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

Should you visit Lisse or Howth?

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

Should I visit Lisse or Howth? 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 picturesque, stunning, and colorful town. The famous beauty of Lisse is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Lisse travel costs.

Howth

Howth is a peaceful, coastal, and beautiful fishing village. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches. See Howth travel costs.

Lisse and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisse or Howth?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lisse than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lisse is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Howth is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Lisse is more touristy than Howth and is popular for its stunning flowers and iconic tulip fields. Also, Lisse is famous for the Keukenhof Gardens. Howth is well known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Lisse different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

Foodies will find both Lisse and Howth both to be notable 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 Howth area. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Lisse or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Lisse is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Lisse has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Lisse or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is great for the beach. However, Lisse is not a beach destination.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Lisse is not a beach destination.

Is Lisse or Howth Better for Hiking?

Howth is great for hiking. However, Lisse is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Howth for the hiking trails. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Lisse is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisse or Howth?

Lisse is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lisse offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lisse or Howth More Beautiful?

Lisse is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Howth 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.

Howth is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lisse or Howth Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisse or Howth.

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.

Howth is a family-friendly place to visit. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Lisse or Howth Better for Couples?

Lisse is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good town for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Lisse or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisse is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth 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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

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

Lisse and Howth both offer notable 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.

Howth has a few public transit options. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Lisse or Howth a more walkable city?

Howth is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Howth is a very walkable fishing village. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Lisse?

How long in Lisse or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lisse or Howth to fill your time. In our opinion, Lisse has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lisse than Howth. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Lisse than Howth. 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 Howth 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 Howth?

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

In Howth, many people enjoy the food and museums that this coastal destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This fishing village 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 Howth?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Howth?

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

Howth is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Howth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lisse or Howth?

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

You'll find museums and food around the scenic destination of Howth. Most people come for the beaches. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Lisse and Howth, 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 Howth Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Lisse or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Howth. The summer months attract visitors to Lisse because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Howth this time of year.

Lisse is around the same temperature as Howth in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Howth fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisse this time of the year. In the summer, Lisse often gets more sunshine than Howth. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 166 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in July than Howth. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Howth receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisse or Howth in the Autumn?

Both Howth 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 Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Lisse is around the same temperature as Howth. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisse in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Howth averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Lisse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during autumn. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Howth receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisse or Howth in the Winter?

Both Howth 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 Howth in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lisse. In January, Lisse is generally much colder than Howth. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 2°C (36°F), and Howth fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Lisse often gets less sunshine than Howth. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Howth receives 56 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Howth. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Howth receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisse or Howth in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Howth. Many visitors come to Lisse in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Lisse is cooler than Howth in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Howth fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Lisse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Howth during spring. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Howth receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Howth. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Howth receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Howth and Lisse