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

Should you visit Zurich or Leiden?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Leiden. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, Zurich attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Zurich travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Leiden travel costs.

Zurich and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Leiden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more touristy than Leiden and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Zurich different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Zurich and Leiden.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Leiden offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Zurich or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Zurich and Leiden offer a number of high quality restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Leiden has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Zurich or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

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

Zurich has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Leiden Better for Music?

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its music scene. However, Leiden is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Zurich has diverse options. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Leiden is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Leiden Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Zurich can be explored in its historical center. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Leiden?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Leiden More Beautiful?

Zurich is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Zurich attracts visitors from all around. With Lake Zurich and the mountains as a backdrop, this is a truly beautiful city.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Zurich or Leiden Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Leiden are high quality family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Leiden. 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.

Is Zurich or Leiden Better for Couples?

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

Zurich makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Leiden are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Zurich or Leiden Better for Students?

Zurich is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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.

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

Zurich 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 Zurich. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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 Zurich or Leiden a more walkable city?

Zurich and Leiden both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

Leiden is a very walkable destination. 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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Leiden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Zurich or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Zurich than Leiden because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Leiden?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Leiden. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Leiden?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Leiden 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.

Five days in Zurich or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Zurich or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the liberal destination of Zurich. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Leiden. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Leiden?

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

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 Zurich or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Zurich during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Leiden in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zurich is a little warmer than Leiden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Leiden averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zurich. In the summer, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Leiden. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Leiden. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Leiden for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Leiden. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Leiden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Leiden can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. Zurich is a little warmer than Leiden in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in January than Leiden. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Leiden averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Leiden. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Zurich