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

Should you visit Bonn or Caen?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Caen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. 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. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Bonn and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Caen?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Caen than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Caen, Caen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Caen is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Bonn is known for its historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. 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 Bonn different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Bonn or Caen.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Many visitors head to Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Bonn or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caen is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Caen Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Bonn and Caen.

If you're looking for night time activities Bonn has a few options to choose from. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

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.

Is Bonn or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Bonn 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 Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bonn or Caen?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bonn or Caen Better for Families?

Bonn is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn or Caen Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Bonn and Caen make for a good place to visit.

Bonn is a nice destination for couples. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

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 Bonn or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Bonn and Caen are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Caen is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Bonn or Caen Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bonn. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Bonn and Caen both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

The public transit in Caen can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Is Bonn or Caen a more walkable city?

Bonn 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.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to 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 Bonn Worth Visiting? and Is Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bonn and Caen. In our opinion, Bonn has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Bonn than Caen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bonn, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

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

One day in Bonn or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Bonn. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bonn or Caen?

Bonn 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.

Caen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Five days in Bonn or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Bonn. This city 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.

You'll find food and museums around the park-filled destination of Caen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Caen?

The cultural city of Bonn offers nightlife 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.

The historic city of Caen offers museums and nightlife. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Bonn and Caen, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Caen?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn 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 Bonn or Caen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Caen. Most visitors come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Bonn is around the same temperature as Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Caen during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Caen. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Caen. The autumn months attract visitors to Bonn because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In the autumn, Bonn is around the same temperature as Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bonn in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Caen. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Caen. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Bonn are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bonn this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. It's quite cold in Bonn in the winter. In January, Bonn is generally much colder than Caen. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 3°C (37°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Caen during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Caen. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Caen. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Caen. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Bonn