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

Should you visit Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt and Caen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a energetic, dynamic, and diverse city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Frankfurt 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
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Frankfurt or Caen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Frankfurt than Caen. Frankfurt is bigger than Caen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Frankfurt is well known for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. Also, Frankfurt is famous for The Old Town Center. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

The Old Town Center
The Old Town Center

How is Frankfurt different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Frankfurt
Caen

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Caen and Frankfurt.

Many visitors head to Frankfurt specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Frankfurt or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Frankfurt
Caen

Dining out at restaurants in both Frankfurt and Caen can be an enjoyable experience.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Caen makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Frankfurt or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Frankfurt
Caen

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

Frankfurt has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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 Frankfurt or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt
Caen

Frankfurt is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

Frankfurt is a good destination for visiting its old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Caen does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Frankfurt or Caen?

Frankfurt
Caen

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Frankfurt. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Frankfurt or Caen Better for Families?

Frankfurt
Caen

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt is a very family-friendly destination. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt or Caen Better for Couples?

Frankfurt
Caen

Both Frankfurt and Caen are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Frankfurt is a good city for couples to visit. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Caen is a nice destination for couples. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.


Is Frankfurt or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Frankfurt
Caen

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

Frankfurt is very popular with the backpacker crowd. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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 Frankfurt or Caen Better for Students?

Frankfurt
Caen

Frankfurt is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Frankfurt is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Frankfurt
Caen

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt has a great public transit system. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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


Is Frankfurt or Caen a more walkable city?

Frankfurt
Caen

Frankfurt is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Frankfurt is very walkable. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Frankfurt?

How long in Frankfurt or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Frankfurt and Caen. In our opinion, Frankfurt has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Frankfurt than Caen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Frankfurt, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Frankfurt or Caen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Frankfurt 1-3 
    Caen 2-3

One day in Frankfurt or Caen?

Frankfurt is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Frankfurt or Caen?

Frankfurt is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 park-filled 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 Frankfurt or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the connected big city of Frankfurt. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the important 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 Frankfurt or Caen?

The modern city of Frankfurt offers nightlife and food. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen or Frankfurt?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Frankfurt is €122, 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 Frankfurt and Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Frankfurt 58
    Caen 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Frankfurt 116
    Caen 122
Compare Hotels in Frankfurt and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt


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: Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Frankfurt 25
    Caen 35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Frankfurt

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Frankfurt:


  • Car Rental
    50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Frankfurt

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

  • Wiesbaden Thermal to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Departure Transfer: $27
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $54
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Kaiserlautern: $267
  • Transfer in Private Vehicle from Frankfurt Airport (FRA)- Frankfurt City: $54
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Frankfurt City - Frankfurt Airport (FRA): $61
  • Transfer from Frankfurt Airport to Baden-Baden: $396
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Frankfurt Airport (FRA) - Frankfurt City: $123
  • Private transfer from Frankfurt am Main to Prague: $1,059
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg Port/Harbor transport: $284
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Van: $76
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt to Frankfurt Airport FRA in Sedan Car: $72
  • Private Transfer: Frankfurt Airport FRA to Frankfurt in Van: $76

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 Frankfurt or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen and Frankfurt 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
    Frankfurt 41
    Caen 40
Typical Food Prices in Frankfurt

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


  • Soda
    2.00
  • Bagel Sandwich and Latte
    7.00
  • Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Coffee
    6.00
  • Sandwich and Cola
    7.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Frankfurt

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

  • FOOD TOUR WITH 3-4 LOCAL INSIDER FOODSPOTS: $80
  • Eltz Castle Small-Group Tour from Frankfurt with Dinner: $281

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Frankfurt 36
    Caen 19

Tours and Activities in Frankfurt

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

  • 2-Hour Best of Frankfurt Walking Tour (English): $26
  • Atta Dripstone Cave and Braunfels Castle Tour from Frankfurt: $271
  • Bike Tour of Frankfurt Top Attractions & Nature with a Guide : $207
  • Bike tour city tour by bike to Skyline, Goethe, and apple wine: $53
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Breathtaking Pearls of Frankfurt - Walking Tour: $242
  • Cologne & Limburg Full-Day Tour: $283
  • Culinary Frankfurt Walking Tour: $609
  • Exciting private city tour of Frankfurt for your group: $164
  • Explore Bird & Marine Wildlife private Boat Tour in English: $108
  • Franfurt Horror Tour: Terror of the White Spider: $20
  • Frankfurt - Old Town Historic Walking Tour: $374

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
    Frankfurt 30
    Caen 17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Frankfurt

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Frankfurt:


  • Becks Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Frankfurt

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Frankfurt:

  • Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $21
  • Enjoy the night with our Pub Tours: $32
  • Weekend Night Pub Crawl through Alt-Sachsenhausen: $34
  • Full Day Private Rhine Valley Wine Tour Experience from Frankfurt: $279
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $280
  • Frankfurt Wine Tasting Tour with a Wine Expert: $286
  • Guided Walk Tour With Apple Wine Tasting: $334
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513
  • Private Rhine Valley tour with river cruise & wine tasting: $748


When comparing the travel costs between Frankfurt and Caen, we can see that Caen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Frankfurt Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Frankfurt or Caen?

Frankfurt has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Frankfurt are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Frankfurt in the summer for the city activities 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, Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Frankfurt in July average around 19°C (67°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 Frankfurt. Frankfurt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caen during summer. Frankfurt gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Frankfurt usually receives more rain than Caen. Frankfurt gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Frankfurt 19°C (67°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Frankfurt during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Frankfurt is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Frankfurt average around 11°C (51°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Frankfurt often gets less sunshine than Caen. Frankfurt gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets less rain in October than Caen. Frankfurt gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Frankfurt 11°C (51°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Caen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Frankfurt and Caen. The winter months attract visitors to Frankfurt because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Frankfurt can be very cold. Frankfurt is much colder than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Frankfurt averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Frankfurt usually receives less sunshine than Caen during winter. Frankfurt gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Frankfurt usually receives less rain than Caen. Frankfurt gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Frankfurt 1°C (34°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Frankfurt or Caen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Frankfurt as well as Caen. The activities around the city are the main draw to Frankfurt this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Frankfurt is around the same temperature as Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Frankfurt in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Frankfurt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caen. Frankfurt gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Frankfurt usually gets more rain in April than Caen. Frankfurt gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Frankfurt 10°C (50°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Frankfurt

Frankfurt Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)