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

Should you visit Caen or Dubrovnik?

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 Caen and Dubrovnik. 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.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a historic, charming, and famous coastal town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Caen and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Dubrovnik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dubrovnik than Caen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dubrovnik is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Caen is more popular for its big city activities. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Caen and is known for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. Also, Dubrovnik is famous for The Old Town Walls. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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

Dubrovnik is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Dubrovnik, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Caen or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Caen and Dubrovnik.

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.

Dubrovnik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Caen or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Caen is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Dubrovnik to choose from. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Caen is not a resort destination.

Is Caen or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Caen or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a good destination for its beaches. However, Caen is not a beach destination.

Dubrovnik offers a nice beach destination. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Dubrovnik is one of the most recognized in the world. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is Caen or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Caen is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dubrovnik. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dubrovnik. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is a very family-friendly destination. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

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 Caen or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

Dubrovnik is renowned for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Dubrovnik is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Caen or Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Dubrovnik. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

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

Caen is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

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

Dubrovnik has a few public transit options. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Caen or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Dubrovnik. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Caen?

How long in Caen or Dubrovnik?

In either Caen or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Caen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Dubrovnik?

You'll find food and museums around the city of Caen. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dubrovnik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Caen or Dubrovnik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Caen. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Caen or Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Caen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historic destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Caen or Dubrovnik?

Caen is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The cultural coastal town of Dubrovnik offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Dubrovnik?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Dubrovnik, 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 Caen or Dubrovnik?

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 Caen or Dubrovnik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Dubrovnik. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Caen usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Caen as well as Dubrovnik. Many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions. Additionally, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Caen is cooler than Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Caen usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

Both Dubrovnik and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Caen is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In January, Caen usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

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

In April, Caen is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caen usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Caen