A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Caen for Attractions, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aberdeen or Caen?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Caen? 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.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a cultural, architectural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a historic, park-filled, and important city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Aberdeen and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than Caen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Aberdeen is more popular for its historical sights and shopping, while Caen is known for its food. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Aberdeen different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Caen?

Both Aberdeen and Caen have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Many visitors head to Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caen is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Caen makes for a great culinary experience. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Both Aberdeen and Caen are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Aberdeen or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Caen?

Aberdeen is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aberdeen or Caen Better for Families?

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly destination. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Aberdeen or Caen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Aberdeen and Caen make for a good place to visit.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Aberdeen or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Caen Better for Students?

Aberdeen is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Caen is not popular with students.

Is Aberdeen or Caen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Caen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Caen is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Aberdeen or Caen a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aberdeen and Caen. In our opinion, Aberdeen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Aberdeen than Caen. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caen than Aberdeen 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 Caen.

One day in Aberdeen or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Caen?

Aberdeen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Aberdeen. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Caen?

The historic city of Aberdeen offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Caen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Aberdeen and Caen, we can see that Aberdeen 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Caen?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Caen, 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 Aberdeen or Caen?

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 Aberdeen or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Aberdeen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Aberdeen is cooler than Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Caen. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in July than Caen. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Caen. The autumn months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In the autumn, Aberdeen is cooler than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aberdeen in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Caen during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Caen. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Caen. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. It's quite cold in Aberdeen in the winter. In January, Aberdeen is generally much colder than Caen. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 3°C (38°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Caen. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.

Aberdeen is cooler than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Caen during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Caen. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Aberdeen