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

Should you visit Vilnius or Leiden?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Leiden. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a religious, surprising, and undiscovered city. With stunning beauty, Vilnius attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Vilnius 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.

Vilnius and Leiden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Leiden?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vilnius than Leiden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Vilnius is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Leiden is known for its museums and attractions and food. Leiden is more touristy than Vilnius and is popular for its many museums and renowned university. Vilnius is popular for its authentic old town and long running history. It is also home to Gediminas Castle Tower.

How is Vilnius different from Leiden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Leiden is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Leiden. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

Is the Food Better in Vilnius or Leiden? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Leiden is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Leiden. 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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Leiden Better for Nightlife?

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

Vilnius has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

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 Vilnius or Leiden Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Leiden does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Leiden does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Leiden?

Both Vilnius and Leiden are good shopping destinations.

Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

Leiden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Vilnius or Leiden More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Vilnius attracts visitors from all around. The city is less frequented by tourists than many in Europe, but much of its beauty comes from the hidden charm and undiscovered atmosphere.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vilnius or Leiden Better for Families?

Leiden is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Leiden is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Vilnius is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Is Vilnius or Leiden Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Leiden both good destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

Leiden is a good city 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 Vilnius or Leiden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vilnius 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 Vilnius. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

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 Vilnius or Leiden Better for Students?

Leiden is notable for students. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Leiden. 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.

Plenty of students visit Vilnius. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

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

Both Vilnius and Leiden offer good public transit options.

Vilnius has a few public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

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.

Is Vilnius or Leiden a more walkable city?

Leiden is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Leiden or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Leiden?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vilnius or Leiden to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vilnius than Leiden because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 1-2 days is enough time in Leiden.

Families should spend more time in Leiden than Vilnius. 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 Vilnius. 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius.

One day in Vilnius or Leiden?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Vilnius. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Leiden, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Vilnius or Leiden?

Vilnius 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.

In Leiden, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Leiden has to offer.

Five days in Vilnius or Leiden?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Leiden is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Vilnius or Leiden?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Vilnius. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Leiden. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, 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 Vilnius and Leiden, we can see that Leiden is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vilnius would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vilnius 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 Vilnius.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Leiden?

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

Both Leiden and Vilnius during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Leiden in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Vilnius is around the same temperature as Leiden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vilnius in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Leiden averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Leiden, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Vilnius. In the summer, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 204 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Leiden. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Leiden in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Leiden. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Leiden for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Vilnius is generally cooler than Leiden. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around 8°C (46°F), and Leiden fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during autumn. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Leiden. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vilnius or Leiden in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Leiden. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Leiden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Leiden can be very cold. Vilnius can be very cold during winter. Vilnius is much colder than Leiden in the winter. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Leiden fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Leiden. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leiden receives 46 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets less rain in January than Leiden. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Leiden in the Spring?

Both Leiden and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Vilnius is around the same temperature as Leiden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vilnius in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Leiden averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leiden during spring. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Leiden receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vilnius usually receives less rain than Leiden. Vilnius gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Leiden receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Leiden and Vilnius