A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Carcassonne vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Carcassonne and Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Carcassonne and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Although Carcassonne and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Plitvice Lakes National Park has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Carcassonne and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. It is also home to the terraced chain of lakes. Carcassonne is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Carcassonne different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Carcassonne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Carcassonne is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Carcassonne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carcassonne is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is very good for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Carcassonne is a good destination for visiting its old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Is Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly destination. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Is Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carcassonne is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Carcassonne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Carcassonne and Plitvice Lakes National Park are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Carcassonne. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

Getting around Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot is easy. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

For even more information, also check out Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park to fill your time. In our opinion, Carcassonne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Carcassonne than Plitvice Lakes National Park. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carcassonne than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Carcassonne.

One day in Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the scenic national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Carcassonne is a fun place to experience. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the scenic destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and food around the fairytale destination of Carcassonne. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 world-famous national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The medieval town of Carcassonne offers food and museums. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Carcassonne Expensive? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of the year. In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carcassonne in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the cuisine.

The weather in Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold. In January, Carcassonne is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 8°C (47°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Carcassonne during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Carcassonne