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

Should you visit Tallinn or Leiden?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn or Leiden, 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.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a charming, quaint, and whimsical city. Tallinn is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Tallinn travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Tallinn and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Leiden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tallinn than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tallinn is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Leiden is known for its food. Tallinn is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also home to The Old Town. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Tallinn and Leiden.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Tallinn can be an interesting and educational experience. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Leiden is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Leiden has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

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

Tallinn has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

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 Tallinn or Leiden Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Tallinn can be explored in its historical center. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Leiden?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

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 Tallinn or Leiden More Beautiful?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Tallinn is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The beautiful architecture and impressive old town makes this a top tourist destination in Eastern Europe.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tallinn or Leiden Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Leiden is very family-friendly. 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 Tallinn. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

Is Tallinn or Leiden Better for Couples?

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

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

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 Tallinn or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Tallinn, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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 Tallinn or Leiden Better for Students?

Leiden is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Leiden is a great 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.

Tallinn is popular with students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

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

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

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 Tallinn or Leiden a more walkable city?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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 Tallinn Worth Visiting? and Is Leiden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tallinn or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tallinn than Leiden because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

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

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

One day in Tallinn or Leiden?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Tallinn. 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, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Tallinn or Leiden?

Tallinn 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.

In Leiden, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Leiden has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Leiden?

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

Leiden 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.

A week in Tallinn or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Tallinn. This 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, 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 Tallinn and Leiden, we can see that Leiden is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Leiden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leiden than you might in Tallinn.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Leiden?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Leiden because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tallinn is around the same temperature as Leiden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tallinn in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Leiden averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Leiden. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tallinn. Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during summer. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tallinn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tallinn or Leiden in the Autumn?

Both Leiden and Tallinn during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Leiden this time of year.

In October, Tallinn is generally much colder than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 7°C (44°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Tallinn often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Leiden. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Leiden. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallinn this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leiden. It's quite cold in Tallinn in the winter. Tallinn is much colder than Leiden in the winter. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around -5°C (22°F) in January, and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during winter. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Leiden. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tallinn or Leiden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Leiden. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. In the spring, Tallinn is much colder than Leiden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tallinn in April average around 4°C (39°F), and Leiden averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in April than Leiden. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Tallinn