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

Should you visit Caen or Naples?

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 Naples. 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.

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Naples?

You'll generally find more things to do in Naples than Caen. Naples 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. Naples is well known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. Also, Naples is famous for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Caen different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Caen or Naples.

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.

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

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

Eat your way through Naples, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Naples is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Naples has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for its Old Town?

Naples is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Naples?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Naples Better for Families?

Both Caen and Naples 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 Naples. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Caen or Naples Better for Couples?

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

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Naples is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Naples is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Caen and Naples.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Public transit in Naples can get you to some places easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Caen or Naples a more walkable city?

Naples is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore 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 Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Caen?

How long in Caen or Naples?

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

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Caen. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Naples 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 Naples?

Caen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Naples is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating big city of Naples. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Naples?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the important destination of Caen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The colorful city of Naples offers nightlife and food. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Caen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Naples, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Caen. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Naples. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Naples. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Naples. Most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Naples because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Caen is cooler than Naples in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Naples during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Naples. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Naples in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Caen as well as Naples. 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 Naples this time of year.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. In the winter, Caen is much colder than Naples. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Naples averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Naples. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Caen usually gets less rain in January than Naples. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the activities around the city.

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

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Naples during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Naples. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Caen