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

Should you visit Leiden or Toronto?

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

Leiden

Leiden is a historic, cultural, and scholarly city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Toronto

Toronto is a vibrant, cultural, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Toronto travel costs.

Leiden and Toronto: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Leiden or Toronto?

You'll generally find more things to do in Toronto than Leiden. Toronto is bigger than Leiden, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Toronto is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its art and culture, diverse cuisine, and multi-cultural population. Also, Toronto is famous for the CN Tower. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Leiden different from Toronto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Leiden
Toronto

Toronto 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, Toronto has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with landmarks and museums such as the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. Ripley's Aquarium is a highlight for many visitors. It's near the CN Tower and has an underwater tunnel. The city is also filled with art galleries and cultural sights. Another must is a visit to Casa Loma and, of course, the Toronto Zoo.

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 Toronto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Leiden
Toronto

Both Leiden and Toronto offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Toronto makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is as diverse as the city itself. You'll find classic Canadian favorites like peameal bacon sandwiches and beavertails, as well as almost any international cuisine you could want. Make sure you try the dim sum, roti, and street hot dogs.

Is Leiden or Toronto Better for Nightlife?

Leiden
Toronto

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

Toronto is a world class party destination. It's a diverse nightlife scene, with upscale lounges, dive bars, live music, and high energy nightclubs. Popular areas for nightlife include King Street, the Ossington Strip, College Street, and Kensington Market.

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 the Shopping Better in Leiden or Toronto?

Leiden
Toronto

Toronto is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Toronto specifically to go shopping. Shopping is huge here, with plenty of options available that range from large malls to vintage stores or flea markets. Eaton Center on Yonge Street is a major shopping area. Yonge Street is also home to more than 600 retail stores.

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 Toronto Better for Families?

Leiden
Toronto

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Leiden or Toronto.

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.

Toronto is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the city's many family-friendly museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Science Center. Younger kids will have fun playing at the Centreville Theme Park while all ages will love a day at Canada's Wonderland. Black Creek Pioneer Village is a highlight for many families as well.

Is Leiden or Toronto Better for Couples?

Leiden
Toronto

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

Toronto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city is full of energy, and couples can enjoy amazing meals, impressive shows, and romantic outings. You can picnic at a park or check out the view from CN Tower. There are also dinner cruises and live theater.

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 Toronto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden
Toronto

Toronto is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Toronto. There are a number of hostels around town and there's often a good crowd of 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.


Is Leiden or Toronto Better for Students?

Leiden
Toronto

Toronto 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 Toronto. The city has a good number of universities that attract students from around the globe. This is a very livable city with a lot of diversity and plenty of entertainment options.

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 Toronto Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Leiden
Toronto

Toronto 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.

Toronto has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Union Station is the hub of the city's transportation system, which includes subways, buses and streetcars.

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 Toronto a more walkable city?

Leiden
Toronto

Leiden and Toronto are superb 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.

Toronto is very walkable. It's a pedestrian-friendly city that is great for exploring on foot. The waterfront area has a walkway and there are cycling trails around town as well.


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

Should I spend more time in Toronto or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Toronto?

Both Leiden and Toronto have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Toronto than in Leiden. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Leiden, and 3-7 days is enough time in Toronto.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Leiden or Toronto? Ideal Length of Stay
    Leiden 1-2 
    Toronto 3-7

One day in Leiden or Toronto?

In Leiden, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Leiden or Toronto?

In Leiden, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Leiden has to offer.

Toronto is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Leiden or Toronto?

Leiden is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toronto. 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 Toronto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Leiden. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Toronto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Northern Lights Tours in Canada, and The Best Luxury Tours to Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Toronto or Leiden?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Leiden is €161, while the average daily cost in Toronto is €212. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Leiden and Toronto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leiden 78
    Toronto 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leiden 156
    Toronto 146
Compare Hotels in Leiden and Toronto

Looking for a hotel in Leiden or Toronto? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Leiden


Hotels in Toronto


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Leiden Hotel Prices and Toronto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leiden 26
    Toronto 27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leiden

Also for Leiden, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Tour of The Hague and Leiden including Transfer: $251
  • Premium electric transfer from Leiden Area to the Airport: $101
  • Historical Private Tour of Delft and Leiden including Transfer: $262

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Toronto

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Toronto are as follows:


  • Airport Shuttle
    22
  • Train: 2 Day Passes
    14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toronto

Also for Toronto, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Toronto APT-HTL (YYZ): $111
  • Transfer from Toronto City Center to Pearson Airport(YYZ): $53
  • Transfer from Pearson Airport(YYZ) to Toronto City Center: $53
  • Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara on the Lake,Canada: $176
  • Transfer Toronto,Canada (Downtown) to Niagara Falls, Canada: $176
  • Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara-on-the-Lake,Canada: $158
  • Transfer Toronto Pearson International Airport YYZ to Niagara Falls, Canada: $158
  • Transfer Toronto Hotels to Toronto Pearson Airport YYZ: $41
  • Shuttle Transfer Between Downtown and Niagara Falls: $112
  • Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $176
  • Private Transfer to Niagara Falls: $155
  • Private Transfer to Kingston City or Queen's Unive…: $816

Is it cheaper to fly into Leiden or Toronto?

Prices for flights to both Toronto and Leiden change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Leiden 67
    Toronto 95

Typical Food Prices in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch at St. Lawrence Market for Two
    20
  • Dinner at Mill Street Brewery (for 2)
    48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toronto

For Toronto, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Premium Harbor Cruise with Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner: $46
  • Kensington Market By The Sidewalk Food Tour: $52
  • Great White North Food Tour: $54
  • Great White North Toronto Food Tour: $55
  • Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Distillery: $61
  • Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour: $66
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Food Tastings: $71
  • Kensington Market 'Taste the World' Food Tour: $72
  • Must-Do Toronto Food Tour by Toronto's First Food Tour Company: $73
  • St Lawrence Market Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $78
  • Niagara Falls Evening Tour with Boat, Dinner & Illumination Tower: $79
  • French Bistro Cooking Class in Toronto (Includes 3-Course Meal): $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leiden 17
    Toronto 26

Tours and Activities in Leiden

For Leiden, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour with puzzles in Leiden: $23
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Cruise with Keukenhof Entrance Ticket in Amsterdam Lakes: $47
  • Discover Leiden with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
  • Discover Leiden's Highlights: Your Self-Guided GPS Tour: $8.29
  • Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour: $45
  • Escape Tour Leiden -selfguided citygame- find the secret exit!: $24
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour in Leiden: $262
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $351
  • Leiden City Tour with Live guide in Netherlands: $43
  • Cruise through the Historic City Center with Guide: $15
  • Cultural highlights walking tour NEW: $294

Typical Entertainment Prices in Toronto

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Toronto's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Art Gallery of Ontario for Two
    13
  • CN Tower at night for Two
    30
  • Harbour Dinner Cruise
    22
  • Bata Shoe Museum (2)
    6.18

Tours and Activities in Toronto

For Toronto, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Casual Tour of Toronto by Land, Sky and Sea: $110
  • 1 Day City Sightseeing Tour at Toronto City: $89
  • 1-Hour Private Guided Photography Tour in Toronto: $293
  • 1-Hour Toronto Harbour Tour with Live Narration: $24
  • 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto: $238
  • 3hr Shared Sailing Adventure: $175
  • 60-Minute Toronto Sightseeing Harbour Tour: $27
  • 7-Minute Helicopter Tour over Toronto: $134
  • Action Film and Television Locations Half Day Tour in Toronto: $149
  • Admission Ticket: Explore Canada in Miniature Scale: $33
  • Algonquin Park Hiking: Adventure Tour from Toronto: $151
  • Bata Shoe Museum Admission Ticket: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leiden 26
    Toronto 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Toronto

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toronto:

  • Take On Toronto Bar Crawl: $15
  • Distillery District Historic Walking Tour: $20
  • Toronto Distillery District Walking Tour: $21
  • Nickel 9 Distillery Tour and Tasting: $25
  • Distillery & Old Town Private Walking Tour: $28
  • Short Distillery District Segway Tour: $35
  • 30-Minute Distillery District Segway Tour: $36
  • Toronto Distillery & Old Town Walking Tour With A Guide: $42
  • Toronto Distillery District Self-Guided Walking Tour: $42
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $43
  • Pub Crawl Toronto: $44
  • Distillery District Breakfast Walking Tour: $53


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leiden and Toronto, we can see that Toronto is more expensive. And not only is Leiden much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Leiden is in Europe and Toronto is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Leiden would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Leiden 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 Toronto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toronto than you might in Leiden.

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


Which is Bigger, Leiden or Toronto?

Toronto has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Toronto, 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 Toronto?

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 Toronto in the Summer?

Both Toronto and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Leiden for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Toronto in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Leiden is cooler than Toronto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leiden in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Toronto averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Toronto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leiden. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 281 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Toronto. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leiden 17°C (62°F) 
    Toronto 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Toronto in the Autumn?

Both Toronto and Leiden during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Leiden in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Toronto for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Leiden is generally around the same temperature as Toronto. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 11°C (51°F), and Toronto fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 153 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in October than Toronto. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leiden 11°C (51°F) 
    Toronto 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Toronto in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Toronto. Most visitors come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Toronto because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Toronto can be very cold. Leiden can be very cold during winter. Leiden is much warmer than Toronto in the winter. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Toronto fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Toronto during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Toronto receives 87 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Toronto. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leiden 2°C (36°F) 
    Toronto -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Leiden or Toronto in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Toronto. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Toronto this time of year.

In the spring, Leiden is a little warmer than Toronto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leiden in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Toronto averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Toronto. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Toronto receives 179 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets less rain in April than Toronto. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Toronto receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leiden 8°C (46°F) 
    Toronto 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Toronto and Leiden

Leiden Toronto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) -4°C (25°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) -4°C (26°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) -1°C (30°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)