A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Caen vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Caen or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. 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.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Caen and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Pompeii?

Both Pompeii and Caen have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Caen is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Pompeii is more popular for its museums and shopping. Pompeii is more touristy than Caen and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Pompeii from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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.

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

Caen is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Caen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Caen or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Caen is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Caen. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Pompeii?

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

Shopping in Pompeii can be found for those interested. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly destination. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Caen or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Caen and Pompeii both notable 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.

Pompeii makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Caen or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen and Pompeii are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Caen or Pompeii Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Caen offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Caen or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Caen?

How long in Caen or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Caen or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Caen than Pompeii 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 Pompeii.

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

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

One day in Caen or Pompeii?

In Caen, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Caen or Pompeii?

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caen has to offer.

Pompeii is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

Five days in Caen or Pompeii?

Caen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums around the ancient destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The iconic archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Caen or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Caen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

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

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caen usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Pompeii. Most visitors come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

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

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Caen usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Caen as well as Pompeii. The spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Caen often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Caen