A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Leuven for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Windsor or Leuven?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Leuven? 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.

Where Should I go: Windsor or Leuven?

Windsor

Windsor is a small town in Berkshire, England most famous for Windsor Castle, which is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. The town rests along the River Thames, across which lies Windsor's twin town of Eton, known for Eton College. Together, the two make up a quaint tourist destination that is largely pedestrianized, making for a walkable, car-free holiday.

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Windsor?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £152. 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 Windsor and Leuven in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Leuven £79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Leuven £158
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Leuven

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Leuven? 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 Windsor


Hotels in Leuven


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: Windsor Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Leuven £52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $87
  • Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $146
  • Airport Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
  • Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $86
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $147
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $82
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $65
  • Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $75
  • Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels City all area - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $86
  • Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $34
  • Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> SPA (1 to 8 PLACES): $156
  • Brussels Airport Transfer <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Leuven?

Prices for flights to both Leuven and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Leuven £42
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.

  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $75
  • Mechelen Food Tour: $82
  • Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Leuven £19

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Daily Walking Tour with Local Guide (11am & 2pm): $17
  • Windsor Daily Town Walking Tour: 11am & 2pm: $18
  • Windsor : Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Golden Tours Open Top Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Windsor Duck Tour: Bus and Boat Ride: $34
  • Windsor Quest: Self Guided Sightseeing & Immersive Treasure Hunt: $37
  • Windsor and Thames Valley Bike Tour: $38
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • Windsor Castle Afternoon Tour from London: $86

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
  • Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
  • Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
  • Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Leuven £21


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


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Leuven?

Leuven has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor and Leuven, 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 Windsor or Leuven?

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 Windsor or Leuven in the Summer?

Both Leuven and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Leuven in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Leuven fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Leuven. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Leuven 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Leuven in the Autumn?

Both Leuven and Windsor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year.

In the autumn, Windsor is around the same temperature as Leuven. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Leuven averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Leuven. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Leuven 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Leuven in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Leuven. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine.

Leuven can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Windsor. In January, Windsor is generally a little warmer than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Leuven. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Leuven 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Leuven in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Leuven. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Leuven in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Leuven fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in April than Leuven. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Leuven 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leuven and Windsor

Windsor Leuven
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)