    Leuven 23

Tours and Activities in Lisse

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

  • Haarlem 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.57
  • Haarlem Battle Quest: Self-Guided City Defense Adventure: $5.95
  • Pub Trail Haarlem: an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $16
  • Haarlem: 50 minutes Boat Cruise: $22
  • Leiden: Windmill and Countryside Cruise near Keukenhof: $23
  • Haarlem Open Canal Tour with a real live guide: $23
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour with puzzles in Haarlem: $23
  • Drive-it-Yourself Summer Flower GPS Audio Tour: $29
  • Self-Drive Electric Car Dune and Beach Audio Tour: $29
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $29
  • Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Leuven

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

  • Belgium Mechelen Guided Tour Guide: $31
  • Lost Lanes and Secret Gardens Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $69
  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with a small meal /snack: $90
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $299
  • Pub Trail Mechelen: an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $81
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisse 23
    Leuven 25


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

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


Which is Bigger, Lisse or Leuven?

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

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 Lisse or Leuven in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Leuven. The summer months attract visitors to Lisse because of the family-friendly experiences.

Lisse is around the same temperature as Leuven in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisse this time of the year. In the summer, Lisse often gets more sunshine than Leuven. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Leuven. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisse 17°C (62°F) 
    Leuven 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Leuven in the Autumn?

Both Leuven and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lisse this time of year.

In the autumn, Lisse is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisse in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Leuven averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Leuven during autumn. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leuven. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisse 11°C (51°F) 
    Leuven 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Leuven in the Winter?

Both Leuven and Lisse during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lisse. In January, Lisse is generally much colder than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 2°C (36°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Leuven. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisse 2°C (36°F) 
    Leuven 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Leuven in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Leuven. Many visitors come to Lisse in the spring for the natural beauty.

Lisse is cooler than Leuven in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Lisse usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during spring. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisse usually receives less rain than Leuven. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisse 8°C (46°F) 
    Leuven 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leuven and Lisse

Lisse Leuven
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)