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

Should you visit Caen or Florence?

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 Florence. 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 park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen attracts visitors for its big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Caen and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence 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 Florence?

Florence is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Florence from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Caen or Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Caen and Florence.

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.

Florence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Caen or Florence Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Florence is one of the most recognized in the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Florence?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Florence Better for Families?

Both Caen and Florence are nice family-friendly destinations.

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Florence. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Caen or Florence Better for Couples?

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

Florence is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this 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 Caen or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Florence is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Caen is not popular with students.

Is Caen or Florence 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, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Caen or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Caen?

How long in Caen or Florence?

Both Caen and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Caen. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Florence?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Caen or Florence?

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.

Florence 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.

Five days in Caen or Florence?

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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the historical destination of Florence. 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.

A week in Caen or Florence?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the artistic city of Florence. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Florence. Many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Caen is cooler than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Caen in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives more rain than Florence. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Caen as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Caen is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 12°C (54°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Florence. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. Caen is cooler than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Florence. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Caen during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Caen is much colder than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caen in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Caen often gets less sunshine than Florence. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Caen