A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Leiden for Attractions, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Leiden can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a park-filled, charming, and historic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and theater. See Stratford-upon-Avon travel costs.

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Leiden travel costs.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden?

Both Leiden and Stratford-upon-Avon have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Stratford-upon-Avon is more popular for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm, while Leiden is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping. Leiden is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its many museums and renowned university. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden?

Leiden is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Leiden specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit destination for its shows and theatre. However, Leiden is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Stratford-upon-Avon is world-class. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Leiden is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Leiden is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Leiden has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

Leiden is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Leiden. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Music and theater are what make this nightlife interesting.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Stratford-upon-Avon has an old town worth visiting. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden?

Leiden is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Leiden. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden Better for Families?

Leiden is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Leiden are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Leiden is a good town for couples to visit. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Leiden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden Better for Students?

Leiden is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Leiden is very popular with students. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Leiden is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Leiden has some 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden a more walkable city?

Leiden is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Leiden is a very walkable city. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Leiden Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden to fill your time. In our opinion, Leiden has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Leiden than Stratford-upon-Avon. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Leiden than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden?

Stratford-upon-Avon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Leiden, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many people visit Leiden for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Leiden, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Don't miss the theater, as that's what most people do. 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.

The destination of Leiden offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Leiden. This city offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Leiden, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Leiden Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden?

Leiden has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden in the Summer?

Both Leiden and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Leiden this time of year.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Leiden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Leiden averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Leiden. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Leiden. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden in the Autumn?

Both Leiden and Stratford-upon-Avon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Leiden for the shopping scene.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Leiden. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Leiden. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Leiden. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. Stratford-upon-Avon is much warmer than Leiden in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Leiden. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Leiden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Leiden. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is a little warmer than Leiden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Leiden averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Leiden. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Stratford-upon-Avon