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

Should you visit Caen or Milan?

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 Milan. 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.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Caen and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Caen. Milan is bigger than Caen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Caen different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Caen or Milan.

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.

Milan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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

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

Eat your way through Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is renowned for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Milan is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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.

Is Caen or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is renowned for live music. However, Caen is not a live music destination.

Milan is known as a music capital around the world. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Caen is not a live music destination.

Is Caen or Milan Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Milan is one of the most recognized in the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Milan?

Milan is renowned for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Milan. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Milan Better for Families?

Both Caen and Milan are notable 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 Milan. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Caen or Milan Better for Couples?

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

Milan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

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 Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Milan is very popular with the backpacker crowd. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

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

Milan is a very popular place to visit for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Milan is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Milan has a great public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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

Is Caen or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan 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 Milan. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Caen?

How long in Caen or Milan?

In either Caen or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan 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 Milan.

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Milan?

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.

Milan is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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.

A weekend in Caen or Milan?

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.

Milan 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 Milan?

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.

Milan is a chic big city where you can fill many days. 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 Milan?

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.

The cultural city of Milan offers shopping and museums. 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.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Milan. Most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Milan during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives less rain than Milan. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Caen as well as Milan. The autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

Caen is cooler than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Milan. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Caen usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. In the winter, Caen is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Milan during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Milan. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Caen during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Caen is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Caen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in April than Milan. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Milan and Caen