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

Should you visit Leiden or Vienna?

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

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Vienna travel costs.

Leiden and Vienna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Vienna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vienna than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vienna is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Leiden different from Vienna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Vienna 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 Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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

Both Leiden and Vienna offer a number of excellent 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, Vienna makes for a great culinary experience. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

Is Leiden or Vienna Better for Nightlife?

Both Leiden and Vienna have good 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Leiden or Vienna Better for Music?

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

Vienna has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Leiden is not a live music destination.

Is Leiden or Vienna Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Vienna can be explored in its historical center. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Vienna?

Vienna 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 Vienna specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna More Beautiful?

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

Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Vienna Better for Families?

Leiden is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Leiden is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

Is Leiden or Vienna Better for Couples?

Vienna 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, Vienna has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden and Vienna are both good 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 Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Is Leiden or Vienna Better for Students?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna 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.

Vienna has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vienna or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Vienna?

In either Leiden or Vienna, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna 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 Vienna.

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

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

One day in Leiden or Vienna?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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 Vienna?

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.

Vienna 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 Vienna?

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 Vienna. 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 Vienna?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scholarly 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 nightlife and live music when visiting the musical destination of Vienna. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Tours for Seniors to Austria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria.

When comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Vienna, we can see that Vienna 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 Vienna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Vienna?

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

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 Vienna in the Summer?

Both Vienna 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 Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Leiden is generally cooler than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Vienna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leiden. Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during summer. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leiden usually receives more rain than Vienna. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Leiden or Vienna in the Autumn?

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

Leiden is cooler than Vienna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Vienna fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 140 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in October than Vienna. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Vienna in the Winter?

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

Vienna can be very cold during winter. Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Leiden is around the same temperature as Vienna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Vienna averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Vienna during winter. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Vienna receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leiden usually receives more rain than Vienna. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Leiden or Vienna in the Spring?

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

In April, Leiden is generally much colder than Vienna. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Vienna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. In the spring, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Vienna. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vienna receives 202 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Vienna. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vienna receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vienna and Leiden