A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisse vs. Calais for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Lisse or Calais?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lisse or Calais? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisse

Lisse is a stunning, colorful, and picturesque town. The famous beauty of Lisse is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lisse travel costs.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Calais travel costs.

Lisse and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisse or Calais?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisse. Although Lisse and Calais are both popular with visitors, Lisse has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lisse is more popular for its impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its beaches and big city activities. Lisse is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its stunning flowers and iconic tulip fields. It is also home to the Keukenhof Gardens. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Lisse different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calais and Lisse. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lisse or Calais?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Lisse and Calais.

Lisse offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of museums in the area, like the Museum de Zwarte Tulp (Museum of the Black Tulip), which showcases the history and art of the Dutch flower-growing industry, including exhibits on tulips, bulbs, and floral culture. And, of course, there's the Keukenhof Gardens, which is the main draw to the area during the spring season and one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Lisse or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Lisse and Calais both to be good destinations.

Lisse has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has a variety of food options, from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine. Local cafes and restaurants often serve classic Dutch dishes, such as poffertjes (mini pancakes) and bitterballen (fried meatballs), perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. In Keukenhof Gardens you'll find food stalls, trucks, and a cafe, but they can get crowded during peak times.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Calais area. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Lisse or Calais Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Lisse and Calais.

If you're looking for night time activities Lisse has a few options to choose from. Most people don't think about nightlife when they visit town but there's a surprising number of thinks to do like cozy bars and charming cafes. Visitors can enjoy live music, great drinks, and a friendly atmosphere, especially in the town's central areas.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Calais. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Lisse or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a popular place for the beach. However, Lisse is not a beach destination.

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Lisse is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisse or Calais?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lisse and Calais both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lisse. The town offers a range of shopping opportunities, especially in its charming town center. You’ll find boutique stores, gift shops, and specialty shops selling local products, such as Dutch cheeses, flowers, and souvenirs.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Lisse or Calais More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Lisse is one of the main draws. Most visitors come for the Keukenhof Gardens, which are a breathtaking spectacle, renowned for their vibrant and meticulously arranged displays of millions of tulips and other flowers. The gardens are designed with picturesque pathways, tranquil ponds, and themed flower beds, making it feel like a living painting in every corner.

Calais is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lisse or Calais Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisse or Calais.

Lisse offers lots of family activities. The Keukenhof Gardens has a few things to keep the kids entertained, like a play area and boat rides. Some kids will also enjoy seeing the millions of colorful tulips and other flowers. For a more interactive experience, families can head to the Flowerstrip, where children can explore local farms and see how flowers are grown. Also near town is Lisse is the Duinrell theme park, which has thrilling rides and a water park that’s perfect for a family day out.

Calais is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Lisse or Calais Better for Couples?

Lisse is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Lisse frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy this area, especially during the spring when the Keukenhof Gardens come alive with vibrant tulip fields and flower displays. There are also boat rides through the nearby canals, surrounded by beautiful countryside. A visit to the nearby Keukenhof Castle provides a charming atmosphere, with its elegant gardens and tea room. perfect for relaxing together. Couples can also explore the local flower fields by bike.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Lisse or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisse is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lisse. The entrance fee to Keukenhof Gardens can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy nearby, like cycling through the beautiful tulip fields or exploring the nearby countryside. Budget accommodations, such as hostels or guesthouses, can be found in Lisse or in nearby towns like Leiden, offering affordable options for travelers.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Lisse or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lisse and Calais both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Lisse offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel from Schiphol Airport and elsewhere in the country to Keukenhof Gardens. It's best to book your tickets in advance.

Calais has a few public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Lisse or Calais a more walkable city?

Lisse and Calais are good when it comes to walkability.

Lisse is a somewhat walkable place. Many visitors bike through the tulip fields outside of the Keukenhof Gardens. You could walk, but you'll cover more ground with a bicycle.

Calais is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisse Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Lisse?

How long in Lisse or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisse and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Calais than in Lisse. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lisse, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisse than Calais 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 Lisse.

One day in Lisse or Calais?

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

In Calais, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undiscovered 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.

A weekend in Lisse or Calais?

Lisse 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.

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

Five days in Lisse or Calais?

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

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

A week in Lisse or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Lisse. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisse and Calais, we can see that Lisse 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 Lisse Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisse or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Lisse and Calais, 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 Lisse or Calais?

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 Lisse or Calais in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Calais. The summer months attract visitors to Lisse because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In the summer, Lisse is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisse in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisse this time of the year. In the summer, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in July than Calais. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisse or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lisse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lisse is generally cooler than Calais. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 11°C (51°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Calais during autumn. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisse usually receives more rain than Calais. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisse or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Lisse during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lisse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lisse. Lisse is much colder than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Lisse often gets less sunshine than Calais. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisse or Calais in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Calais. Many visitors come to Lisse in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Lisse is cooler than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisse in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Lisse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during spring. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisse usually receives more rain than Calais. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Calais and Lisse