Which place is cheaper, Caen or Coimbra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Coimbra or Caen?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Coimbra or Caen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Coimbra or Caen?
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.
Caen
Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCoimbra €103Caen €123
The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Caen is €123. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Coimbra and Caen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCoimbra €44Caen €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCoimbra €88Caen €122
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Caen
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Caen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Caen Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Coimbra €11Caen €35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra
Also for Coimbra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Caen
Also for Caen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63
- Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32
- Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Caen?
Prices for flights to both Caen and Coimbra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayCoimbra €48Caen €40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Coimbra €18Caen €19
Tours and Activities in Coimbra
For Coimbra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $199
- A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $120
- An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $70
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
- An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $131
- Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $76
- Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $134
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $254
- Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
- Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
Tours and Activities in Caen
For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
- Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
- Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
- Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
- D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268
- D-Day private tour Omaha Beach from Caen with audio guide.: $268
- From Caen or Bayeux: Normandy History Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
- Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
- Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
- Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCoimbra €12Caen €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:
- Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coimbra and Caen, we can see that Caen is more expensive. And not only is Coimbra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coimbra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coimbra 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 Caen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Caen than you might in Coimbra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Coimbra Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Caen?
Caen has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra and Caen, 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 Coimbra or Caen?
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 Coimbra or Caen in the Summer?
Both Caen and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Coimbra is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Coimbra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Caen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Caen during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Caen. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCoimbra 23°C (73°F)Caen 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Caen in the Autumn?
Both Caen and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.
In October, Coimbra is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 18°C (65°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the autumn, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Caen. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets more rain in October than Caen. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCoimbra 18°C (65°F)Caen 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Caen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Caen. Furthermore, many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. Coimbra is much warmer than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Caen. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCoimbra 11°C (51°F)Caen 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Coimbra or Caen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Caen. Additionally, many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Coimbra is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Coimbra in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Caen. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.
Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Caen. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCoimbra 15°C (59°F)Caen 9°C (49°F)
Typical Weather for Caen and Coimbra
| Coimbra | Caen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (51°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (53°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (56°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (71°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (65°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.