A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Leiden for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a scenic, picturesque, and stunning island. Isle of Skye is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches. See Isle of Skye travel costs.

Leiden

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

Isle of Skye and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Leiden?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Isle of Skye than Leiden, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Isle of Skye is better known for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Leiden is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Also, Isle of Skye is famous for The Old Man of Storr. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Isle of Skye different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Leiden?

Leiden is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Leiden. 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Leiden.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

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 Isle of Skye or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

Leiden is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Isle of Skye is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. You can find a place for a glass of wine of a craft beer and relax with friends.

Is Isle of Skye or Leiden Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Leiden is not a beach destination.

Isle of Skye is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Leiden is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Leiden Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Leiden is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Isle of Skye specifically for its hiking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Leiden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Leiden?

Leiden is a good destination for shopping. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Leiden More Beautiful?

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

Isle of Skye is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The stunning coastline and beautiful hikes make this a truly unique destination in Scotland.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Isle of Skye or Leiden Better for Families?

Leiden is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Leiden is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

Is Isle of Skye or Leiden Better for Couples?

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

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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 Isle of Skye or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isle of Skye. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

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 Isle of Skye or Leiden Better for Students?

Leiden is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

Many students visit Leiden. 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.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Leiden is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Leiden a more walkable city?

Leiden is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options 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.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable island. It's nice to explore on foot, but you need a vehicle to cover the long distances.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Leiden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Leiden?

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

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

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

One day in Isle of Skye or Leiden?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. 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.

In Leiden, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Leiden?

Isle of Skye 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.

Leiden is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scholarly destination of Leiden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque destination of Isle of Skye. This island 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 to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Leiden?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Leiden in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Leiden. Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leiden. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Leiden in the Autumn?

Both Leiden and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Leiden for the shopping scene during these months.

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

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than Leiden. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Leiden. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Isle of Skye can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Isle of Skye is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Leiden averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Leiden. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Leiden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Leiden. The spring months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in April than Leiden. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Isle of Skye