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

Should you visit Bamberg or Caen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Bamberg 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.

Bamberg

Bamberg is a beautiful, scenic, and storybook town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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.

Bamberg and Caen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Bamberg or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Caen than Bamberg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Caen is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Bamberg is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bamberg is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. It is also home to Pegasus Bridge.

How is Bamberg different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bamberg
Caen

Caen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Bamberg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. At the heart of Bamberg is the old town, which is what attracts international tourists from around the world. Make sure you see the Cathedral & Diocesan Museum and the Historical Museum. There's also a brewery museum that is fascinating to wander through.


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

Bamberg
Caen

Caen is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Bamberg has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of charming and traditional restaurants in the old town. They have a cozy atmosphere and a small and quaint feel. Many of the local dishes include pork and potatoes and they're often flavored with local beer. Make sure you try the Schäuferla (roasted pork shoulder), Hörnla (a local pastry available at bakeries), and Zwiebeln (stuffed onions).

Is Bamberg or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Bamberg
Caen

Caen is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Bamberg is not a good town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bamberg. While the town isn't known for its nightlife, there are some relaxing bars and pubs around town.

Is Bamberg or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Bamberg
Caen

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

The old town of Bamberg is one of the most recognized in the world. With its cobblestone streets, impressive architecture, and beautiful riverside setting, the town's old town is a favorite for many travelers. The buildings have ornate and detailed designs and the bridges are beautiful.

Caen does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bamberg or Caen?

Bamberg
Caen

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bamberg. Head to the Gardeners' District, where you'll find vendors selling local produce, crafts, and other items. In the old town there are charming German shops that sell Christmas items or other local handicrafts.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bamberg or Caen Better for Families?

Bamberg
Caen

Bamberg and Caen are both good destinations for the whole family.

Bamberg is a family-friendly place to visit. The history comes to life with reenactments and historical museums. There are also water activities, playgrounds, and many places where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Caen is a family-friendly town. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Bamberg or Caen Better for Couples?

Bamberg
Caen

Bamberg is renowned for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Bamberg is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Filled with scenic bridges, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture, this is a top destination for a couples getaway. You can enjoy gondola rides and fine dining on a romantic weekend away.

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 Bamberg or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bamberg
Caen

Both Bamberg and Caen are good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bamberg. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

Caen is a good town to visit for backpackers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Bamberg
Caen

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Bamberg has some public transit options. There are 28 buses that leave from the Central Bus Station and travel through the region.

Is Bamberg or Caen a more walkable city?

Bamberg
Caen

Bamberg 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 Bamberg. The old town is compact enough to easily explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Bamberg?

How long in Bamberg or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bamberg and Caen. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bamberg, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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


  • How many days in Bamberg or Caen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bamberg 1-3 
    Caen 2-3

One day in Bamberg or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Bamberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Caen, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bamberg or Caen?

Bamberg 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.

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caen has to offer.

Five days in Bamberg or Caen?

You'll find shopping and museums around the scenic destination of Bamberg. This town 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Bamberg or Caen?

The beautiful town of Bamberg offers museums 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


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


Which place is cheaper, Caen or Bamberg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bamberg is €127, while the average daily cost in Caen is €123. 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 Bamberg and Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bamberg 75
    Caen 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bamberg 150
    Caen 122
Compare Hotels in Bamberg and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Bamberg or Caen? 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 Bamberg


Hotels in Caen


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: Bamberg Hotel Prices and Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bamberg 14
    Caen 35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen

Also for Caen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Bamberg or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen and Bamberg 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
    Bamberg 41
    Caen 40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bamberg 17
    Caen 19

Tours and Activities in Bamberg

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

  • Bamberg Countryside Breweries Beer Hike Food Experience (departs Bamberg): $281
  • Bamberg Crime-Trail: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Bamberg Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $240
  • 1-Hour Theatrical Humor Tour with Costumed Guide: $19
  • Altenburg Burg Tour: $14
  • Bar & Club Tour with free drinks & VIP entry: $31
  • City Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Guided Beer History Tour with Optional Tasting: $16
  • Guided Historical Culinary Tour: $27
  • Guided Tour of the Gardeners' District: $17
  • Guided Walking Tour: $14
  • Historical Museum Entry Ticket: $8.56

Tours and Activities in Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide in Caen: $60
  • Private Guided Bike Tour of Cabourg and Dives in French: $74
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Small Group Guided D-Day Tour and Mémorial de Caen Museum: $201
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bamberg 19
    Caen 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Bamberg

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bamberg:

  • Historical City Tour in German with Brewery Visit: $17
  • Beer & Brewery Tour - 2 Hour: $37


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


Which is Bigger, Bamberg or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Bamberg. When comparing the sizes of Bamberg 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 Bamberg 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 Bamberg or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Bamberg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bamberg for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Bamberg is around the same temperature as Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Bamberg averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bamberg. In the summer, Bamberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caen. Bamberg gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bamberg 19°C (67°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Bamberg or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bamberg and Caen. Many visitors come to Bamberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

In the autumn, Bamberg is cooler than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bamberg in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Bamberg usually receives less sunshine than Caen during autumn. Bamberg gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bamberg usually receives less rain than Caen. Bamberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bamberg 11°C (51°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Bamberg or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bamberg as well as Caen. Most visitors come to Bamberg 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. Bamberg can be very cold during winter. In January, Bamberg is generally much colder than Caen. Daily temperatures in Bamberg average around 0°C (33°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bamberg often gets less sunshine than Caen. Bamberg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Bamberg usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Bamberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bamberg 0°C (33°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Bamberg or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Bamberg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Bamberg because of the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

Bamberg is around the same temperature as Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Bamberg averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Bamberg usually receives less sunshine than Caen during spring. Bamberg gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bamberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Bamberg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bamberg 10°C (50°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Bamberg

Bamberg Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)


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