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

Should you visit Caen or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 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.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Caen and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although Caen and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Caen is known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Caen different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Eat your way through Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Caen is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Caen or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Caen is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Caen is not a resort destination.

Is Caen or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Caen or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is Caen or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Caen is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is Caen or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Caen and Kotor are good 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 Kotor. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Caen or Kotor Better for Couples?

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

Kotor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kotor is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Visitors to Caen can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Caen or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor 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 Kotor. The old town is best explored 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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Caen?

How long in Caen or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Caen or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal town 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 Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic 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.

Because Kotor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Caen and Kotor, we can see that Caen is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Kotor.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Kotor?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Caen or Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Caen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Caen is much colder than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Caen. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kotor. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Kotor. Many visitors come to Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Caen is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Caen in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Kotor. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Caen as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

Caen can be very cold during winter. In January, Caen is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 5°C (41°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Caen usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

Caen is much colder than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 9°C (49°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Kotor. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Caen