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

Should you visit Lisse or La Rochelle?

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

Should I visit Lisse or La Rochelle? 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. Many visitors also come to Lisse because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Lisse travel costs.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See La Rochelle travel costs.

Lisse and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisse or La Rochelle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than Lisse, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Rochelle is better known for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Lisse is more popular for its impressive beauty. Lisse is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its stunning flowers and iconic tulip fields. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is Lisse different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Rochelle is great for its historical sights. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lisse. 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.

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

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Lisse area. 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.

Is Lisse or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Lisse and La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Lisse or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

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

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Lisse is not a beach destination.

Is Lisse or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Lisse does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of La Rochelle is revered around the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Lisse does not have a historic old town.

Is Lisse or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a popular place for hiking. However, Lisse is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Lisse is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisse or La Rochelle?

If you're looking to go shopping, Lisse and La Rochelle both offer plenty of notable 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 La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Lisse or La Rochelle More Beautiful?

Lisse is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, La Rochelle is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Lisse because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

La Rochelle is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lisse or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisse or La Rochelle.

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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Lisse or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Lisse is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Lisse or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Lisse and La Rochelle are notable places to visit.

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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Lisse or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Lisse is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Lisse is not popular with students.

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

Lisse and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Lisse or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Lisse?

How long in Lisse or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Lisse or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Lisse, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

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

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

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

One day in Lisse or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque town of Lisse. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though La Rochelle is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lisse or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Lisse. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 La Rochelle?

The colorful town of Lisse offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lisse or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lisse. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisse and La Rochelle, we can see that Lisse is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle 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 Lisse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisse than you might in La Rochelle.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisse or La Rochelle?

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

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 Lisse or La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Lisse because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

Lisse is cooler than La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisse. Lisse usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisse usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisse or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Lisse during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Lisse is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisse in October average around 11°C (51°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Lisse often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as La Rochelle. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisse or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Lisse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lisse. In January, Lisse is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 2°C (36°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Lisse usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lisse usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisse or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisse as well as La Rochelle. Many visitors come to Lisse in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Lisse is cooler than La Rochelle in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Lisse often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in April than La Rochelle. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Lisse