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

Should you visit Leiden or Biarritz?

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

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Biarritz travel costs.

Leiden and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Biarritz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Biarritz. Although Leiden and Biarritz are both popular with visitors, Biarritz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Biarritz is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Leiden is known for its museums and attractions. Biarritz is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also home to Grande Plage. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Leiden different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Leiden is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Both Leiden and Biarritz offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Biarritz makes for a great culinary experience. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Leiden or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

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

Biarritz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Leiden or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Leiden is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Leiden is not a resort destination.

Is Leiden or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

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

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Leiden is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Biarritz?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

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 Leiden or Biarritz Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Leiden or Biarritz.

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.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Leiden or Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better 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 Leiden or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Leiden or Biarritz Better for Students?

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

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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Leiden and Biarritz.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Leiden or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Leiden and Biarritz are great when it comes to walkability.

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.

Biarritz is very walkable. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Biarritz?

Both Leiden and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Leiden. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

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

One day in Leiden or Biarritz?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Leiden or Biarritz?

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.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Leiden or Biarritz?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Leiden or Biarritz?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Biarritz, 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 Leiden Expensive? and Is Biarritz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Biarritz?

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

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 Leiden or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Leiden for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Leiden is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Biarritz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leiden. Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Leiden during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Leiden because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

Leiden is cooler than Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Leiden usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Biarritz. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Leiden in the winter. In the winter, Leiden is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Biarritz averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Leiden usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Biarritz. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Leiden is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Leiden usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Leiden