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

Should you visit Leiden or Hannover?

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

Leiden

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

Hannover

Hannover is a cultural, dynamic, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Hannover travel costs.

Leiden and Hannover: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Hannover?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hannover than Leiden. Hannover is bigger than Leiden, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hannover is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Leiden is more popular for its museums and attractions and food. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university. Hannover is well known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. Also, Hannover is famous for The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen.

How is Leiden different from Hannover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Leiden is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Hannover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.

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

Leiden is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Leiden or Hannover Better for Nightlife?

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

Hannover has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around 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 Leiden or Hannover Better for its Old Town?

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

Hannover has an old town worth visiting. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Hannover?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Leiden and Hannover.

Leiden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Hannover is a great destination for shopping. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Leiden or Hannover Better for Families?

Leiden is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Is Leiden or Hannover Better for Couples?

Both Leiden and Hannover are notable 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.

Hannover is a nice destination for couples. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Is Leiden or Hannover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden and Hannover are both notable 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 Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

Is Leiden or Hannover Better for Students?

Both Leiden and Hannover are high quality 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.

Hannover is a great city to visit as a student. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

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

Hannover 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 Hannover. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

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 Hannover a more walkable city?

Leiden and Hannover are high quality 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.

Hannover is very walkable. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Hannover or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Hannover?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Leiden or Hannover to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Leiden or Hannover?

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 Hannover. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Leiden or Hannover?

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.

Hannover 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 Hannover?

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 Hannover. 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 Hannover?

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 dynamic destination of Hannover. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, and The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leiden and Hannover, we can see that Hannover 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 Hannover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hannover 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 Leiden Expensive? and Is Hannover Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Hannover?

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

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 Hannover in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Hannover. Many visitors come to Leiden in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hannover for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Leiden is around the same temperature as Hannover. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leiden in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Hannover averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Hannover. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Hannover in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Hannover. Most visitors come to Leiden for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hannover because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Leiden is generally around the same temperature as Hannover. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 11°C (51°F), and Hannover fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hannover. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hannover receives 104 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in October than Hannover. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Hannover in the Winter?

Both Hannover and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Leiden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hannover this time of year.

It's quite cold in Hannover in the winter. The weather in Leiden can be very cold. Leiden is much warmer than Hannover in the winter. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Hannover fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Leiden usually receives more sunshine than Hannover during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Hannover receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Hannover. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Hannover in the Spring?

Both Hannover and Leiden during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hannover for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Leiden is around the same temperature as Hannover. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leiden in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Hannover averages at about 8°C (47°F).

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

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hannover. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hannover receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hannover and Leiden