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

Should you visit Caen or Varenna?

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 Varenna. 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.

Varenna

Varenna is a beautiful, scenic, and pristine village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Caen and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Varenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Caen. Although Caen and Varenna are popular destinations, Caen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Caen is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Varenna attracts visitors for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than Caen and is known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. It is also well known for Pegasus Bridge.

How is Caen different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Caen is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

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

Eat your way through Varenna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Caen is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Caen or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna 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 Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Varenna?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Varenna Better for Families?

Both Caen and Varenna 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 Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Caen or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is renowned for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen and Varenna are both nice 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 Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is Caen or Varenna 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, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Caen or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna 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 Varenna. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored 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 Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Caen?

How long in Caen or Varenna?

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

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Varenna?

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 and food when visiting the destination of Varenna. 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 Varenna?

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.

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

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 shopping and museums around the pristine destination of Varenna. This village 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 Varenna?

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 beautiful village of Varenna offers museums 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Varenna?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Varenna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In July, Caen usually receives less rain than Varenna. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Caen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Caen is generally cooler than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 12°C (54°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caen usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Varenna. Many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. Caen is around the same temperature as Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caen usually receives less rain than Varenna. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Caen as well as Varenna. Many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Caen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Caen usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Caen