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

Should you visit Glasgow or Caen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Caen, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a cultural, historic, and high energy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

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.

Glasgow and Caen: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Glasgow or Caen?

You'll generally find more things to do in Glasgow than Caen. Glasgow is bigger than Caen, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Glasgow is better known for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping, while Caen is more popular for its food. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. Also, Glasgow is famous for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Glasgow different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Glasgow
Caen

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Caen and Glasgow.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Glasgow can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Glasgow or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Glasgow
Caen

Caen is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Caen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Glasgow or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow
Caen

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

Glasgow is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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 Glasgow or Caen Better for Music?

Glasgow
Caen

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

Glasgow is known as a music capital around the world. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Caen is not a live music destination.


Is Glasgow or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow
Caen

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

Glasgow is a good destination for visiting its old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Caen?

Glasgow
Caen

Glasgow is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Glasgow. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Glasgow or Caen Better for Families?

Glasgow
Caen

Glasgow and Caen are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Glasgow offers lots of family activities. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

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


Is Glasgow or Caen Better for Couples?

Glasgow
Caen

Glasgow and Caen are both notable to visit as a couple.

Glasgow is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

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 Glasgow or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow
Caen

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Caen are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Glasgow. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Caen is a good city to visit for backpackers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Glasgow or Caen Better for Students?

Glasgow
Caen

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

Many students visit Glasgow. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Caen is not popular with students.


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

Glasgow
Caen

Glasgow and Caen both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit in Caen is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Is Glasgow or Caen a more walkable city?

Glasgow
Caen

Glasgow 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.

Glasgow is very walkable. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Caen?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Glasgow or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Glasgow. 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, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Glasgow or Caen?

Glasgow 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.

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caen has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Caen?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Glasgow. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Caen?

The high energy city of Glasgow offers shopping and museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen or Glasgow?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, while the average daily cost in Caen is £105. 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 Glasgow and Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Glasgow £74
    Caen £52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Glasgow £148
    Caen £104
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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 Glasgow


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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Glasgow £27
    Caen £30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

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

  • Roundtrip Transfer Glasgow Airport(GLA) to Glenshee Ski Resort: $207
  • Private Transfer: Glasgow to Glasgow International Airport (GLA): $68
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Glasgow : $82
  • Private 1-Way/Roundtrip Transfer to Glasgow Airport: $172
  • Easy Bus Transfer Between Airport and City Center: $12
  • Arrivals Airport Transfer to City Accommodations: $55
  • Glasgow to Stirling Luxury Car Transfer: $203
  • Glasgow to Inverness Direct transfer: $781
  • Glasgow to Gleneagles Luxury Car Transfer: $241
  • Glasgow to Aberdeen Int Airport (ABZ)-Departure Private Transfer: $120
  • Glasgow hotels to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $108

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 Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen and Glasgow 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
    Glasgow £45
    Caen £34
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    £1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

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

  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Glasgow £22
    Caen £16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)
    £12
  • Two Bike Rental
    £34

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.

  • 1.5hr Glasgow Necropolis Tour: The City of the Dead: $144
  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour of Glasgow: $209
  • 2-Day Highlands and Loch Ness Tour from Glasgow: $260
  • 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour: $272
  • 3-Hour Private Glasgow Essentials Tour: $284
  • Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package: $53
  • City Sightseeing Glasgow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
  • Discover Glasgow's Finest - Private Walking Tour: $512
  • Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan - 2 Day Tour from Glasgow: $152
  • Executive Scottish Lowlands Tour: $1,124
  • From Glasgow, Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour: $1,031
  • From 3-Day Isle of Skye, Highlands & Loch Ness Tour: $262

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
    Glasgow £15
    Caen £14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    £12
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    £3.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow

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

  • Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456


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


Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Caen?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Caen. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Glasgow is cooler than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Caen during summer. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Caen. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Caen. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

In October, Glasgow is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Caen. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Glasgow usually gets more rain in October than Caen. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. Glasgow can be very cold during winter. Glasgow is much colder than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Caen during winter. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In January, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Caen. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Glasgow 3°C (38°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Glasgow during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In the spring, Glasgow is cooler than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Caen. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in April than Caen. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Caen and Glasgow

Glasgow Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)