A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Braga vs. Caen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Braga or Caen?

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

Should I visit Braga 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.

Where Should I go: Braga or Caen?

Braga

Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.

Caen

Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen or Braga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Braga is €112, 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 Braga and Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Braga 54
    Caen 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Braga 108
    Caen 122
Compare Hotels in Braga and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Braga 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 Braga


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: Braga Hotel Prices and Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Braga 20
    Caen 35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131
  • Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102

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 Braga or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen and Braga 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
    Braga 40
    Caen 40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.

  • Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Braga 16
    Caen 19

Tours and Activities in Braga

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

  • KAYAK TOUR I Going down the Lima River in Kayak | AV: $66
  • 1h Buggy Tour | Arches of Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $76
  • 2h Buggy Tour | Arcos de Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $131
  • 4X4 Tour – Minho Litoral - Beaches and Mountains between Viana do Castelo and Caminha: $82
  • 4X4 Tour - Discovering Serra d´ Arga: $175
  • Alto Douro Walk & WineTour: $197
  • TOUR HD BRAGA MERCEDES V EXT LONG: $225
  • TOUR HD BRAGA SEDAN: $198
  • Barcelos, Braga & Guimarães Tour: $109
  • Braga & Guimarães: Premium Day Tour: $321
  • Braga Private Walking Tour: $254
  • Braga Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $216

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
    Braga 21
    Caen 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Braga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:

  • Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
  • Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
  • Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
  • Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535


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


Which is Bigger, Braga or Caen?

Braga has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Braga 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 Braga 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 Braga or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Braga during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Braga is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Braga in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Braga. In the summer, Braga often gets more sunshine than Caen. Braga gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Braga usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Braga gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Braga 21°C (69°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Braga or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Braga and Caen. Also, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In October, Braga is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Braga average around 17°C (62°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Braga usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Braga gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Braga usually receives more rain than Caen. Braga gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Braga 17°C (62°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Braga or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Braga as well as Caen. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. Braga is much warmer than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Braga averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Braga often gets more sunshine than Caen. Braga gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Braga receives a lot of rain in the winter. Braga usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Braga gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Braga 10°C (50°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Braga or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Braga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Braga is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Braga in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. Braga usually receives more sunshine than Caen during spring. Braga gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Braga. In April, Braga usually receives more rain than Caen. Braga gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Braga 14°C (56°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Braga

Braga Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)