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

Should you visit Leiden or Bremen?

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

Leiden

Leiden is a scholarly, historic, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Leiden travel costs.

Bremen

Bremen is a beautiful, colorful, and lively city. With stunning beauty, Bremen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Bremen travel costs.

Leiden and Bremen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Bremen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bremen than Leiden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bremen is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Leiden attracts visitors for its food. Leiden is famous for its many museums and renowned university. Bremen is famous for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. It is also well known for The Historic Marktplatz.

The Historic Marktplatz

How is Leiden different from Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Bremen and Leiden.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bremen can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

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

Leiden is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bremen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Leiden is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Bremen. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Leiden or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

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

Bremen has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

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 Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Bremen is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Bremen can be explored in its historical center. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Bremen?

Bremen 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 Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

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 Bremen More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Bremen attracts visitors from all around. The city has a beautiful atmosphere with an old town that feels like you've stepped back in time.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Bremen Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Leiden or Bremen.

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.

Bremen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

Is Leiden or Bremen Better for Couples?

Both Leiden and Bremen are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Leiden is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Bremen is a nice destination for couples. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

Is Leiden or Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden and Bremen are both nice 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 Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

Is Leiden or Bremen Better for Students?

Leiden is notable for students. However, Bremen 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.

Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Bremen 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 Bremen. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

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 Bremen a more walkable city?

Bremen is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bremen. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Leiden or Bremen. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bremen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 2-4 days is enough time in Bremen.

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

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

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

One day in Leiden or Bremen?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Leiden. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A weekend in Leiden or Bremen?

Leiden 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.

Bremen 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.

Five days in Leiden or Bremen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bremen. 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.

A week in Leiden or Bremen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scholarly destination of Leiden. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Bremen. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Bremen?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Bremen, 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Bremen. The summer months attract visitors to Leiden because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bremen this time of year.

Leiden is around the same temperature as Bremen in the summer. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Bremen fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leiden this time of the year. In the summer, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in July than Bremen. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Bremen in the Autumn?

Both Bremen and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bremen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Leiden is around the same temperature as Bremen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leiden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Bremen averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen during autumn. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 100 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leiden usually receives more rain than Bremen. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Leiden or Bremen in the Winter?

Both Bremen and Leiden during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bremen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bremen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leiden. In January, Leiden is generally much warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 2°C (36°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Leiden often gets more sunshine than Bremen. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in January than Bremen. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Bremen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Bremen. Also, most visitors come to Bremen for the natural beauty during these months.

Leiden is around the same temperature as Bremen in the spring. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Bremen fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Leiden usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during spring. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leiden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bremen. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bremen and Leiden