A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Stuttgart vs. Leipzig for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Stuttgart or Leipzig?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart or Leipzig? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a authentic, commercial, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a growing, dynamic, and cultural city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart and Leipzig: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 Stuttgart or Leipzig?

You'll generally find more things to do in Stuttgart than Leipzig. Stuttgart is bigger than Leipzig, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Stuttgart is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Leipzig is more popular for its museums and quaint atmosphere. Leipzig is more touristy than Stuttgart and is known for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner. Stuttgart is well known for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Also, Stuttgart is famous for The Mercedes-Benz Museum.

How is Stuttgart different from Leipzig?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Stuttgart
Leipzig

Leipzig is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Leipzig offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.


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

Stuttgart
Leipzig

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

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 Stuttgart or Leipzig Better for Nightlife?

Stuttgart
Leipzig

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

Many people head to Stuttgart for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Stuttgart or Leipzig?

Stuttgart
Leipzig

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Stuttgart and Leipzig.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Stuttgart. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

Leipzig is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Stuttgart or Leipzig Better for Families?

Stuttgart
Leipzig

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Stuttgart or Leipzig.

Stuttgart is a family-friendly city. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Leipzig. 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 Stuttgart or Leipzig Better for Couples?

Stuttgart
Leipzig

With fun activities for couples, both Stuttgart and Leipzig make for a notable place to visit.

Stuttgart is a good city for couples to visit. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.

Leipzig is a nice destination for couples. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.

Is Stuttgart or Leipzig Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stuttgart
Leipzig

Stuttgart and Leipzig are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

Leipzig is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Stuttgart or Leipzig Better for Students?

Stuttgart
Leipzig

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

Stuttgart is a great city to visit as a student. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

Leipzig is not popular with students.

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

Stuttgart
Leipzig

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Stuttgart and Leipzig.

The public transit in Stuttgart can get you to most places easily. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

Visitors to Leipzig can move around easily with public transportation. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.

Is Stuttgart or Leipzig a more walkable city?

Stuttgart
Leipzig

Stuttgart and Leipzig are notable when it comes to walkability.

Stuttgart is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Leipzig or Stuttgart?

How long in Stuttgart or Leipzig?

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

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

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


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

One day in Stuttgart or Leipzig?

Because Stuttgart 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.

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 Stuttgart or Leipzig?

Because Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart has to offer.

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 Stuttgart or Leipzig?

Stuttgart 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic 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 Stuttgart or Leipzig?

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

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Leipzig or Stuttgart?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Stuttgart is €164, 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 Stuttgart and Leipzig in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stuttgart 101
    Leipzig 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stuttgart 202
    Leipzig 182
Compare Hotels in Stuttgart and Leipzig

Looking for a hotel in Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart


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: Stuttgart Hotel Prices and Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stuttgart 25
    Leipzig 27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

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

  • Transfer from Stuttgart Airport to Baden-Baden: $291
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport(STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $153
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Private Transfer: $153
  • Private Transfer from Stuttgart City to Frankfurt City: $139
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by Luxury Car: $108
  • Private Transfer to/from Stuttgart Airport (STR): $103
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Sedan: $91
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Stuttgart or Leipzig?

Prices for flights to both Leipzig and Stuttgart 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
    Stuttgart 37
    Leipzig 53
Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

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.
    Stuttgart 24
    Leipzig 36

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Tour Heilbronn in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Mulled winetour before christmas in Stuttgart: $46
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Stuttgart: $71
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart City to Outletcity Metzingen: $163
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart to Outletcity Metzingen: $147
  • Private digital puzzle tour in the Stuttgart Höhenpark Killesberg: $37
  • SUP BASIC COURSE Stuttgart Neckar Stand Up Paddling / Paddling Adventure Jones Tours: $54
  • Stuttgart 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $21
  • Stuttgart City walk - Private tour: $356
  • Stuttgart Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Stuttgart Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52

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
    Stuttgart 22
    Leipzig 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


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


Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Leipzig?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Leipzig. When comparing the sizes of Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or Leipzig in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Stuttgart is a little warmer than Leipzig. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stuttgart in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Leipzig averages at about 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leipzig this time of the year. In Stuttgart, it's very sunny this time of the year. Stuttgart usually receives more sunshine than Leipzig during summer. Stuttgart gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stuttgart usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F) 
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Leipzig in the Autumn?

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

In October, Stuttgart is generally a little warmer than Leipzig. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 13°C (56°F), and Leipzig fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Stuttgart often gets more sunshine than Leipzig. Stuttgart gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 107 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets more rain in October than Leipzig. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F) 
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Leipzig in the Winter?

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

The weather in Leipzig can be very cold. Stuttgart can be very cold during winter. Stuttgart is much warmer than Leipzig in the winter. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Leipzig fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Stuttgart usually receives more sunshine than Leipzig during winter. Stuttgart gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stuttgart usually receives more rain than Leipzig. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F) 
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Leipzig in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Stuttgart is a little warmer than Leipzig. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stuttgart in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Leipzig averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Stuttgart often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig. Stuttgart gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 143 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets more rain in April than Leipzig. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F) 
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leipzig and Stuttgart

Stuttgart Leipzig
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)