Leiden is a cultural city known for its many museums and renowned university. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Leiden and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums or eating the delicious cuisine.
How much does it cost to travel to Leiden?
A typical traveler spends $189 (€161) per day on a trip to Leiden. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Leiden based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $78 (€67) on meals
- $30 (€26) on local transportation
- $182 (€155) on hotels
A one-week trip to Leiden for two people costs, on average, $2,644 (€2,254). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,322
€1,127
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,644
€2,254
-
One Month
Per person
$5,666
€4,830
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,644
€2,254
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,289
€4,508
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,333
€9,660
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Leiden cost?
A one week trip to Leiden usually costs around $1,322 (€1,127) for one person and $2,644 (€2,254) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Leiden on average costs around $2,644 (€2,254) for one person and $5,289 (€4,508) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Leiden will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Leiden on average costs around $5,666 (€4,830) for one person and $11,333 (€9,660) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Leiden expensive to visit?
In Leiden, budget travelers spend $83 (€71) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $189 (€161) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $361 (€308) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Leiden.
Leiden is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
If you choose to make it so, Leiden can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Leiden is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Reims or Bruges.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Leiden Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Leiden?
The average Leiden trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Leiden travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Leiden cost?
Leiden on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$40
(€34)
|
$91
(€78)
|
$174
(€148)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$13
(€11)
|
$30
(€26)
|
$58
(€49)
|
|
Food2
|
$34
(€29)
|
$78
(€67)
|
$150
(€128)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$9
(€7.55)
|
$20
(€17)
|
$39
(€33)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$7-20
(€6-17)
|
$15-45
(€13-39)
|
$29-86
(€25-74)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Leiden on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $83 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
The culinary scene is also a highlight for everyone in Leiden, but budget travelers tend to eat street food or make their own meals in hostels, potentially missing out on the rich flavors of the local cuisine.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Leiden will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $189 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $361. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city will entail a more premium price tag.
Accommodation Budget in Leiden
Hotel rates in Leiden vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $127 to $237. Expect prices to range from $92 for budget hotels to $552 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Leiden for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $182 (€155). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $91 (€78) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Leiden? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Leiden include:
- Huys van Leyden starting at $101
- Boutique Hotel d'Oude Morsch starting at $139
- Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites starting at $120
Leiden has a good public transit system lets you stay farther from the city, but remember that lower hotel costs could mean higher transportation expenses.
Families visiting Leiden will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Many enjoy the charm of walking through Leiden, so aim for a central lodging option. However, this may lead to higher accommodation rates.
Transportation Budget in Leiden
Leiden's public transit system connects to several major sights. 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. To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time here. 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.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $30 (€26) per person, per day, on local transportation in Leiden. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Leiden is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$30
€26
To get to Leiden from Schiphol Airport, or any other city that you may be visiting in the Netherlands, just take an Intercity or Sprinter train to Leiden Centraal. Exiting central station brings you right out into the city center. Once in the city, basically your options are: bike, car, taxi, bus, tram, or foot. Biking is the best way to get around, as you can really see a lot of the city and the surrounding neighborhoods as well. However, for those who aren't inclined to bike or the weather doesn't permit, there is a tram system in Leiden too. Tickets can be purchased on board the tram. Walking is also a great option because it allows you to be able to easily go in and out of shops and cafes as you venture around the city. Renting a car and taking taxis can be an option, but should be used as more of a last resort. The public transportation in the Netherlands is very efficient and easy to use; so take advantage of that before spending money on a car or taxi.
Check that your hotel has accessible parking if you're planning on driving.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Historical Private Tour of Delft and Leiden including Transfer for $262 details
- Private Tour of The Hague and Leiden including Transfer for $251 details
- Premium electric transfer from Leiden Area to the Airport for $101 details
How much does it cost to go to Leiden? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Leiden will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Leiden
You'll find that the food in Leiden is wonderful. Be sure to spend time enjoying all the local flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Leiden can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Leiden is $78 (€67) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$78
€67
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Leiden is around $78 (€67) per person, with previous travelers spending from $34 to $149. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Leiden are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $23
- Lunch: $12 to $31
- Dinner: $23 to $55
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $12
Leiden has a wide variety of food to offer for travelers. In Leiden, you can find typical Dutch food, burger joints, high-end French cuisine, or just order Chinese takeout. For a Dutch style meal, ‘t Suppiershuysinghe is a great place to go. It is more of a brunch type place that has great coffee, and small sandwich type meals. It's located in a square in the city center, which is an excellent place for people watching while enjoying a day out in Leiden. David's Burger is a great place that offers an array of organic burgers. For those wanting the high-end French cuisine I mentioned above, go to Dartel. There are Asian style take away places all over town. Woo Ping is Chinese, Toko BungaMas is Indonesian, and Sushi Bento is Japanese. I suggest trying the Indonesian food!
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Leiden
It's not surprising that visitors come to Leiden, as it offers museums and attractions, food, family-friendly activities, and nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Leiden typically cost an average of $20 (€17) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$20
€17
Gravensteen in Leiden is a historical monument that was once a prison, and today is a building associated with the university. Centuries ago, when this building served as a prison, there was a gallery that looked out at the plaza where judges could view public executions.
The most well-known museum in Leiden is the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden. It is the national archeological museum of the Netherlands and is associated with the archaeology department of the university. The focus of the museum is around ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The museum is located near Pieterskerkhof, which is in the same plaza as Gravensteen.
Molenmuseum de Valk takes you through the history of the famous Dutch windmills. You are able to actually go inside the windmill and learn how windmills work, the purposes they serve, and how they played a role in Leiden's history.
Leiden has a buzzing music scene, with many international and local artists playing in music clubs and at festivals. Ontzettend is a battle of the bands festival that happens every September. Another great festival takes place around October 3rd every year and is the commemoration of the Siege of Leiden when the Spanish tried to capture the city during the Eighty Years' War. At this festival, you will find amusement rides, food vendors, and lots of live music. Seeing Leiden on foot is a great way to see the city, but seeing it from the water is even better. There are many canal tour companies all over the city that offer private or group tours around the historical city. You can also rent a rowing boat for your self if you want to explore at your own pace.
Museums and Attractions:
People flock to Leiden for its renowned museums and famous landmarks. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Leiden. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Dutch Windmills & Polder Walking Tour for $45 details
- Self-Guided City Trail Kids Tour in Noordwijk (4-8 years) for $23 details
- Self-guided city trail - JOLA's Schnipseljagd Noordwijk Tour for $35 details
Nightlife Budget in Leiden
In terms of nightlife, Leiden has a few activities available, but it doesn't match the energy of other sought-after destinations. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $30 (€26) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Leiden per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$30
€26
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 12, 2025
Traveling in Leiden
Leiden, Netherlands
Leiden is a city in the province of South Holland. It is south of the Netherlands capital, Amsterdam, and has a population of about 190,000. It is known for its university, museums, markets, and of course, canals. Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and is a sister school of Oxford, which is England's oldest university.
Neighborhoods & Around
There are a few surrounding neighborhoods in the Leiden area that are a bike or tram ride away. Katwijk and Noordwijk are two beach towns that are nearby and have restaurants, shops, and beautiful sand dunes to explore. Wassenaar is also a surrounding neighborhood to Leiden with a large waterpark called Duinrell. If you happen to be in the Netherlands during tulip season (April/May), then visit the Lisse region and you can bike around to explore the famous Dutch tulip fields.
Related:
Looking for a party? Find a hostel in Amsterdam, London, or Paris.
Traveling alone to Brussels?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.