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

Should you visit Caen or Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza. 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.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a historical, compact, and authentic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Zaragoza?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Caen than Zaragoza. While Zaragoza is larger than Caen, Caen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Caen is better known for its big city activities, while Zaragoza is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge. Zaragoza is well known for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Caen different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Caen or Zaragoza.

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.

Zaragoza offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Caen and Zaragoza.

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 Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Caen or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Caen and Zaragoza.

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.

Zaragoza has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Caen or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Zaragoza?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Zaragoza Better for Families?

Both Caen and Zaragoza are notable 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 Zaragoza. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Caen or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

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

Zaragoza makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

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 Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen and Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Caen or Zaragoza Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find great public transit in both Caen and Zaragoza.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Public transit in Zaragoza can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams around the city.

Is Caen or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is very walkable. The city center is very walkable.

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 Zaragoza Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Caen?

How long in Caen or Zaragoza?

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

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

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

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

One day in Caen or Zaragoza?

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

Caen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

Caen is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza?

Caen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

The historical city of Zaragoza 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 from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Caen as well as Zaragoza. Many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Zaragoza for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Zaragoza. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

Both Zaragoza and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Caen usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Zaragoza in the Winter?

Both Zaragoza and Caen during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. In the winter, Caen is much colder than Zaragoza. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in January than Zaragoza. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Zaragoza in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Zaragoza. The activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zaragoza for the natural beauty.

In April, Caen is generally much colder than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zaragoza this time of the year. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Zaragoza during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Caen