Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Lisse?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLisse €145Leuven €178
The average daily cost (per person) in Lisse is €145, while the average daily cost in Leuven is €178. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLisse €79Leuven €93
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLisse €158Leuven €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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lisse €23Leuven €61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:
- Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (1 to 8 PLACES) : $280
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport - Maastricht MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $279
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Antwerp City by Luxury Van: $273
- Transfer Brussels Airport <-> Namur MB V Class 1-7 PAX (ONE WAY): $240
- Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $235
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $221
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen City by Luxury Van: $216
- Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $201
- Private transfer from BRU Airport - Brussels GO BACK MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $190
- Private transfer from Brussels Airport <-> Gent MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $185
- Round Trip Private Transfer Brussels Airport BRU to Mechelen by Business Car: $177
- Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
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
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Food Meals for one dayLisse €47Leuven €49
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: $39
- WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lisse €30Leuven €23
Tours and Activities in Lisse
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lisse.
- Walking tour Haarlem (Tip Based): $4.36
- Keukenhof: Parking Ticket or Park Information Booklet: $7.49
- Haarlem Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.57
- Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
- Leiden: Windmill and Countryside Cruise near Keukenhof: $16
- Haarlem: Canal Cruise Spaarne Mill to Mill: $20
- Haarlem: 50 minutes Boat Cruise: $20
- 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $21
- Keukenhof: Entry Ticket: $21
- Haarlem Open Canal Tour with a real live guide: $25
- Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
- 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $28
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLisse €23Leuven €25
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
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.
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLisse 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.
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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLisse 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.
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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLisse 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.
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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLisse 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.