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

Should you visit Lucerne or Leiden?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Leiden. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Lucerne attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Lucerne travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a scholarly, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Leiden travel costs.

Lucerne and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Leiden?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucerne than Leiden. While Leiden is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucerne is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Leiden attracts visitors for its food. Lucerne is more touristy than Leiden and is known for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also well known for The Chapel Bridge. Leiden is famous for its many museums and renowned university.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lucerne or Leiden?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Leiden and Lucerne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucerne. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

Leiden offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Lucerne or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Leiden is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lucerne or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Lucerne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

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

Is Lucerne or Leiden Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Leiden?

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

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 Lucerne or Leiden More Beautiful?

Lucerne is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Lucerne attracts visitors from all around. From the historic bridge to the lake's blue waters, the city offers impressive views and a rich history.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lucerne or Leiden Better for Families?

Leiden is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Leiden. 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.

Lucerne is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Is Lucerne or Leiden Better for Couples?

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

Lucerne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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 Lucerne or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

Is Lucerne or Leiden Better for Students?

Leiden is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for students.

Many students visit Leiden. 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.

Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.

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

Lucerne and Leiden both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Lucerne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Leiden has a few public transit options. 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 Lucerne or Leiden a more walkable city?

Leiden is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its 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.

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lucerne or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lucerne than Leiden because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Lucerne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lucerne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Leiden, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Lucerne or Leiden?

Lucerne 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.

In Leiden, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Leiden has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Leiden is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Lucerne or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Lucerne. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Leiden. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Leiden, we can see that Lucerne 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive? and Is Leiden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Leiden?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne and Leiden, 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 Lucerne or Leiden?

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 Lucerne or Leiden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Leiden. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Leiden in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Lucerne is a little warmer than Leiden in the summer. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leiden this time of the year. In Lucerne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during summer. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Leiden. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lucerne or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Leiden. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Leiden for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Lucerne is a little warmer than Leiden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lucerne in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Leiden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Lucerne or Leiden in the Winter?

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

The weather in Leiden can be very cold. Lucerne can be very cold during winter. In January, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 3°C (37°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during winter. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Leiden. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lucerne or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Lucerne during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Lucerne is much warmer than Leiden in the spring. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Lucerne often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in April than Leiden. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Lucerne