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

Should you visit Tokyo or Leiden?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Leiden? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a eclectic, cutting edge, and high tech city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Tokyo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tokyo 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.

Tokyo and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Leiden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tokyo than Leiden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tokyo is more touristy than Leiden and is known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also well known for The Sensō-ji Temple. Leiden is famous for its many museums and renowned university.

How is Tokyo different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo 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, Tokyo has many famous sights for visitors. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Tokyo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Tokyo is a world class party destination. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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 Tokyo or Leiden Better for Music?

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

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Leiden is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Leiden?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo or Leiden More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Tokyo attracts visitors from all around. It's colorful skyscrapers and historic temples make this a truly one-of-a-kind place to explore.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tokyo or Leiden Better for Families?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Tokyo is one of the most popular family destinations. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Leiden is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Tokyo or Leiden Better for Couples?

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

Tokyo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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 Tokyo or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Leiden are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

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.

Is Tokyo or Leiden Better for Students?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

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

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo or Leiden a more walkable city?

Tokyo is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tokyo. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tokyo or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tokyo 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 Tokyo, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

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

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

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

One day in Tokyo or Leiden?

Tokyo 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 cultural 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 Tokyo or Leiden?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Leiden?

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

Tokyo 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.

When comparing the travel costs between Tokyo and Leiden, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Tokyo is in Asia and Leiden is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Leiden?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Leiden in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Leiden. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Leiden for the family-friendly experiences.

Tokyo is much warmer than Leiden in the summer. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 26°C (78°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. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Leiden during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Leiden. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Leiden. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Leiden in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tokyo is much warmer than Leiden. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tokyo in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Leiden averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Leiden. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Leiden. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Leiden in the Winter?

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

Leiden can be very cold during winter. In January, Tokyo is generally much warmer than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 5°C (42°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Leiden during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tokyo usually receives less rain than Leiden. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Tokyo during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Tokyo is much warmer than Leiden in the spring. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Leiden fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Tokyo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Leiden. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Tokyo