A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bamberg vs. Carcassonne for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Bamberg or Carcassonne?

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

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

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food and museums.

Bamberg and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Bamberg or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bamberg. Although Bamberg and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Bamberg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bamberg is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, food, and small town charm. Bamberg is popular for its medieval old town and its many beautiful bridges and buildings. It is also home to the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). Carcassonne is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Bamberg different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Bamberg
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bamberg
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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, Carcassonne makes for a great culinary experience. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Bamberg
Carcassonne

Bamberg is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Bamberg or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Bamberg
Carcassonne

Bamberg is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Bamberg has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bamberg or Carcassonne?

Bamberg
Carcassonne

Bamberg is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bamberg or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Bamberg
Carcassonne

Bamberg and Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly town. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Bamberg or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Bamberg
Carcassonne

Bamberg is very popular for romance. Also, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Bamberg or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bamberg
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Bamberg is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Bamberg is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels and a great tourist scene that makes it easy to meet other travelers.

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

Bamberg
Carcassonne

Both Bamberg and Carcassonne offer good public transit options.

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

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Bamberg or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Bamberg
Carcassonne

Bamberg and Carcassonne both are world-class when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Bamberg on foot. The old town is compact enough to easily explore on foot.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Bamberg?

How long in Bamberg or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bamberg or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bamberg than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bamberg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

Couples should spend more time in Bamberg than Carcassonne. 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.


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

One day in Bamberg or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful town of Bamberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Bamberg or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Bamberg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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.

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums 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 Carcassonne has to offer.

Five days in Bamberg or Carcassonne?

The storybook town of Bamberg offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Bamberg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carcassonne. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is €106. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Bamberg or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bamberg 14
    Carcassonne 7.14

Is it cheaper to fly into Bamberg or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bamberg 17
    Carcassonne 14

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 Carcassonne

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bamberg 19
    Carcassonne 13

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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

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


Which is Bigger, Bamberg or Carcassonne?

Bamberg has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Bamberg and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Bamberg is cooler than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Bamberg averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bamberg. In the summer, Bamberg often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Bamberg gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Bamberg usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Bamberg gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bamberg 19°C (67°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Bamberg or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bamberg and Carcassonne. Many visitors come to Bamberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bamberg is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bamberg in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Bamberg usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Bamberg gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bamberg usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Bamberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bamberg 11°C (51°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Bamberg or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bamberg as well as Carcassonne. Most visitors come to Bamberg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

Bamberg can be very cold during winter. In January, Bamberg is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Bamberg average around 0°C (33°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bamberg often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Bamberg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Bamberg usually gets less rain in January than Carcassonne. Bamberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bamberg 0°C (33°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Bamberg or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne 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 small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Bamberg is cooler than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Bamberg averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Bamberg usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Bamberg gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bamberg usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Bamberg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bamberg 10°C (50°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Bamberg

Bamberg Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C (33°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 15°C (58°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)