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

Should you visit Caen or Rome?

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 Rome. 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.

Rome

Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled 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 Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Rome?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Caen. Rome is bigger than Caen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

The Colosseum

How is Caen different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eat your way through Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

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

Rome is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

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

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Caen is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Rome?

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Rome Better for Families?

Rome 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.

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

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

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

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

Rome is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Rome 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.

Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Caen or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Caen?

How long in Caen or Rome?

Both Caen and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Caen. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Caen, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Rome?

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.

Rome is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Caen or Rome?

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.

Rome is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Rome?

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

Rome is a archeological big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Rome?

The important 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.

Rome is a popular city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Caen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Caen. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Rome. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Rome. The autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

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

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Rome. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Caen as well as Rome. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. In the winter, Caen is much colder than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Rome. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Caen is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Rome. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Caen