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

Should you visit Caen or Pisa?

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 Pisa. 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. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Caen and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Pisa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pisa than Caen. While Caen is larger than Pisa, Pisa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pisa is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen attracts visitors for its big city activities. Pisa is more touristy than Caen and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also well known for The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Caen different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Caen or Pisa.

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.

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

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

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 Pisa. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Caen or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

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

Pisa has a large number of nightlife venues. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa Better for Beaches?

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

Pisa offers a nice beach destination. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa 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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Pisa?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Pisa Better for Families?

Both Caen and Pisa 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 Pisa. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Caen or Pisa Better for Couples?

Caen and Pisa 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.

Pisa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Caen or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Pisa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

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

Pisa is a very popular place to visit for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Caen can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Caen or Pisa a more walkable city?

Pisa 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.

Pisa is very walkable. The city is a great place 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 Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Caen?

How long in Caen or Pisa?

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

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pisa. 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 Pisa?

Caen is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

You'll find food and museums around the park-filled destination of Caen. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the world-famous destination of Pisa. 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 Pisa?

The park-filled city of Caen offers museums and nightlife. 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.

The world-famous city of Pisa 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Pisa?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Pisa. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Caen is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Caen in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Pisa averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives more rain than Pisa. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Caen as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions. Additionally, many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Caen is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 12°C (54°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Caen usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. Caen is cooler than Pisa in the winter. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caen usually receives less rain than Pisa. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Caen during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Caen is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Caen in April average around 9°C (49°F), and Pisa averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Caen often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caen usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Caen