A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cambridge vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Cambridge or Paris?

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 Cambridge and Paris. 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a charming, historic, and beautiful university town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic 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 shopping, museums, and theater.

Cambridge and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than Cambridge, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cambridge is known for its small town charm. Paris is more touristy than Cambridge and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Cambridge is popular for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Cambridge different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Paris and Cambridge. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cambridge or Paris?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Cambridge offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Is Cambridge or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is a must-visit destination for theatre. However, Cambridge is not a theatre destination.

Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Cambridge is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Cambridge or Paris? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Is Cambridge or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Paris is a world class party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Cambridge or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Cambridge is not a live music destination.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Cambridge is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Paris?

Paris is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Cambridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Is Cambridge or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cambridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Paris draws large crowds. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Cambridge does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cambridge or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Cambridge or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Couples visit Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Is Cambridge or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Cambridge or Paris Better for Students?

Both Cambridge and Paris are amazing destinations for students.

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Is Cambridge or Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Paris has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Cambridge or Paris a more walkable city?

Cambridge is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Cambridge is a very easy university town to get around on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

Paris is a very walkable university town. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Paris?

Both Cambridge and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Cambridge. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cambridge, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Cambridge 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 Paris.

One day in Cambridge or Paris?

In Cambridge, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Cambridge or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cambridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Cambridge or Paris?

Cambridge is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cambridge. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Cambridge or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Cambridge. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cambridge and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Cambridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cambridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cambridge 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Cambridge.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cambridge Expensive? and Is Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge and Paris, 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.