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

Should you visit Leiden or Limerick?

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

Leiden

Leiden is a scholarly, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Leiden travel costs.

Limerick

Limerick is a fun-filled, historic, and outdoorsy city. Limerick offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Limerick travel costs.

Leiden and Limerick: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Limerick?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Leiden than Limerick. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Leiden is very popular for its museums and attractions and food, while Limerick attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Leiden is famous for its many museums and renowned university. It is also well known for the Hortus Botanicus. Limerick is famous for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Leiden different from Limerick?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

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

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

Leiden has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Leiden or Limerick Better for Nightlife?

Both Leiden and Limerick have nice 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.

Limerick has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Limerick?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Leiden and Limerick.

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.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Leiden or Limerick More Beautiful?

Limerick is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Limerick offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's a notable city in Ireland that's known for its compact old town and beautiful parks.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Limerick Better for Families?

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

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.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Leiden or Limerick Better for Couples?

Both Leiden and Limerick 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.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Leiden or Limerick Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known 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.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Leiden or Limerick Better for Students?

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

Limerick is a good city to visit for students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Leiden and Limerick.

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 Limerick, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Leiden or Limerick a more walkable city?

Leiden is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Limerick or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Limerick?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Leiden or Limerick to fill your time. In our opinion, Leiden has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Leiden than Limerick. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Leiden than Limerick 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 Limerick?

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

A weekend in Leiden or Limerick?

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.

Limerick 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick. 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 Limerick?

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 historic destination of Limerick. 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 2-Week Tours from Dublin, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leiden and Limerick, we can see that Leiden is more expensive. And not only is Limerick much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Limerick would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Limerick 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 Limerick.

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

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Limerick?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Limerick. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Limerick, 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 Limerick?

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 Limerick in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Limerick. The summer months attract visitors to Leiden because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Limerick this time of year.

Leiden is around the same temperature as Limerick in the summer. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Limerick fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leiden usually receives more sunshine than Limerick during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Limerick. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Limerick in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Limerick. The shopping scene are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Limerick for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Leiden is around the same temperature as Limerick. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leiden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Limerick averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 82 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets less rain in October than Limerick. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Limerick in the Winter?

Both Limerick and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Limerick in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leiden. In January, Leiden is generally much colder than Limerick. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 2°C (36°F), and Limerick fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Limerick during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Limerick receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives less rain than Limerick. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Limerick in the Spring?

Both Limerick and Leiden during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Limerick for the natural beauty during these months.

Leiden is cooler than Limerick in the spring. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Limerick fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets more sunshine than Limerick. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Limerick receives 148 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Limerick. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Limerick receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Limerick and Leiden