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

Should you visit Caen or Glencoe?

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 Glencoe. 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. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a serene, beautiful, and picturesque village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food and hiking.

Caen and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Caen or Glencoe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Caen than Glencoe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Caen is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Glencoe is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge. Glencoe is well known for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Caen different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caen
Glencoe

Caen is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Caen
Glencoe

Caen is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Caen is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Caen or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Caen
Glencoe

Caen is a city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for nightlife.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Caen or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Caen
Glencoe

Glencoe 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 Glencoe. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Caen is not a hiking destination.


Is Caen or Glencoe Better for Families?

Caen
Glencoe

Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is a very family-friendly destination. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

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 Glencoe Better for Couples?

Caen
Glencoe

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

Glencoe makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

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 Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen
Glencoe

Caen is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Caen is a good city to visit for backpackers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.


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

Caen
Glencoe

Caen is well known for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Caen or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Caen
Glencoe

Caen is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Caen?

How long in Caen or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Caen and Glencoe. In our opinion, Caen has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Caen than Glencoe. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caen than Glencoe 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 Caen.


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

One day in Caen or Glencoe?

In Caen, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Glencoe. 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 Glencoe?

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caen has to offer.

Glencoe is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Glencoe?

Caen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food around the natural destination of Glencoe. This village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The serene village of Glencoe offers 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Glencoe or Caen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Caen is €123, while the average daily cost in Glencoe is €137. 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 Caen and Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Caen 61
    Glencoe 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Caen 122
    Glencoe 138
Compare Hotels in Caen and Glencoe

Looking for a hotel in Caen or Glencoe? 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 Caen


Hotels in Glencoe


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: Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Caen 35
    Glencoe 43

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 Caen or Glencoe?

Prices for flights to both Glencoe and Caen 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
    Caen 40
    Glencoe 38

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Glencoe:


  • Lunch for 2
    54
  • Lunch for 2
    27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Caen 19
    Glencoe 34

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

Tours and Activities in Glencoe

Here are a few actual costs in Glencoe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Evening Cruise in Scotland: $46
  • From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour: $61
  • From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express: $219
  • Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora: $64
  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $13
  • Seal Island Cruise Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Caen 17
    Glencoe 7.91


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