A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands Rotterdam vs. Leiden for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Rotterdam or Leiden?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Leiden. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a high energy, modern, and trendy port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Rotterdam 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.

Rotterdam and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Leiden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rotterdam than Leiden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rotterdam is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Leiden attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Leiden is more touristy than Rotterdam and is known for its many museums and renowned university. Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also well known for The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rotterdam or Leiden?

Leiden is great for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Leiden. 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.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Rotterdam and Leiden can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Rotterdam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains. The city is also known for its food halls, which provide a variety of gourmet flavors from around the globe.

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 Rotterdam or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

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

Rotterdam has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

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 the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Leiden?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

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 Rotterdam or Leiden Better for Families?

Both Rotterdam and Leiden are high quality family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rotterdam. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

Leiden is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Rotterdam or Leiden Better for Couples?

Rotterdam and Leiden both nice destinations for a couple.

Rotterdam is a good port city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

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 Rotterdam or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Leiden are nice places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Rotterdam or Leiden Better for Students?

For students, both Rotterdam and Leiden are high quality places to visit.

Many students visit Rotterdam. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Leiden is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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 Rotterdam or Leiden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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 Rotterdam or Leiden a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Leiden are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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 Rotterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Leiden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Leiden?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam.

One day in Rotterdam or Leiden?

Rotterdam is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Leiden. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Leiden has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Leiden?

Rotterdam 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Leiden. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Rotterdam or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Leiden. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Rotterdam or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the trendy big city of Rotterdam. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Leiden is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Leiden, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Leiden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Leiden?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Leiden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Leiden. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Leiden in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Rotterdam is around the same temperature as Leiden in the summer. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 17°C (62°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. In Rotterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Leiden. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Leiden for the shopping scene during these months.

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

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Leiden in the Winter?

Both Leiden and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Leiden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Leiden can be very cold. Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Rotterdam is generally around the same temperature as Leiden. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 2°C (36°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Rotterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Leiden and Rotterdam