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

Should you visit Leiden or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle can help you decide which place is right for you.

Leiden

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

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See La Rochelle travel costs.

Leiden and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or La Rochelle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Rochelle than Leiden. While Leiden is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port.

How is Leiden different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

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

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Both Leiden and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Leiden or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is very good for the beach. However, Leiden is not a beach destination.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Leiden is not a beach destination.

Is Leiden or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of La Rochelle can be explored in its historical center. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is Leiden or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is very good for its hiking trails. However, Leiden is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Leiden is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or La Rochelle?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Leiden and La Rochelle.

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.

La Rochelle is a great destination for shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Leiden or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Leiden is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Leiden is very family-friendly. 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Leiden or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Leiden or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Leiden is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for 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.

La Rochelle is a good city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Leiden and La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Leiden or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Leiden and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is very walkable. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Leiden or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Leiden or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Leiden. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Leiden. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

The scholarly city of Leiden offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Leiden. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leiden and La Rochelle, we can see that Leiden is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle 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 Leiden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leiden than you might in La Rochelle.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leiden Expensive? and Is La Rochelle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or La Rochelle?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and La Rochelle. Most visitors come to Leiden for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Leiden is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leiden as well as La Rochelle. The autumn months attract visitors to Leiden because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

Leiden is cooler than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as La Rochelle. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Leiden during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Leiden is generally cooler than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in April than La Rochelle. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Leiden