A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nottingham vs. Leuven for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nottingham or Leuven?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Leuven can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Nottingham or Leuven?

Nottingham

Nottingham, England is located in the Eastern Midlands of England and it is one of the most popular destinations in the East Midlands and is commonly known as the "Queen of the Midlands". It is most widely known for its link to the popular legend of Robin Hood. Nottingham is one of the 10 most visited cities in England and has a historic past with settlements in the area dating back to pre-Roman times. Nottingham's economy was once mostly based on their Lace making factories and coal mining industries, though not much of these industries still remain in the area. The economy now has shifted more to the service industry and tourism and is a popular shopping destination.

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Belgium, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Nottingham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Nottingham Prices
    UK Prices
    Leuven Prices
    Belgium Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Nottingham £143
    Leuven £187

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £143, while the average daily cost in Leuven is £187. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nottingham and Leuven in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Leuven £81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Leuven £162
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Leuven

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham or Leuven? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nottingham


Hotels in Leuven


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Leuven Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Leuven £54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • East Midlands Airport (EMA) to Loughborough - Round Trip Transfer: $167
  • East Midlands Airport (EMA) to Nottingham - Round-Trip Transfer: $127
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough - Arrival Transfer: $84
  • East Midlands Airport(EMA) to Nottingham-Arrival Private Transfer: $63
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Transfer: $63
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $225
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $110
  • Private Transfer from Derby to Manchester Airport (MAN): $210
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $87
  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $296

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $96
  • Airport Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $99
  • Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $161
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Luxury Van: $182
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $95
  • Brussels Airport Shuttle Transfer <-> Brussels (1 to 8 PLACES): $38
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Antwerp (1 to 8 PLACES): $54
  • Business SEDAN Transfer from Brussels Airport to City Center MB E Class 1-3 PAX: $132
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $89
  • PRIVATE MPV TRANSFER FROM/TO BRUSSELS AIRPORT (Max 6 pax) ONE-WAY: $130
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by luxury car: $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Leuven?

Prices for flights to both Leuven and Nottingham change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nottingham £62
    Leuven £74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.

  • Mechelen Food Tour: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Leuven £20

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Maid Marian and Robin Hood Quest Experience in Nottingham: $7.16
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Chesterfield by Operation City Quest: $11
  • Stamford Town Guided Tours: $14
  • Daily Nottingham City Centre Walking Tour (10:30am): $19
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $20
  • Robin Hood Town Tour: $23
  • Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour: $27
  • Little John's Big Tour of Nottingham: $29
  • City Walking Tour & Exploration Game: $35
  • Abseil Experience - Millersdale Derbyshire Peak District: $48
  • Great British Classic Car Driving Experience : $74
  • Stamford Private Walking Tour: $75

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lost Lanes and Secret Gardens Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Pub Trail Mechelen: an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Belgium Mechelen Guided Tour Guide: $31
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $69
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $81
  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with a small meal /snack: $90
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $299

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Leuven £22

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • DropWorks Rum Tour - Largest Premium Rum Distillery in Europe!: $34
  • Revival Rum Distillery Tour: Tasting and Bottle Included: $105
  • Private Half Day Stamford Pub Tour: $158
  • Nottingham Private Historic Pub Tour with Drinks: $218


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Leuven?

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

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 Nottingham or Leuven in the Summer?

Both Leuven and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nottingham is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nottingham in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 186 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Leuven. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Leuven 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Leuven in the Autumn?

Both Leuven and Nottingham during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Leuven. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 114 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Leuven. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Leuven 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Leuven in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Leuven. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Leuven can be very cold. Nottingham can be very cold during winter. Nottingham is a little warmer than Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Leuven during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Leuven receives 49 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Leuven. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Leuven 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Leuven in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Leuven. The spring months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Nottingham is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leuven. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leuven receives 147 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in April than Leuven. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Leuven 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leuven and Nottingham

Nottingham Leuven
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)