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

Should you visit Leiden or Nantes?

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 Nantes 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 food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical city. With stunning beauty, Nantes attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Nantes travel costs.

Leiden and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantes than Leiden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Leiden is famous for its many museums and renowned university. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also well known for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Leiden different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Nantes 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 Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

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

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

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

Nantes has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for its Old Town?

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

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Nantes?

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Nantes attracts visitors from all around. The beauty of the surrounding countryside merges with the historical sights of the city center. You'll find many parks and gardens as well as impressive architecture and quaint streets.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Nantes Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Leiden or Nantes.

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.

Nantes is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Leiden or Nantes Better for Couples?

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

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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 Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Leiden. 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Leiden or Nantes Better for Students?

Leiden is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Leiden is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes a more walkable city?

Leiden and Nantes are excellent 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.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Nantes?

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

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

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

One day in Leiden or Nantes?

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 Nantes. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Leiden or Nantes?

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.

Nantes 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes. 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 vibrant destination of Nantes. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

Leiden is cooler than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leiden. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Nantes. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Leiden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Leiden is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leiden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

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

Leiden usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Nantes. Many visitors come to Leiden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Leiden is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 2°C (36°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

In January, Leiden usually receives less rain than Nantes. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Nantes. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

Leiden is cooler than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Nantes and Leiden