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

Should you visit Aberdeen or Leiden?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Leiden? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a cultural, architectural, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Aberdeen travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a historic, cultural, and scholarly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Leiden travel costs.

Aberdeen and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Leiden?

You'll generally find more things to do in Aberdeen than Leiden. Aberdeen is bigger than Leiden, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Aberdeen is better known for its historical sights and big city activities, while Leiden is more popular for its food. Aberdeen is well known for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. Also, Aberdeen is famous for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Aberdeen different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Aberdeen and Leiden have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Many visitors head to Leiden specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Aberdeen or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Leiden is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Leiden makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

Both Aberdeen and Leiden are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Leiden. 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 Aberdeen or Leiden Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Leiden?

Both Aberdeen and Leiden are notable shopping destinations.

Aberdeen is a great destination for shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Leiden. 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 Aberdeen or Leiden Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Leiden.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

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.

Is Aberdeen or Leiden Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aberdeen and Leiden make for a notable place to visit.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Leiden makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Aberdeen or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Leiden Better for Students?

Leiden is a well-known place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Leiden is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

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

Both Aberdeen and Leiden offer notable public transit options.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Leiden has some public transit options. 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 Aberdeen or Leiden a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Leiden both are great when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Leiden is a very walkable city. 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 Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Leiden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Leiden?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Leiden than Aberdeen 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 Leiden.

One day in Aberdeen or Leiden?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. 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.

The city of Leiden offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Leiden?

Aberdeen 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.

Leiden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Leiden, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the architectural destination of Aberdeen. 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.

Leiden is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from London, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Leiden?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Aberdeen during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Leiden for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 14°C (58°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets less rain in July than Leiden. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Leiden. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Leiden in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Aberdeen is cooler than Leiden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Leiden. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Leiden can be very cold during winter. Aberdeen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Aberdeen is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aberdeen in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Leiden averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in January than Leiden. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 7°C (44°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Aberdeen