A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baden-Baden vs. Calais for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Calais?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Calais, 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.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a historic, relaxing, and nature-oriented spa town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Baden-Baden and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Calais than Baden-Baden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Calais is more popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Baden-Baden is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Baden-Baden is more touristy than Calais and is known for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also home to The Town Hall.

How is Baden-Baden different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baden-Baden or Calais?

Baden-Baden
Calais

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Baden-Baden and Calais.

Baden-Baden offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Baden-Baden or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baden-Baden
Calais

Baden-Baden is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Baden-Baden is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Baden-Baden or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Baden-Baden
Calais

Both Baden-Baden and Calais are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Calais. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Baden-Baden or Calais Better for Beaches?

Baden-Baden
Calais

Calais is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.


Is Baden-Baden or Calais Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden
Calais

Baden-Baden is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden is a good destination for hiking. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Calais?

Baden-Baden
Calais

Both Baden-Baden and Calais are good shopping destinations.

Baden-Baden offers some nice shopping areas. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Calais has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Baden-Baden or Calais Better for Families?

Baden-Baden
Calais

Baden-Baden is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Baden-Baden is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.


Is Baden-Baden or Calais Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden
Calais

Baden-Baden is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Baden-Baden frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Baden-Baden or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baden-Baden
Calais

Calais is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

Calais has a few public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Baden-Baden or Calais a more walkable city?

Baden-Baden
Calais

Baden-Baden and Calais both are good when exploring on foot.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

Calais is a somewhat walkable spa town. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.


For even more information, also check out Is Baden-Baden Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baden-Baden and Calais. In our opinion, Baden-Baden has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baden-Baden than Calais. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Baden-Baden or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baden-Baden 1-3 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Baden-Baden or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Baden-Baden. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Calais. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or Calais?

Baden-Baden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Calais. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Baden-Baden or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baden-Baden. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

The authentic city of Calais offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Baden-Baden or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Baden-Baden. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Baden-Baden?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Baden-Baden is €154, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Baden-Baden and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baden-Baden 87
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baden-Baden 174
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Baden-Baden and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Baden-Baden or Calais? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Baden-Baden


Hotels in Calais


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Baden-Baden Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baden-Baden 33
    Calais 47

Is it cheaper to fly into Baden-Baden or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Baden-Baden change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Baden-Baden 41
    Calais 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baden-Baden 34
    Calais 8.92

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373
  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baden-Baden 12
    Calais 12


When comparing the travel costs between Baden-Baden and Calais, we can see that Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Baden-Baden and Calais, 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 Baden-Baden or Calais?

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 Baden-Baden or Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Baden-Baden and Calais. Many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Baden-Baden is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baden-Baden in July average around 20°C (67°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Baden-Baden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baden-Baden usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Baden-Baden gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Baden-Baden usually receives more rain than Calais. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Baden-Baden as well as Calais. Most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Baden-Baden is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 11°C (52°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Calais. Baden-Baden gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Calais. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Baden-Baden are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. The weather in Baden-Baden can be very cold. Baden-Baden is much colder than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Calais during winter. Baden-Baden gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baden-Baden usually receives more rain than Calais. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Baden-Baden during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Baden-Baden is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baden-Baden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Baden-Baden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Baden-Baden gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)


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