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

Should you visit Athens or Caen?

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 Athens and Caen. 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.

Athens

Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Caen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Caen. Athens is bigger than Caen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is more touristy than Caen and is known for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Athens from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Athens or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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.

Is Athens or Caen Better for Nightlife?

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

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Caen?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Athens. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Athens or Caen Better for Families?

Athens 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.

Athens is a very family-friendly destination. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Caen Better for Couples?

Athens and Caen both notable destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Caen is a nice destination for couples. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Athens or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Caen Better for Students?

Athens is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Athens and Caen both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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

Is Athens or Caen a more walkable city?

Athens 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.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Athens?

How long in Athens or Caen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Athens or Caen?

Athens 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Caen. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Caen?

Athens is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen 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.

Five days in Athens or Caen?

Athens is a historic 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. 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.

A week in Athens or Caen?

Athens is a ancient 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the park-filled destination of Caen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Caen, we can see that Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Caen?

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

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 Athens or Caen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Caen. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In the summer, Athens is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Caen during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Caen. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Caen. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Caen. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Caen. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Caen. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Caen. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Caen. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Athens