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

Should you visit Leiden or Honfleur?

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

Leiden

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

Honfleur

Honfleur is a scenic, historic, and peaceful city. With stunning beauty, Honfleur attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Honfleur travel costs.

Leiden and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Honfleur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Honfleur than Leiden, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Honfleur is better known for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Leiden is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university. Honfleur is well known for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings. Also, Honfleur is famous for St Catherine's Church.

How is Leiden different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Leiden is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

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

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

Honfleur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

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 Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Both Leiden and Honfleur have notable 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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Leiden or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Honfleur is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Leiden is not a beach destination.

The beach in Honfleur is worth checking out. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Leiden is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Honfleur?

Leiden is very good for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Leiden or Honfleur More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Honfleur attracts visitors from all around. The town has what some people consider to be the most beautiful port in the region. The town is also filled with a long running history along a beautiful coastal setting.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Honfleur Better for Families?

Leiden is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Honfleur 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 Honfleur. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Leiden or Honfleur Better for Couples?

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

Honfleur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

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 Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options 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.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

Is Leiden or Honfleur Better for Students?

Leiden is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is not popular with students.

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

Leiden is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in 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 generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Leiden or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Leiden and Honfleur are very good 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.

Honfleur is very walkable. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Honfleur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Leiden and Honfleur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Honfleur than in Leiden. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 1-3 days is enough time in Honfleur.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Leiden than Honfleur 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 Leiden.

One day in Leiden or Honfleur?

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 museums when visiting the destination of Honfleur. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Leiden or Honfleur?

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.

Honfleur 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 Honfleur?

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 Honfleur. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Honfleur?

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 food and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Honfleur. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Honfleur?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Honfleur, 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.