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

Should you visit Interlaken or Leiden?

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 Interlaken and Leiden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a breathtaking, world-class, and stunning town. Interlaken is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Interlaken travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a historic, cultural, and scholarly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Interlaken and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Leiden?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Interlaken than Leiden, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Interlaken is better known for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Leiden is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Interlaken is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Also, Interlaken is famous for its many mountain views.. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Interlaken different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Leiden Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is very good for skiing and snowboarding. However, Leiden is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Leiden is not a skiing destination.

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

Leiden is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Leiden both to be very good destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Leiden. 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 Interlaken or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

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

Interlaken has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are tons of pubs and bars around town. This is the best way to meet locals and makes for a fun night out on the town. The atmosphere is generally laid back and relaxed, which matches the mellow vibe of the town.

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 Interlaken or Leiden Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Leiden is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Leiden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Leiden?

Leiden is very good for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Leiden More Beautiful?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Interlaken is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. While the city itself has a lot of charm and character, it's really about exploring the surrounding countryside. There are world class hikes, stunning vistas, and adrenaline-filled adventure sports that you shouldn't miss.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Interlaken or Leiden Better for Families?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is one of the most popular family destinations. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Leiden is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Interlaken or Leiden Better for Couples?

Interlaken is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Leiden are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Interlaken or Leiden Better for Students?

Leiden is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Leiden is very popular with students. 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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken 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 Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken or Leiden a more walkable city?

Leiden is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Leiden is very walkable. 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Leiden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken 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 Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

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

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

One day in Interlaken or Leiden?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Leiden, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Leiden, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Leiden?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Leiden, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Leiden?

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

Leiden, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Interlaken. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Leiden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, 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 Interlaken and Leiden, we can see that Interlaken 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 Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken 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 Interlaken Expensive? and Is Leiden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Leiden?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Leiden?

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 Interlaken or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year.

In July, Interlaken is generally a little warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Leiden. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Leiden. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Leiden in the Autumn?

Both Leiden and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Leiden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Leiden. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Leiden. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Leiden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Interlaken. In the winter, Interlaken is a little warmer than Leiden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Leiden averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Leiden. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Leiden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Leiden. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Interlaken is generally much warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than Leiden. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Interlaken