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

Should you visit Leiden or Versailles?

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

Leiden

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

Versailles

Versailles is a beautiful, grand, and ornate palace. Versailles is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums. See Versailles travel costs.

Leiden and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Versailles?

You'll generally find more things to do in Leiden than Versailles. Leiden is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Leiden is better known for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university. Also, Leiden is famous for the Hortus Botanicus.

How is Leiden different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles 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, Versailles has many famous sights for visitors. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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 Versailles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Leiden is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Leiden or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Leiden is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not known for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Leiden has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Versailles specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people visit as a day trip from Paris, but those who linger can grab a drink at a pub or bar.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Versailles?

Leiden is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Leiden. 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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Leiden or Versailles More Beautiful?

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

Versailles is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The Palace of Versailles is famous for its grand beauty and opulent setting.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Versailles Better for Families?

Leiden is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Leiden is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Leiden or Versailles Better for Couples?

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

Versailles makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

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 Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Leiden or Versailles Better for Students?

Leiden is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles 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 Versailles. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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 Versailles a more walkable city?

Leiden and Versailles 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.

Versailles is very walkable. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Leiden or Versailles 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 Versailles. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Leiden, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Leiden, one day is sufficent for most.

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

A weekend in Leiden or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Leiden, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Versailles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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 Versailles?

Leiden, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, 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 Versailles?

Leiden is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the extensive destination of Versailles. This palace 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leiden and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Leiden much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles 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 Versailles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Versailles?

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

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 Versailles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Versailles. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year.

In the summer, Leiden is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leiden in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Versailles averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Versailles. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Versailles. Many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Leiden is generally cooler than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 11°C (51°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Leiden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Versailles can be very cold during winter. Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. Leiden is much colder than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Versailles. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Leiden during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Versailles because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Leiden is cooler than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leiden in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Versailles. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Leiden