A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Leipzig for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Manchester or Leipzig?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Leipzig can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a cultural, historic, and growing city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Leipzig: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Manchester or Leipzig?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Manchester than Leipzig. While Leipzig is larger than Manchester, Manchester has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Manchester is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Leipzig is known for its quaint atmosphere. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also home to The National Football Museum. Leipzig is popular for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner.

How is Manchester different from Leipzig?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Leipzig and Manchester. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Leipzig?

Manchester
Leipzig

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Manchester or Leipzig.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Leipzig can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.


Is the Food Better in Manchester or Leipzig? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester
Leipzig

Manchester is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Is Manchester or Leipzig Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Leipzig

Manchester is great for nightlife. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Leipzig. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

Is Manchester or Leipzig Better for Music?

Manchester
Leipzig

Manchester is great for live music. However, Leipzig is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester draws a good crowd. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Leipzig is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Leipzig?

Manchester
Leipzig

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Leipzig both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Leipzig is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

Is Manchester or Leipzig Better for Families?

Manchester
Leipzig

Manchester is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Leipzig is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

Is Manchester or Leipzig Better for Couples?

Manchester
Leipzig

Manchester is great for romance. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Leipzig makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.


Is Manchester or Leipzig Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Leipzig

For backpackers, both Manchester and Leipzig are good places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to visit Leipzig. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

Is Manchester or Leipzig Better for Students?

Manchester
Leipzig

Manchester is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Leipzig is not popular with students.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Leipzig is not popular with students.

Is Manchester or Leipzig Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester
Leipzig

Manchester and Leipzig both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Public transit in Leipzig can get you to some places easily. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.


Is Manchester or Leipzig a more walkable city?

Manchester
Leipzig

Manchester and Leipzig are good when it comes to walkability.

Manchester is somewhat walkable. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

Leipzig is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Leipzig Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leipzig or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Leipzig?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Manchester and Leipzig. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Manchester than in Leipzig. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-3 days is enough time in Leipzig.

Families should spend more time in Manchester than Leipzig. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Manchester, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Manchester than Leipzig. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Manchester that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Leipzig if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Manchester.


  • How many days in Manchester or Leipzig? Ideal Length of Stay
    Manchester 2-4 
    Leipzig 1-3

One day in Manchester or Leipzig?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Leipzig, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Leipzig, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Leipzig?

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Manchester has to offer.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Leipzig, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Manchester or Leipzig?

Manchester is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Leipzig, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Leipzig?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Manchester. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Leipzig is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Leipzig or Manchester?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Leipzig is £142. 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 Manchester and Leipzig in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Leipzig £78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Leipzig £156
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Leipzig

Looking for a hotel in Manchester or Leipzig? 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 Manchester


Hotels in Leipzig


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: Manchester Hotel Prices and Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Leipzig £23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

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

  • Private Round-Trip Transfer From Manchester Airport to Old Trafford Stadium: $279
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Hull: $276
  • Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Liverpool City: $249
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Wrexham: $233
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Goole: $228
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Conwy: $200
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Harrogate: $198
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Burton-upon-Trent: $190
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Doncaster: $187
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Fleetwood: $172
  • Private Transfer from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Liverpool City Centre: $158
  • Manchester Airport(MAN) to Liverpool- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

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

  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $93
  • Private Transfer from Leipzig City to Dresden City: $83
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $68
  • Leipzig hotels to Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Leipzig?

Prices for flights to both Leipzig and Manchester 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
    Manchester £55
    Leipzig £45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

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

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester £30
    Leipzig £31

Tours and Activities in Manchester

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

  • SEA LIFE Manchester Admission Ticket: $21
  • 3-Hour Manchester Shopping Tour with a Stylist: $119
  • 3-day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Tour from Manchester: $522
  • A Silent Disco Adventure in Manchester: $21
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester: $51
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $235
  • Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples: $463
  • Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester: $74
  • Christmas Charms of Manchester – Private Walking Tour: $566
  • City River Tour: $15
  • Craft Beer Tour around Manchester: $51
  • Craft Brews of Manchester – A Private Beer Tour: $666

Tours and Activities in Leipzig

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

  • 1.5-Hour Historical Tour of Leipzig with Costumed Guide: $21
  • 2 hours Leipzig exclusive: Private city tour with Panorama Tower: $217
  • Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off: $20
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig Südvorstadt - independent discovery tour: $44
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig city center - independent city tour: $44
  • City tour on foot, by S-Bahn and tram: $24
  • Combo Tour in Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing: $21
  • Corpses, Leprosy, Lucifer 75-minute Tour at the Old Cemetery: $19
  • From Day Tour to the Green Belt: $631
  • From Markkleeberg: Full-Day Guided Cycling Tour by the Lakes: $48
  • Gruseltour Leipzig 90-minute walking tour about the Dark Secrets of Leipzig: $19
  • Gruseltour A Haunted Guided Tour: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester £9.90
    Leipzig £22

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101


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

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


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Leipzig?

Leipzig has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Leipzig, 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 Manchester or Leipzig?

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 Manchester or Leipzig in the Summer?

Both Leipzig and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Leipzig for the family-friendly experiences.

Manchester is cooler than Leipzig in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Leipzig fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Leipzig. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Leipzig during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manchester 16°C (62°F) 
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Leipzig in the Autumn?

Both Leipzig and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Leipzig in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Manchester is around the same temperature as Leipzig. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Leipzig averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Leipzig. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 107 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in October than Leipzig. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manchester 11°C (52°F) 
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Leipzig in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Leipzig. Many visitors come to Manchester in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Leipzig for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Leipzig can be very cold during winter. Manchester can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Manchester is generally much warmer than Leipzig. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Leipzig fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Manchester usually receives more sunshine than Leipzig during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manchester 4°C (39°F) 
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Leipzig in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Leipzig. Most visitors come to Manchester for the activities around the city during these months.

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

In the spring, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 143 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Leipzig. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manchester 8°C (46°F) 
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leipzig and Manchester

Manchester Leipzig
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)