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

Should you visit Brussels or Caen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Brussels and Caen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Brussels

Brussels is a historic, cosmopolitan, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. 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.

Brussels and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brussels or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brussels than Caen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brussels is popular for its beautiful architecture, grand squares, diverse population, and delicious waffles. It is also home to La Grand Place (Grote Markt). Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

La Grand Place (Grote Markt)

How is Brussels different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Brussels and Caen have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brussels. Popular sights include Saint-Michel Cathedral, Place Royale, and the Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The city is filled with impressive architecture, fascinating art museums, and innovative science and technology museums.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Brussels or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Brussels and Caen.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Brussels makes for a great culinary experience. While the city is most known for its waffles and fries, the diversity of dishes and international restaurant selection continues to grow. There are Lebanese, Japanese, and Indian restaurants among others. Popular local dishes include moules-frites, waterzooi (a stew), and stoemp (made with mashed potatoes and vegetables).

Caen has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Brussels or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Brussels and Caen.

Brussels has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife is quieter and more mellow than some other major cities around Europe. That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of dance clubs and bars where you can hang out. Keep your wits about you after the sun goes down as some areas are a bit rougher than others.

If you're looking for night time activities Caen has a few options to choose from. 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 Brussels or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Brussels 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 Brussels. The old town in the city center is where you'll find the greatest concentration of historic sights. The area is surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and is easy to explore.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Brussels or Caen?

Brussels is renowned for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Brussels. Although it's famous for diamonds, the city also has many shopping streets where you can find designer brands, vintage shops, and other unique boutiques that are fun to explore.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Brussels or Caen Better for Families?

Brussels is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Brussels is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of unique kid-friendly activities including a Mini-Europe Museum, a Comic Strip Museum, and Train World. The city is also a chocolate lover's dream with many factories and chocolate shops around town.

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 Brussels or Caen Better for Couples?

Brussels is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Brussels makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From beautiful buildings and museums to shopping, dining, and chocolate shops, there are plenty of romantic spots around town. There's a vibrant nightlife scene and many diverse restaurants that couples can enjoy exploring.

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 Brussels or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brussels is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Brussels is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city has an active nightlife and a number of hostels that are great for backpackers, but do take note that some areas can get a bit rough at night, so make sure you understand where you are.

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

Is Brussels or Caen Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Brussels. The city has a number of universities that attract students from around the world. The multicultural setting is great for students of the world.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Brussels is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Brussels has a great public transit system. Transit options include train, tram, metro, bus, and waterbuses.

Public transit in Caen can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Is Brussels or Caen a more walkable city?

Brussels 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.

Brussels is very walkable. If you stay in the historical area, it's easy to walk around and many boulevards are being converted to pedestrian areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Brussels?

How long in Brussels or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Brussels and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Brussels than in Caen. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Brussels, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

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

One day in Brussels or Caen?

Brussels is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brussels or Caen?

Brussels is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brussels or Caen?

Brussels is a authentic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Caen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brussels or Caen?

The authentic city of Brussels 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.

Caen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Brussels or Caen?

Brussels has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels or Caen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Caen. The summer months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

Brussels is around the same temperature as Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. In the summer, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Caen. Brussels gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in July than Caen. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brussels this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions.

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

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Caen during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Brussels usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brussels or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Brussels during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Brussels. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than Caen. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Caen. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Caen. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brussels or Caen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Caen. Many visitors come to Brussels in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months.

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

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Caen during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Caen. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Brussels