A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Leiden for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands and Leiden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, Orkney Islands attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums. See Orkney Islands travel costs.

Leiden

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

Orkney Islands and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Leiden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orkney Islands. Although Orkney Islands and Leiden are popular destinations, Orkney Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orkney Islands is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Leiden attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Leiden is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its many museums and renowned university. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. It is also well known for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Orkney Islands different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Leiden?

Leiden is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Leiden specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Leiden.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

Leiden is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Leiden has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Orkney Islands specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You'll find the most pubs and a few nightclubs in the main town of Kirkwall.

Is Orkney Islands or Leiden Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Leiden is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Leiden is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Leiden Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Leiden is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Leiden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Leiden?

Leiden is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Leiden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Leiden More Beautiful?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Orkney Islands attracts visitors from all around. Stunning beaches and beautiful countryside make this landscape truly breathtaking.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Orkney Islands or Leiden Better for Families?

Leiden is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Leiden Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Orkney Islands makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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 Orkney Islands or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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 Orkney Islands or Leiden Better for Students?

Leiden is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Leiden is very popular with students. 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.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Is Orkney Islands or Leiden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orkney Islands and Leiden both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Leiden has a few public transit options. 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 Orkney Islands or Leiden a more walkable city?

Leiden is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a good destination for its walkability.

Leiden is a very walkable destination. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable archipelago. Walking is a great way to enjoy the beauty, but you'll need a vehicle to travel from place to place.

For even more information, also check out Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Leiden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Leiden because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Leiden?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Leiden, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Leiden?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Leiden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Leiden?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the pristine destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Leiden. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Leiden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Leiden. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Leiden in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leiden this time of the year. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Leiden. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Leiden. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is cooler than Leiden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Leiden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Leiden. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Leiden in the Winter?

Both Leiden and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Also, 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 Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands is generally much warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Leiden. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Orkney Islands during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Leiden in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Leiden. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Orkney Islands