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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Caen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Caen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a laid-back, scenic, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Caen attracts visitors for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Amsterdam different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Amsterdam and Caen.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Caen. 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 Amsterdam or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caen is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Amsterdam or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Amsterdam is renowned for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Amsterdam is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Amsterdam or Caen Better for Music?

Amsterdam is renowned for live music. However, Caen is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Caen is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Caen?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Amsterdam or Caen Better for Families?

Caen is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Amsterdam or Caen Better for Couples?

Amsterdam is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Amsterdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

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 Amsterdam or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

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.

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

Amsterdam is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Amsterdam has a great public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Public transit in Caen can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Is Amsterdam or Caen a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amsterdam. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Amsterdam and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Caen. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

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

One day in Amsterdam or Caen?

Amsterdam is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Caen. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Caen?

Amsterdam 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the important destination of Caen. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Caen?

Amsterdam is a party-oriented big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Caen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Caen?

Amsterdam is a canal-lined city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Caen is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Caen, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Caen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caen 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Caen.

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

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Caen?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Caen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Caen. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amsterdam is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Caen. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in July than Caen. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

Amsterdam is cooler than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Amsterdam usually receives less sunshine than Caen during autumn. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Amsterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Amsterdam often gets less sunshine than Caen. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Caen. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Caen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Caen. The spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In April, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caen during spring. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Caen and Amsterdam