A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dundee vs. Carcassonne for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Dundee or Carcassonne?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Carcassonne? 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.

Dundee

Dundee is a coastal, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food and museums.

Dundee and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Dundee or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dundee. Although Dundee and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Dundee has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dundee is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Dundee and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. It is also home to Discovery Point and RRS Discovery.

How is Dundee different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dundee or Carcassonne?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.


Is the Food Better in Dundee or Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Carcassonne makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Dundee is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Dundee or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Carcassonne to see the historical old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Carcassonne?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Dundee is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dundee is a good destination for shopping. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dundee or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dundee or Carcassonne.

Dundee is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly city. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Dundee or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a popular place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.


Is Dundee or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Carcassonne Better for Students?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Dundee is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Is Dundee or Carcassonne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Both Dundee and Carcassonne offer good public transit options.

Dundee has a few public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.


Is Dundee or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Dundee
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is an amazing town to visit for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

For even more information, also check out Is Dundee Worth Visiting? and Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Carcassonne?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carcassonne than Dundee 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.


  • How many days in Dundee or Carcassonne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Carcassonne 1-2

One day in Dundee or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Dundee. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Carcassonne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dundee or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Dundee. This city 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.

Carcassonne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Dundee or Carcassonne?

The cultural city of Dundee offers museums and nightlife. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carcassonne. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dundee or Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Dundee. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historical destination of Carcassonne. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Dundee?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is £91. 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 Dundee and Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Carcassonne £52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Carcassonne £104
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Carcassonne? 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 Dundee


Hotels in Carcassonne


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: Dundee Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Carcassonne £6.11

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Dundee 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
    Dundee £47
    Carcassonne £33
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Carcassonne £12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $82
  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Carcassonne £11

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Carcassonne?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Dundee and Carcassonne, 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 Dundee or Carcassonne?

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 Dundee or Carcassonne in the Summer?

Both Carcassonne and Dundee during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dundee for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Dundee is much colder than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Carcassonne. The autumn months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In the autumn, Dundee is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dundee in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dundee usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Carcassonne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Carcassonne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dundee in the winter. In January, Dundee is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 3°C (38°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dundee for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Dundee is much colder than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dundee usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Dundee

Dundee Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)