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

Should you visit Copenhagen or Caen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Caen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a laid-back, progressive, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Copenhagen and Caen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Copenhagen than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also well known for Tivoli Gardens. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Copenhagen different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Copenhagen or Caen?

Copenhagen
Caen

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Caen.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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.


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

Copenhagen
Caen

Copenhagen is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Copenhagen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Copenhagen or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen
Caen

Copenhagen is renowned for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Copenhagen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Copenhagen or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Copenhagen
Caen

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Caen does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Caen?

Copenhagen
Caen

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

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Copenhagen. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Copenhagen or Caen Better for Families?

Copenhagen
Caen

Copenhagen is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Copenhagen is very family-friendly. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Caen Better for Couples?

Copenhagen
Caen

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

Copenhagen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

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 Copenhagen or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen
Caen

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

Copenhagen is very popular with the backpacker crowd. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Caen Better for Students?

Copenhagen
Caen

Copenhagen is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Many students visit Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Copenhagen
Caen

Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen has a great public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

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


Is Copenhagen or Caen a more walkable city?

Copenhagen
Caen

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Copenhagen and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than in Caen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Copenhagen or Caen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Copenhagen 2-5 
    Caen 2-3

One day in Copenhagen or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Copenhagen. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Caen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Caen?

Copenhagen 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Caen, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Copenhagen or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the laid-back destination of Copenhagen. 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.

Caen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Caen?

The laid-back city of Copenhagen 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.

Caen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen or Copenhagen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Copenhagen is $208, while the average daily cost in Caen is $132. 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 Copenhagen and Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Copenhagen $89
    Caen $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Copenhagen $178
    Caen $130
Compare Hotels in Copenhagen and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Copenhagen 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.

Hotels in Copenhagen


Hotels in Caen


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: Copenhagen Hotel Prices and Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Copenhagen $71
    Caen $38
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Copenhagen:


  • Bicycle Renting
    $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Copenhagen

Also for Copenhagen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer to/from hotel from/to airport Copenhagen: $143
  • Private Transfers in Copenhagen – to/from airport or hotel: $146
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Copenhagen Airport CPH: $130
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Roskilde Airport RKE: $61
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen hotel/address: $63
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Hotels to Copenhagen Airport: $67
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen CPH to Copenhagen Port by Sedan: $123
  • Private Transfer from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Port: $104
  • Private Transfer Copenhagen City Center to Kastrup Airport (CPH): $67
  • Private Luxury Van Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen: $123
  • Private Copenhagen Airport Transfer to Copenhagen: $117
  • Luxury Vehicule Transfer from Copenhagen Port to Copenhagen CPH: $123

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 Copenhagen or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen and Copenhagen 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Copenhagen $61
    Caen $43
Typical Food Prices in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Hot Dogs
    $14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Nørrebro District: $91
  • Copenhagen Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $125
  • The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour: $147
  • Private Authentic Home Indian Cooking & Dining Experience: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Copenhagen $31
    Caen $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Copenhagen

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Copenhagen's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Boat Tour
    $8.56
  • Coffee
    $14

Tours and Activities in Copenhagen

For Copenhagen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Hours Tour To Wonderful Copenhagen Highlights: $262
  • 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Copenhagen: $62
  • Light Version Adventures in Forgotten Giants : $144
  • 1-Hour Private Segway Tour Copenhagen: $73
  • 2 Hour Copenhagen Segway Tour: $77
  • 2 Hour Copenhagen Tour on Electric Scooter "Stand Up Bike" : $77
  • 2 Hours Copenhagen E-Bike Guided Tours: $77
  • 2 Hours Guided Kayak Tour in Copenhagen Harbor: $58
  • 2-Hour Private Copenhagen Segway Tour: $92
  • 3 Hour Private Guided Copenhagen Walking Tour: $118
  • 3-hour Culinary Bike Tour in English: $97
  • Bagsværd Lake Boat Tour : $15

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Copenhagen $13
    Caen $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Copenhagen

Also in Copenhagen, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Alternative Nightlife Pub Crawl: $36
  • Guided Party Pub Crawl with 4 Shots and 1 Drink: $43
  • Danish Wine Tasting Tour with Guide in Copenhagen Nyhavn: $358


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


Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Caen?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Copenhagen is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Caen. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Copenhagen 17°C (63°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Copenhagen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

Copenhagen is cooler than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in October than Caen. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Copenhagen 10°C (50°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Caen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Caen. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In January, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Caen. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Copenhagen 1°C (33°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Copenhagen or Caen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Caen. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Caen because of the activities around the city.

In April, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in April than Caen. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Copenhagen 7°C (45°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Copenhagen

Copenhagen Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 3°C (37°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)