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

Should you visit Caen or Venice?

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 Venice. 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.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Venice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Venice than Caen. Venice is bigger than Caen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Venice is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Caen is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Caen and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caen is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Caen or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Caen is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Caen has a few options to choose from. 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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Caen or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Venice?

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Venice. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very family-friendly destination. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Venice is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

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

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Venice 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.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Caen or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice 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 Venice. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Caen?

How long in Caen or Venice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Caen. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Venice. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Venice?

Caen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Venice 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 Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Venice. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Venice?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the important destination of Caen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful city of Venice. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Venice. Many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives less rain than Venice. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Caen as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Caen is cooler than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Venice. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Venice in the Winter?

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

The weather in Venice can be very cold. Caen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Caen is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Venice during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caen usually receives more rain than Venice. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Caen during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

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

In the spring, Caen often gets more sunshine than Venice. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in April than Venice. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Caen