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

Should you visit Dover or Caen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Caen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a stunning, natural, and breathtaking town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

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.

Dover and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Caen?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Caen than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Caen is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Dover is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge.

How is Dover different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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

Caen is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Caen is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Caen is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Caen Better for Hiking?

Dover is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Caen is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is Dover or Caen Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Caen.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Caen is a family-friendly town. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Dover or Caen Better for Couples?

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

Dover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Caen are notable destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Caen a more walkable city?

Dover and Caen both are notable when exploring on foot.

Dover is a somewhat walkable town. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Dover?

How long in Dover or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Caen. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caen than Dover 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 Caen.

One day in Dover or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Caen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this park-filled destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dover or Caen?

Dover is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. 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.

Five days in Dover or Caen?

You'll find museums and food around the natural destination of Dover. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Dover or Caen?

The rustic town of Dover offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover or Caen?

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 Dover or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Dover during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dover in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dover is around the same temperature as Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dover in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dover. In the summer, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caen. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Caen. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Caen. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 12°C (54°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caen during autumn. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dover usually receives less rain than Caen. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dover or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dover as well as Caen. The winter months attract visitors to Dover because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. The weather in Dover can be very cold. Dover is cooler than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Dover often gets less sunshine than Caen. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Dover is around the same temperature as Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dover in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caen during spring. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dover usually receives less rain than Caen. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Dover