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

Should you visit Caen or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona. 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. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a laid-back, historic, and elegant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

Caen and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Pamplona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Pamplona is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Caen attracts visitors for its museums. Pamplona is more touristy than Caen and is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also well known for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Caen and Pamplona.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Caen or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

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

Pamplona has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

Pamplona is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is Caen or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Pamplona?

Pamplona is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Pamplona. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Pamplona Better for Families?

Both Caen and Pamplona 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 Pamplona. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Caen or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Caen and Pamplona both nice destinations for a couple.

Caen is a nice destination for couples. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Pamplona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Caen or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pamplona is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Pamplona has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Caen or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is very walkable. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city 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 Pamplona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Caen?

How long in Caen or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Caen or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Caen than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona. 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 Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona 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 Pamplona?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Pamplona. This city 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 Pamplona?

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.

The historic city of Pamplona offers nightlife and 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Caen as well as Pamplona. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Caen is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Caen in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Pamplona averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. In the summer, Caen often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Caen is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 12°C (54°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Caen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. Caen is much colder than Pamplona in the winter. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caen usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Pamplona. Most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Caen is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caen in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Pamplona averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Caen usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Caen