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

Should you visit Santorini or Leipzig?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Leipzig, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Santorini

Santorini is a stunning, historic, and romantic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a cultural, historic, and growing city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Santorini and Leipzig: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Santorini or Leipzig?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santorini than Leipzig. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Santorini is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Leipzig attracts visitors for its museums. Santorini is more touristy than Leipzig and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also well known for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Leipzig is famous for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner.

How is Santorini different from Leipzig?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santorini
Leipzig

Leipzig is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.


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

Santorini
Leipzig

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Leipzig can be an enjoyable experience.

Santorini has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Leipzig area. 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 Santorini or Leipzig Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Leipzig

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find nice options in both Santorini and Leipzig.

If you're looking for night time activities Santorini has a few options to choose from. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

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

Is Santorini or Leipzig Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Leipzig

Santorini is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Leipzig is not a resort destination.

Santorini offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Leipzig is not a resort destination.


Is Santorini or Leipzig Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Leipzig

Santorini is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Leipzig is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Leipzig is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Leipzig Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Leipzig

Santorini is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Leipzig is not a beach destination.

Santorini has a beach worth visiting. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Leipzig is not a beach destination.

Is Santorini or Leipzig Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Leipzig

Santorini is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Leipzig is not a hiking destination.

Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Leipzig is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Leipzig?

Santorini
Leipzig

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

Santorini is well-known for its shopping. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Leipzig. 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 Santorini or Leipzig Better for Families?

Santorini
Leipzig

Santorini and Leipzig are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Santorini offers lots of family activities. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

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 Santorini or Leipzig Better for Couples?

Santorini
Leipzig

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

Santorini has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

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 Santorini or Leipzig Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Leipzig

For backpackers, both Santorini and Leipzig are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Santorini. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

Leipzig is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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 Santorini or Leipzig Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santorini
Leipzig

Leipzig is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

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

Santorini has a few public transit options. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

Is Santorini or Leipzig a more walkable city?

Santorini
Leipzig

Santorini and Leipzig are nice when it comes to walkability.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Leipzig or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Leipzig?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Santorini and Leipzig. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Leipzig. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 1-3 days is enough time in Leipzig.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Santorini or Leipzig? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Leipzig 1-3

One day in Santorini or Leipzig?

In Santorini, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Santorini or Leipzig?

In Santorini, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Leipzig. 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 Santorini or Leipzig?

Santorini is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santorini has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Leipzig. 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 Santorini or Leipzig?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. In Santorini, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Leipzig 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 Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Leipzig or Santorini?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Leipzig is €166. 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 Santorini and Leipzig in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Leipzig 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Leipzig 182
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Leipzig

Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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 Santorini


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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Leipzig 27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,743
  • Santorini Airport Transfer For Group: $297
  • Santorini Group Transfer from Airport/Port up to 17 people: $180
  • Santorini Airport(JTR) to Santorini - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $139
  • Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
  • Private Sunset Tour with Picnic & Transfer: $128
  • Santorini to Heraklion Crete: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
  • Santorini to Mykonos: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $125
  • Santorini Private transfer up to 8 persons: $120
  • Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $120
  • Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $120

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 Santorini or Leipzig?

Prices for flights to both Leipzig and Santorini 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
    Santorini 48
    Leipzig 53

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $123
  • Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123
  • Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar: $128
  • Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner: $128
  • Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $134

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.
    Santorini 36
    Leipzig 36

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Santorini Panoramic Blue Shade Tour-Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia: $62
  • Santorini Private Half Day Tour : $218
  • Santorini Secrets & Gems for Cruise Passengers: $96
  • 3 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $74
  • 3 Hour Tour in Oia: $120
  • 3 Hours Private Santorini Tour: $136
  • 3-Hour Santorini Highlights Tour: $71
  • 4 Hour Eat and Drink Private Tour in Santorini: $296
  • 4 Hours Private Tour in Santorini with Pick up: $87
  • 4 hrs island tour and photoshooting, Oia Blue domes, Red beach : $196
  • 4-Hour Private Custom Santorini Tour: $161
  • 5 Hour Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $71

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
    Santorini 26
    Leipzig 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $63
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $75
  • Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $105
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
  • 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
  • Wine Tour Santorini: $118
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $136


When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Leipzig, we can see that Santorini 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 Santorini Expensive? and Is Leipzig Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Leipzig?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Leipzig. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.