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

Should you visit Cadiz or Caen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cadiz and Caen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a undiscovered, historic, and authentic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. 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.

Cadiz and Caen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Cadiz or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Caen. Although Cadiz and Caen are both popular with visitors, Caen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Caen is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Cadiz is known for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Caen is more touristy than Cadiz and is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. It is also home to Pegasus Bridge. Cadiz is popular for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Cadiz different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cadiz
Caen

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Caen. 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.

Cadiz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.


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

Cadiz
Caen

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

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Is Cadiz or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Cadiz
Caen

Both Cadiz and Caen are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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 Cadiz or Caen Better for Beaches?

Cadiz
Caen

Cadiz is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Caen is not a beach destination.

Cadiz is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

Caen is not a beach destination.


Is Cadiz or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Cadiz
Caen

Cadiz 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 Cadiz. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Caen?

Cadiz
Caen

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cadiz. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cadiz or Caen Better for Families?

Cadiz
Caen

Both Cadiz and Caen are good to visit with kids.

Cadiz is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

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


Is Cadiz or Caen Better for Couples?

Cadiz
Caen

Both Cadiz and Caen are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cadiz is a nice destination for couples. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

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 Cadiz or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cadiz
Caen

Both Cadiz and Caen are good destinations for backpackers.

Cadiz is a good port city to visit for backpackers. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

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

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

Cadiz
Caen

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

Public transit in Caen is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Cadiz has some public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.


Is Cadiz or Caen a more walkable city?

Cadiz
Caen

Cadiz 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.

Cadiz is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Caen?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Cadiz or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cadiz. 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, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this important destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cadiz or Caen?

Cadiz 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Cadiz or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Cadiz. This port 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.

Caen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cadiz or Caen?

The undiscovered port city of Cadiz 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the park-filled destination of Caen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen or Cadiz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cadiz is €152, 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 Cadiz and Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cadiz 77
    Caen 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cadiz 154
    Caen 122
Compare Hotels in Cadiz and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Cadiz 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 Cadiz


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: Cadiz Hotel Prices and Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cadiz 30
    Caen 35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cadiz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cadiz:

  • Private Transfer from/to Cadiz Airport to/from Hotel: $87
  • Private Transfer from Cadiz city hotels to Cadiz Cruise Port: $28

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 Cadiz or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen and Cadiz 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
    Cadiz 45
    Caen 40
Typical Food Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Dinner and Tapas
    15
  • Lunch for 1
    10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cadiz

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

  • Tapas Food Tour in Jerez de la Frontera: $39
  • Food Tour Cadiz: $75
  • Tabancos Food Tour Jerez: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cadiz 27
    Caen 19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Cadiz Sightseeing Tour
    15

Tours and Activities in Cadiz

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

  • 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Cadiz : $87
  • 3 Hour Tapa and Cultural Experience Walking Tour: $120
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Cádiz: $17
  • Audioguided Tour of Cádiz Monumental, at your pace: $4.27
  • Cádiz 2:45h Bike Tour: $38
  • Cádiz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Cádiz: Cadiz Milenaria Guided Tour: $13
  • Cádiz: Guided Bike Tour: $37
  • Cádiz: Local Tapas Experience: $160
  • Cádiz: Mysteries and Legends Walking Tour with Souvenir: $25
  • Cádiz: Private Guided Tour with Flexible Route: $106
  • Cádiz: Private Sun Cruise for 2 with Aperitivo and Wine: $481

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
    Cadiz 28
    Caen 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Cadiz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cadiz:

  • Private Tour with Tapas, Wine Tasting and Bike Rental: $107
  • Countryside Olive Oil & Wine Tasting: $128


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cadiz and Caen, we can see that Cadiz 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 Cadiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cadiz 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 Cadiz Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Caen?

Cadiz has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz 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 Cadiz 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 Cadiz or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Cadiz during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cadiz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Cadiz is a little warmer than Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 25°C (77°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 Cadiz. In the summer, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Caen. Cadiz gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Cadiz gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cadiz 25°C (77°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Caen in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Cadiz is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cadiz in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Cadiz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Cadiz gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cadiz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Cadiz gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cadiz 20°C (68°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cadiz as well as Caen. Many visitors come to Cadiz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can be very cold during winter. In January, Cadiz is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 13°C (55°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Caen. Cadiz gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Cadiz gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cadiz 13°C (55°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Cadiz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cadiz for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city.

Cadiz is much warmer than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cadiz. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Caen during spring. Cadiz gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cadiz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Cadiz gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cadiz 17°C (63°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Cadiz

Cadiz Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)