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

Should you visit Seoul or Leiden?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Seoul and Leiden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Seoul

Seoul is a cultural, bustling, and modern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Seoul travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Leiden travel costs.

Seoul and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Seoul or Leiden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Seoul than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Seoul is popular for its shopping malls, colorful street markets, beautiful parks, and vibrant energy. It is also home to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Seoul different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Seoul and Leiden.

Many visitors head to Seoul specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The museums and landmarks are diverse, with notable sights including N Seoul Tower, the Bukchon Hanok Traditional Village, and the National Museum of Korea.

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 Seoul or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Seoul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is a cultural obsession here, and you'll find everything from world class street food to award winning restaurants. The dishes are so much more diverse than Korean barbecue and kimchi. Many dishes are very spicy, with popular local foods including gamjatang (pork and potato soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).

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 Seoul or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

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

Seoul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. This is definitely a work hard/play hard city, with locals working long hours during the day and then partying hard late into the night. The nightlife scene is strong both during the week and on weekends. There are bars, clubs, and lounges that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

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 Seoul or Leiden Better for Music?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Leiden is not a live music destination.

Seoul has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. K-pop has put the city on the map for music, but you'll actually find a wide range of genres here including rock music and electronic dance music.

Leiden is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Seoul or Leiden?

Seoul is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Seoul specifically to go shopping. This bustling city offers traditional local items as well as Korean cosmetics and trendy fashion. Although shopping malls are spread throughout the city, some of the most popular shopping areas are found around Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun.

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 Seoul or Leiden Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Seoul or Leiden.

Seoul is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a wide range of kid-friendly activities, ranging from the easy choices like amusement parks and children's museums, to the less obvious like kid-friendly cafes and markets. There are many entertainment options packed into a small space, so kids and adults alike will stay entertained.

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.

Is Seoul or Leiden Better for Couples?

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

Seoul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the beautiful viewpoints, outdoor parks, and diverse restaurants. There are also many beautiful luxury hotels where couples can enjoy a romantic getaway.

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 Seoul or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Seoul and Leiden are good destinations for backpackers.

Seoul is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city isn't the most popular among backpackers, but those who visit will enjoy exploring a fascinating culture and delicious cuisine. Because it's a large city, you'll find a diversity of accommodation options including some budget-friendly hostels and hotels.

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 Seoul or Leiden Better for Students?

Seoul and Leiden are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Seoul is very popular with students. Many international students head to Seoul National University, which has an excellent academic reputation. The city is also fun and energetic, so everyone will be entertained.

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.

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

Seoul is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Seoul has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The modern and clean transportation system includes both a subway and buses.

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 Seoul or Leiden a more walkable city?

Seoul and Leiden both are very good when exploring on foot.

Seoul is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are fun to explore on foot but do take note that parts of the city are very hilly and the weather can be bitter cold during the winter months.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Seoul?

How long in Seoul or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Seoul or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Seoul than Leiden because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Seoul, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seoul 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 Seoul.

One day in Seoul or Leiden?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Seoul or Leiden?

Seoul 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.

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

Five days in Seoul or Leiden?

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

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

A week in Seoul or Leiden?

Seoul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Leiden. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea, 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 Seoul and Leiden, we can see that Leiden is more expensive. And not only is Seoul much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Seoul is in Asia and Leiden is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Seoul would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Seoul 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 Seoul.

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

Which is Bigger, Seoul or Leiden?

Seoul has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Seoul 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 Seoul 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 Seoul or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Seoul during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Seoul because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year.

In the summer, Seoul is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Seoul in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Leiden averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Seoul often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Seoul gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually gets more rain in July than Leiden. Seoul gets 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Seoul and Leiden. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Seoul this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene.

In October, Seoul is generally a little warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Seoul average around 15°C (59°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during autumn. Seoul gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Seoul usually receives less rain than Leiden. Seoul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Seoul or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Seoul as well as Leiden. Many travelers come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Leiden in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Leiden can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Seoul. Seoul is much colder than Leiden in the winter. The daily temperature in Seoul averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Seoul often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Seoul gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun.

Seoul usually gets less rain in January than Leiden. Seoul gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Seoul or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Seoul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Seoul in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Seoul is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Seoul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Leiden averages at about 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. Seoul usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during spring. Seoul gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Seoul usually receives more rain than Leiden. Seoul gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Seoul