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

Should you visit Leiden or Prague?

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

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Leiden travel costs.

Prague

Prague is a festive, fun-filled, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Prague is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the live music, shopping, and museums. See Prague travel costs.

Leiden and Prague: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Prague?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Prague than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Prague is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Leiden is known for its food. Prague is more touristy than Leiden and is popular for its world-famous old town, local beer, wild nightlife, historic landmarks, and the Charles Bridge. It is also home to The Prague Castle. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Leiden different from Prague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Prague is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Prague has many famous sights for visitors. Most of the city's historic sights are found in the Old Town. Famous landmarks include the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and the National Museum. Throughout the Old Town you'll see the spires of the many churches which define the city's skyline. The Prague Castle is not to be missed as it's the largest castle complex in the world.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Leiden can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Leiden is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Prague is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Prague may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The meals are hearty and filling. There's lots of stew and dumplings that make for a soothing meal on a cold winter day. Goulash is a favorite dish at most of the traditional restaurants around town.

Is Leiden or Prague Better for Nightlife?

Prague is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Prague is a world class party destination. The city has long been famous as a beer drinking capital, and although prices are higher than they once were, the fun is the same. The nightlife vibe is great any night of the week, but weekends tend to be the most active.

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 Prague Better for Music?

Prague is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Leiden is not a live music destination.

Prague has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has a long history of classical music, but rock, pop, and almost any other genre is popular here as well. Many visitors specifically come just to experience the world class music scene.

Leiden is not a live music destination.

Is Leiden or Prague Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Prague can be explored in its historical center. Based around Old Town Square, this city has one of the most impressive old towns in the world. It truly feels like something out of a fairytale. Most of the tourists spend the majority of their time exploring the old town, and after a full day of wandering, you can cozy up with a strudel and a drink in one of the many cafes.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Prague?

Prague 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 Prague. There are many brand name stores in New Town, particularly around Wenceslas Square. In Old Town, Czech porcelain and Bohemia Crystal are popular things to buy. You'll find tons of souvenir and trinket shops throughout the area.

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 Prague More Beautiful?

Prague is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Prague is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city is filled with beautiful historic architecture and stunning landmarks. It's a truly historic and impressive city.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Prague Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Leiden or Prague.

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.

Prague is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun energy that appeals to adults and kids alike. Make sure you check out the Astronomical Clock and tour the famous Prague Castle. You'll also find the best playgrounds in town around Slavonic Island.

Is Leiden or Prague Better for Couples?

Prague 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, Prague has plenty to offer. Whether you're enjoy beautiful architecture, historical buildings, or a night out drinking, this city makes a great stop for a couple's vacation.

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 Prague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Prague is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Prague, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It has its share of fun hostels that often have a social vibe that can't beat. The city is also a fun and affordable place to explore.

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.

Is Leiden or Prague Better for Students?

Prague is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Prague. If you're studying abroad and want a cultural city with a young and fun vibe, the this is among the best.

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.

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

Prague is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Prague has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Metro lines, trams, and buses will take you smoothly through old and new town.

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 Prague a more walkable city?

Prague is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Prague. The tourist area through old town is easily explored on foot. Walking around town is the best way to soak up the atmosphere.

Leiden is very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Prague or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Prague?

Both Leiden and Prague have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Prague than in Leiden. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 2-7 days is enough time in Prague.

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

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

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

One day in Leiden or Prague?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Leiden. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Prague is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Prague?

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.

Prague 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 Prague?

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 Prague. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Leiden or Prague?

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.

Prague is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Prague?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Leiden or Prague in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Prague. Many visitors come to Leiden in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Prague for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Leiden is generally cooler than Prague. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Prague fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Prague. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leiden this time of the year. In the summer, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Prague. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 216 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Prague. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Prague receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Prague in the Autumn?

Both Prague and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Leiden for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Prague because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Leiden is around the same temperature as Prague in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Prague fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Prague during autumn. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leiden usually receives more rain than Prague. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Leiden or Prague in the Winter?

Both Prague and Leiden during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Leiden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Prague this time of year.

It's quite cold in Prague in the winter. The weather in Leiden can be very cold. In the winter, Leiden is much warmer than Prague. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Prague averages at about 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Prague. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Prague receives 49 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in January than Prague. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Prague receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Prague in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Prague. Furthermore, many travelers come to Prague for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Leiden is generally cooler than Prague. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Prague fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Leiden usually receives more sunshine than Prague during spring. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Prague receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leiden usually receives around the same amount of rain as Prague. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Prague receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Prague and Leiden