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

Should you visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include live music, 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.

Edinburgh and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Edinburgh than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Edinburgh is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Caen attracts visitors for its food. Edinburgh is more touristy than Caen and is known for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. It is also well known for The Edinburgh Castle. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Edinburgh different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Edinburgh from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Edinburgh or Caen Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for theatre. However, Caen is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh offers many theater and performance venues for visitors. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Caen is not a theatre destination.

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

Caen is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Caen has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

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 Edinburgh or Caen Better for Music?

Edinburgh is renowned for live music. However, Caen is not a live music destination.

Edinburgh is known as a music capital around the world. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

Caen is not a live music destination.

Is Edinburgh or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Edinburgh is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Edinburgh is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Caen?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Edinburgh. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Edinburgh or Caen Better for Families?

Edinburgh is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Edinburgh is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

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 Edinburgh or Caen Better for Couples?

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

Edinburgh makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

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 Edinburgh or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh or Caen Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Caen a more walkable city?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Caen?

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

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

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

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

One day in Edinburgh or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Edinburgh. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Caen. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Edinburgh or Caen?

Edinburgh 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Caen. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Edinburgh or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Edinburgh. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Caen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Edinburgh or Caen?

The charming city of Edinburgh offers museums and theater. 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 choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Edinburgh and Caen, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Caen?

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

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

In July, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 14°C (58°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Caen. Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Caen during summer. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Caen. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Caen in the Autumn?

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

Edinburgh is cooler than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Caen. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Caen. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Caen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Caen. Many visitors come to Edinburgh in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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. Edinburgh can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Edinburgh is much colder than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Edinburgh in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Caen during winter. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Edinburgh usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Caen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Caen. Most visitors come to Edinburgh 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, Edinburgh is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 7°C (45°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Caen. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in April than Caen. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Edinburgh