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

Should you visit York or Leipzig?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a historic, growing, and dynamic city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Leipzig: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in York or Leipzig?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in York than Leipzig. While Leipzig is larger than York, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is more popular for its food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Leipzig is known for its shopping and quaint atmosphere. York is more touristy than Leipzig and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Leipzig is popular for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner.

How is York different from Leipzig?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York
Leipzig

Both York and Leipzig have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Leipzig specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.


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

York
Leipzig

York is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, York is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Leipzig Better for Nightlife?

York
Leipzig

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

Many people head to York for the nightlife scene. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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

Is York or Leipzig Better for its Old Town?

York
Leipzig

York is terrific for its historic old town. However, Leipzig does not have a historic old town.

York has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Leipzig does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in York or Leipzig?

York
Leipzig

Leipzig is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Leipzig Better for Families?

York
Leipzig

York is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

York is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Leipzig Better for Couples?

York
Leipzig

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

York is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Leipzig Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Leipzig

York is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

York is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Leipzig is a good city 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 York or Leipzig Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

York
Leipzig

Leipzig is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Leipzig is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Leipzig a more walkable city?

York
Leipzig

York and Leipzig both are good when exploring on foot.

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Leipzig or York?

How long in York or Leipzig?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in York or Leipzig?

In York, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Leipzig. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Leipzig?

In York, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that York has to offer.

Leipzig is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Leipzig?

York is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Leipzig. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in York or Leipzig?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The cultural city of Leipzig offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany, and The Best Walking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Leipzig or York?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Leipzig is £142. 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 York and Leipzig in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Leipzig £78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Leipzig £156
Compare Hotels in York and Leipzig

Looking for a hotel in York 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 York


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: York Hotel Prices and Leipzig Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Leipzig £23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from York to Manchester Airport (MAN): $279
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $271
  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Leipzig?

Prices for flights to both Leipzig and York 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
    York £32
    Leipzig £45
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

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

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $56
  • York on a Fork Food Tour: $83

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.
    York £11
    Leipzig £31

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • All Creatures Great & Small tour from York: $100
  • Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise: $19
  • Castle Howard Entrance Ticket: $32
  • City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $20
  • Clueniveristy of Magic!! Immersive Adventure in York City: $24
  • Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour: $25
  • Dark Tales of York. Private ghost tours.: $61
  • Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York: $18
  • Discover York's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour of the City Walls: $11
  • Early Evening Boat Cruise through York: $18
  • Fish & Chips Boat Cruise in York: $30
  • From Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour: $74

Tours and Activities in Leipzig

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

  • Secrets of Old The Lost Treasure Adventure: $4.27
  • Leipzig's Communist Past: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.20
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour of the City's Communist Past: $6.99
  • Historic Center Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Smartphone Scavenger Hunt Sighteeing Tour: $12
  • Guided Crime-Themed Walking Tour: $13
  • Old Town Guided Tour: $13
  • 1.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour in German: $14
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour - Explore Your Way: $14
  • Guided Tour of the Southern Cemetery: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Leipzig £22
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57


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

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


Which is Bigger, York or Leipzig?

Leipzig has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York or Leipzig?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit York or Leipzig in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Leipzig. Many travelers come to York for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Leipzig in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

York is cooler than Leipzig in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Leipzig fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leipzig. In the summer, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 206 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Leipzig. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit York or Leipzig in the Autumn?

Both Leipzig and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to York in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Leipzig for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, York is around the same temperature as Leipzig. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Leipzig averages at about 11°C (52°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives more rain than Leipzig. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit York or Leipzig in the Winter?

Both Leipzig and York during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to York for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. York can be very cold during winter. In January, York is generally much warmer than Leipzig. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Leipzig fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, York often gets more sunshine than Leipzig. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leipzig receives 45 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in January than Leipzig. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit York or Leipzig in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Leipzig.

York is cooler than Leipzig in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Leipzig fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leipzig during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Leipzig receives 143 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leipzig. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leipzig receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leipzig and York

York Leipzig
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)