A Travel Price Comparison for Netherlands The Hague vs. Lisse for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Families

Should you visit The Hague or Lisse?

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 The Hague and Lisse can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a diverse, global, and international city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music. See The Hague travel costs.

Lisse

Lisse is a colorful, picturesque, and stunning town. Lisse is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Lisse travel costs.

The Hague and Lisse: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • 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
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Keukenhof Gardens


Is there more to do in The Hague or Lisse?

Travelers will usually find more to do in The Hague. Although The Hague and Lisse are popular destinations, The Hague has more sights and attractions for tourists. The Hague is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Lisse attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Lisse is more touristy than The Hague and is known for its stunning flowers and iconic tulip fields. The Hague is famous for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also well known for The Peace Palace.

How is The Hague different from Lisse?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Lisse?

The Hague
Lisse

Lisse is very good for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.

Lisse is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of museums in the area, like the Museum de Zwarte Tulp (Museum of the Black Tulip), which showcases the history and art of the Dutch flower-growing industry, including exhibits on tulips, bulbs, and floral culture. And, of course, there's the Keukenhof Gardens, which is the main draw to the area during the spring season and one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in The Hague or Lisse? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

The Hague
Lisse

The Hague is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The Hague has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Lisse area. The town has a variety of food options, from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine. Local cafes and restaurants often serve classic Dutch dishes, such as poffertjes (mini pancakes) and bitterballen (fried meatballs), perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. In Keukenhof Gardens you'll find food stalls, trucks, and a cafe, but they can get crowded during peak times.

Is The Hague or Lisse Better for Nightlife?

The Hague
Lisse

The Hague is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to The Hague for the nightlife scene. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lisse. Most people don't think about nightlife when they visit town but there's a surprising number of thinks to do like cozy bars and charming cafes. Visitors can enjoy live music, great drinks, and a friendly atmosphere, especially in the town's central areas.

Is The Hague or Lisse Better for Music?

The Hague
Lisse

The Hague is great for its live music scene. However, Lisse is not a live music destination.

The music scene in The Hague draws a good crowd. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Lisse is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Lisse?

The Hague
Lisse

The Hague is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

The Hague is well-known for its shopping. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Many visitors go to Lisse to go shopping. The town offers a range of shopping opportunities, especially in its charming town center. You’ll find boutique stores, gift shops, and specialty shops selling local products, such as Dutch cheeses, flowers, and souvenirs.

Is The Hague or Lisse More Beautiful?

The Hague
Lisse

Lisse is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, The Hague is not a destination known for its beauty.

Lisse is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Most visitors come for the Keukenhof Gardens, which are a breathtaking spectacle, renowned for their vibrant and meticulously arranged displays of millions of tulips and other flowers. The gardens are designed with picturesque pathways, tranquil ponds, and themed flower beds, making it feel like a living painting in every corner.

The Hague is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is The Hague or Lisse Better for Families?

The Hague
Lisse

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either The Hague or Lisse.

The Hague is a family-friendly city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lisse. The Keukenhof Gardens has a few things to keep the kids entertained, like a play area and boat rides. Some kids will also enjoy seeing the millions of colorful tulips and other flowers. For a more interactive experience, families can head to the Flowerstrip, where children can explore local farms and see how flowers are grown. Also near town is Lisse is the Duinrell theme park, which has thrilling rides and a water park that’s perfect for a family day out.


Is The Hague or Lisse Better for Couples?

The Hague
Lisse

Lisse is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Lisse makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy this area, especially during the spring when the Keukenhof Gardens come alive with vibrant tulip fields and flower displays. There are also boat rides through the nearby canals, surrounded by beautiful countryside. A visit to the nearby Keukenhof Castle provides a charming atmosphere, with its elegant gardens and tea room. perfect for relaxing together. Couples can also explore the local flower fields by bike.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is The Hague or Lisse Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague
Lisse

The Hague and Lisse are both nice destinations for backpackers.

The Hague is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

It's common for backpackers to visit Lisse. The entrance fee to Keukenhof Gardens can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy nearby, like cycling through the beautiful tulip fields or exploring the nearby countryside. Budget accommodations, such as hostels or guesthouses, can be found in Lisse or in nearby towns like Leiden, offering affordable options for travelers.

Is The Hague or Lisse Better for Students?

The Hague
Lisse

The Hague is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Lisse is not popular with students.

Many students frequent The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Lisse is not popular with students.


Is The Hague or Lisse Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

The Hague
Lisse

The Hague is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in The Hague can get you to some places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Lisse has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel from Schiphol Airport and elsewhere in the country to Keukenhof Gardens. It's best to book your tickets in advance.

Is The Hague or Lisse a more walkable city?

The Hague
Lisse

The Hague and Lisse are nice when it comes to walkability.

The Hague is somewhat walkable. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

Lisse is a somewhat walkable place. Many visitors bike through the tulip fields outside of the Keukenhof Gardens. You could walk, but you'll cover more ground with a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is The Hague Worth Visiting? and Is Lisse Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lisse or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Lisse?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in The Hague than Lisse 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 The Hague.


  • How many days in The Hague or Lisse? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hague 1-3 
    Lisse 1-2

One day in The Hague or Lisse?

Each neighborhood in The Hague has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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


A weekend in The Hague or Lisse?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hague. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in The Hague or Lisse?

The Hague is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the big city destination of The Hague. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful town of Lisse. 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 The Hague or Lisse?

You'll find live music and food around the international big city of The Hague. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lisse 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 Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, and The Best Adventure Tours to Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, Lisse or The Hague?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hague is €218, while the average daily cost in Lisse is €179. 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 The Hague and Lisse in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hague 104
    Lisse 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hague 208
    Lisse 158
Compare Hotels in The Hague and Lisse

Looking for a hotel in The Hague or Lisse? 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 The Hague


Hotels in Lisse


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: The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hague 19
    Lisse 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

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

  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $307
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $140
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $135
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $124
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $27
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Amsterdam: Train + tram transferring to/from Scheveningen: $16
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $11
  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisse

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

  • Private Transfer from Haarlem to cruise port in Amsterdam: $75
  • From The Hague: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Keukenhof: $264
  • From Rotterdam: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Keukenhof: $307
  • Amsterdam vip group transfers: $370

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hague or Lisse?

Prices for flights to both Lisse and The Hague 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
    The Hague 95
    Lisse 81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse

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

  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hague 34
    Lisse 30

Tours and Activities in The Hague

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

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft : $3.22
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.22
  • 90 minutes Self Guided Walking Tour with puzzles in Den Haag: $21
  • Delft in 1 Day - Walking Tour - Audioguide in 7 languages: $7.18
  • Discover Delft with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Delft's Golden Age: A Self-Guided Tour: $12
  • Discover The Hague with a self-guided Outside Escape city tour: $27
  • Drive it yourself electric Dune & Summer Flower GPS audio tour: $96
  • Drive it yourself electric Dutch Countryside GPS audio tour: $96
  • Drive it yourself electric History and Castle GPS audio tour: $96
  • Drive it yourself electric Tulip and Flower Fields GPS audio tour: $137
  • Enjoy the tulip fields by bicycle with a local guide! Tulip bike tour!: $53

Tours and Activities in Lisse

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

  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $30
  • 2-Hour Private History and Highlights of Haarlem Walking Tour: $235
  • 90 minute Cheese and Wine Cruise through the Canals of Haarlem: $42
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour with puzzles in Haarlem: $21
  • Amsterdam: Keukenhof & FlowerFarm Tour Skip-The-Line tickets: $323
  • Amsterdam: Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans Live Guided Day Tour: $95
  • Amsterdam: Private Sightseeing Tour Keukenhof: $251
  • Amsterdam: Private tour Tulips, Keukenhof, Windmill & Cheese: $428
  • Amsterdam: Tour to Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise: $58
  • Antwerp: Full-day Holland Guided Keukenhof & Windmills Tour: $132
  • Bloemendaal Highlights: Guided Bike Tour close to Amsterdam: $53
  • Brussels: Full-day Holland Guided Keukenhof & Windmills Tour: $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hague 30
    Lisse 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse

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

  • Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $21


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between The Hague and Lisse, we can see that The Hague is more expensive. And not only is Lisse much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisse would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisse 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 The Hague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hague than you might in Lisse.

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


Which is Bigger, The Hague or Lisse?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of The Hague and Lisse, 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 The Hague or Lisse?

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 The Hague or Lisse in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Lisse. Most visitors come to The Hague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lisse because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisse this time of the year. In The Hague, it's very sunny this time of the year. The Hague usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lisse during summer. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Lisse receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    The Hague 17°C (62°F) 
    Lisse 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Lisse in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Lisse. The autumn months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lisse this time of year.

In October, The Hague is generally around the same temperature as Lisse. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 11°C (51°F), and Lisse fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    The Hague 11°C (51°F) 
    Lisse 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Lisse in the Winter?

Both Lisse and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lisse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lisse. It's quite cold in The Hague in the winter. The Hague is around the same temperature as Lisse in the winter. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Lisse fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    The Hague 2°C (36°F) 
    Lisse 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Lisse in the Spring?

Both Lisse and The Hague during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to The Hague for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Lisse in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, The Hague is around the same temperature as Lisse. Typically, the spring temperatures in The Hague in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Lisse averages at about 8°C (46°F).

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

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    The Hague 8°C (46°F) 
    Lisse 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Lisse and The Hague

The Hague Lisse
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)