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

Should you visit Leiden or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux can help you decide which place is right for you.

Leiden

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

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Bordeaux attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Bordeaux travel costs.

Leiden and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Bordeaux?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bordeaux than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bordeaux is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Leiden is known for its museums and attractions. Bordeaux is more touristy than Leiden and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Leiden different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux?

Leiden is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bordeaux has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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.

Is Leiden or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Both Leiden and Bordeaux have good vibes after the sun sets.

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.

Bordeaux has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Leiden or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Bordeaux is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

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 Bordeaux More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Bordeaux attracts visitors from all around. The city is filled with beautiful architecture, parks, and gardens.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Leiden is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Leiden is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Leiden or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Bordeaux makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden and Bordeaux are both good destinations for backpackers.

Leiden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Leiden or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Both Leiden and Bordeaux are great destinations for 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.

Bordeaux is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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 Leiden or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Leiden and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is very walkable. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Bordeaux?

In either Leiden or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Leiden because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

One day in Leiden or Bordeaux?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bordeaux. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Leiden or Bordeaux?

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.

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

Five days in Leiden or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Bordeaux?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Bordeaux. 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 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Bordeaux?

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

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 Leiden or Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Leiden during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Leiden for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Leiden is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Leiden. In the summer, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in July than Bordeaux. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Bordeaux. The autumn months attract visitors to Leiden because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Leiden is cooler than Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leiden usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Leiden or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Bordeaux. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Leiden usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during spring. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leiden usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Leiden