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

Should you visit Paphos or Leiden?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Leiden, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Paphos

Paphos is a overlooked, ancient, and beautiful town. With stunning beauty, Paphos attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Paphos travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a historic, cultural, and scholarly city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Leiden travel costs.

Paphos and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Leiden?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paphos than Leiden, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paphos is more touristy than Leiden and is popular for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Also, Paphos is famous for Paphos Archaeological Park. Leiden is well known for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Paphos different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paphos is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paphos has many famous sights for visitors. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Leiden can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Paphos or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paphos is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Paphos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Leiden makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Paphos or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Paphos or Leiden has a better nightlife scene.

Paphos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

If you're looking for night time activities Leiden has a few options to choose from. 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 Paphos or Leiden Better for Resorts?

Paphos is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Leiden is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Paphos is a perfect choice. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

Leiden is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Leiden Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Leiden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Paphos. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

Leiden is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Leiden Better for Beaches?

Paphos is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Leiden is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Paphos is a very popular vacation destination. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

Leiden is not a beach destination.

Is Paphos or Leiden Better for its Old Town?

Paphos is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Paphos has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings. The area was revitalized in 2017 and there are many historical sites. It's also fun to go shopping at Kennedy Square and Makariou Avenue.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Leiden?

Paphos 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 Paphos. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

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 Paphos or Leiden More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Paphos attracts visitors from all around. The area is known for its world-renowned archeological ruins, stunning beaches, and beautiful outdoor setting.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Paphos or Leiden Better for Families?

Paphos and Leiden are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

Paphos is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Leiden is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Paphos or Leiden Better for Couples?

Paphos is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Paphos has plenty to offer. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

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 Paphos or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Paphos. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Paphos or Leiden Better for Students?

Leiden is a great destination for students. However, Paphos is not popular with students.

Leiden is a great city to visit as a student. 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.

Paphos is not popular with students.

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

Paphos is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Paphos. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

You'll find some public transit in Leiden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Paphos or Leiden a more walkable city?

Leiden is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Leiden is very walkable. 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.

Paphos is a somewhat walkable place. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paphos or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paphos than Leiden because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paphos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paphos than Leiden 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 Paphos.

One day in Paphos or Leiden?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Paphos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Paphos or Leiden?

Paphos is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Leiden 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.

Five days in Paphos or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paphos. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Paphos or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Paphos. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, 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 Paphos and Leiden, we can see that Leiden is more expensive. And not only is Paphos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paphos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paphos 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 Leiden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leiden than you might in Paphos.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Leiden?

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

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 Paphos or Leiden in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Leiden. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Leiden because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paphos is generally much warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leiden. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the summer, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in July than Leiden. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Leiden in the Autumn?

Both Leiden and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Paphos because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Leiden this time of year.

Paphos is much warmer than Leiden in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during autumn. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Paphos usually receives less rain than Leiden. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paphos or Leiden in the Winter?

Both Leiden and Paphos during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Leiden. In the winter, Paphos is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Leiden averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Leiden. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Leiden in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Leiden. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Paphos is generally much warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Paphos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during spring. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paphos usually receives less rain than Leiden. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Paphos