A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Leiden for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Leiden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a high energy, livable, and cultural port city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Newcastle upon Tyne travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a scholarly, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne than Leiden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Tyne Bridge. Leiden is famous for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Leiden and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Leiden can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a huge number of museums around town. Some are affiliated with the museum, while others are not. Some of the favorites include the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden), Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Boerhaave Museum, the Corpus Museum, and the National Ethnological Museum.

Is the Food Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Newcastle upon Tyne and Leiden can be difficult as they are each very good in their own way.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Leiden makes for a great culinary experience. There's a diverse food scene with many international flavors such as Japanese, Chinese, and French. The cafe culture influences the culinary scene and you'll find many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle upon Tyne is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Leiden has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The large student population means that there is a good nightlife scene. There are a variety of bars, pubs, and cafes where you can enjoy a drink, with options ranging from cozy, intimate spots to larger, more vibrant venues. The Oude Markt area, with its charming historic setting, is a hotspot for nightlife, offering a mix of traditional Dutch bars and international-themed pubs.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden?

Newcastle upon Tyne is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Leiden is a great destination for shopping. There are a mix of unique boutiques, international brands, and charming local stores. The Breestraat and Nieuwe Rijn are popular shopping streets, and they're lined with a variety of shops selling everything from fashion and accessories to books, art, and antiques. The city also has several markets, including a weekly Saturday market near the Pieterskerk, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and vintage items.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden Better for Families?

Leiden is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Leiden. The town has a mix of educational, cultural, and fun activities for all ages. There are many family-friendly museums like Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where kids can explore dinosaurs and wildlife, and the National Museum of Antiquities, which brings history to life. There's also the Corpus Museum, which takes visitors on a unique, interactive journey through the human body.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Leiden are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Leiden is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy charming towns and world class museums will enjoy their time here. The town also has picturesque canals, historic bridges, and cozy street cafes. Couples can explore places like the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, or enjoy a quiet moment in the scenic Leidse Hout Park.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Leiden are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

It's common for backpackers to visit Leiden. The city offers affordable accommodations, including hostels and budget-friendly hotels, as well as reasonably priced eateries serving Dutch classics and international cuisine. Many of Leiden’s attractions, like its historic canals, charming streets, and open-air markets, can be enjoyed for free.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden Better for Students?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Leiden are very good destinations for students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Leiden is a great port city to visit as a student. It feels like a university town and it's home to Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands. The university is known for its academic excellence and vibrant student community. The town also has a young atmosphere with plenty of affordable cafes, bars, and cultural events that influence the student life. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate by bike, and the abundance of libraries, study spaces, and museums provides ample resources for learning and inspiration. Housing can be difficult to find though.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newcastle upon Tyne is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Newcastle upon Tyne. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

You'll find some public transit in Leiden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Leiden Central Station is the main hub for trains, which connect the city to other towns throughout the country. Around town there are buses that are reliable and convenient.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

Leiden is very walkable. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with many of its attractions, cafes, shops, and historical sites located within walking distance of each other.

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Leiden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Leiden because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle upon Tyne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Leiden 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Leiden, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Leiden for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Leiden, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The destination of Leiden offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Leiden. This city offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Leiden in the summer. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Leiden. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during summer. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Leiden. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden in the Autumn?

Both Leiden and Newcastle upon Tyne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Leiden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Leiden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in October than Leiden. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Leiden. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Leiden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

Newcastle upon Tyne gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Leiden. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Leiden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Leiden.

Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Leiden in the spring. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in April than Leiden. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Newcastle upon Tyne