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

Should you visit Leiden or Reims?

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

Leiden

Leiden is a scholarly, historic, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Leiden travel costs.

Reims

Reims is a scenic, cultural, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, Reims attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Reims travel costs.

Leiden and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Reims?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Reims than Leiden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Reims is very popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Leiden attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Reims is more touristy than Leiden and is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. It is also well known for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Leiden is famous for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Leiden different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Leiden is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

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

Reims has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Both Leiden and Reims 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.

Reims has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Reims?

Reims 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 Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Reims attracts visitors from all around. Filled with history and character, this is a truly beautiful part of France. It's fun to see it from above as well and hot air balloon rides are a popular activity.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Reims Better for Families?

Leiden is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Leiden is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Leiden or Reims Better for Couples?

Reims 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, Reims has plenty to offer. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden and Reims are both nice 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 Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Leiden or Reims Better for Students?

Leiden is well known for students. However, Reims is not popular with 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Reims, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Leiden or Reims a more walkable city?

Leiden and Reims 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.

Reims is very walkable. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Reims?

In either Leiden or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Leiden because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

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

One day in Leiden or Reims?

In Leiden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Reims. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Leiden or Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Reims 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 Reims?

Leiden is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Leiden. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reims. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Leiden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Reims. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Reims, we can see that Leiden is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

Both Reims and Leiden during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences.

Leiden is cooler than Reims in the summer. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In Reims, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Leiden. In the summer, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Reims. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in July than Reims. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Reims. Many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reims in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Leiden is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Leiden in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Reims averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Reims during autumn. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leiden usually receives more rain than Reims. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Leiden or Reims in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Reims. Many visitors come to Leiden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Reims for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Reims can be very cold during winter. Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Leiden is generally cooler than Reims. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 2°C (36°F), and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Reims. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in January than Reims. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Reims because of the natural beauty.

Leiden is cooler than Reims in the spring. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Reims during spring. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leiden usually receives more rain than Reims. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reims and Leiden