A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Grindelwald vs. Calais for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Grindelwald or Calais?

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 Grindelwald and Calais can help you decide which place is right for you.

Grindelwald

Grindelwald is a high adrenaline, breathtaking, and beautiful town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and skiing.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Grindelwald and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Grindelwald or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Calais. Although Grindelwald and Calais are popular destinations, Calais has more sights and attractions for tourists. Calais is very popular for its museums, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Grindelwald attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Grindelwald is more touristy than Calais and is known for its stunning views, beautiful hikes, and breathtaking scenery. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also well known for The Town Hall.

How is Grindelwald different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Grindelwald or Calais Better for Skiing?

Grindelwald is well known for winter skiing. However, Calais is not a skiing destination.

Grindelwald is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. Most of the skiing in the area is best for intermediate level skiers. There are also some places for beginners to ski, but not a lot of options for advanced skiers. The resort is relatively large with 30 lifts and some cross country skiing options as well.

Calais is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Grindelwald or Calais?

Calais is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Grindelwald. If you happen to have poor weather, there are very few indoor activities around town. The area is all about the views and the outdoor setting, so weather is key when visiting.

Is the Food Better in Grindelwald or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Grindelwald and Calais both to be nice destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Grindelwald area. You'll find a casual pizza joint, a cafe, fine dining, and a handful of other restaurants in town.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Grindelwald or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Grindelwald and Calais.

Grindelwald has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the most bars of any of the Jungfrau ski resorts in town. Most are attached to a hotel and offer a nice place to enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Grindelwald or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is very good for the beach. However, Grindelwald is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Grindelwald is not a beach destination.

Is Grindelwald or Calais Better for Hiking?

Grindelwald is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

People visit Grindelwald specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hiking in the area offers spectacular views of the Bernese Alps including Wetterhorn, Eiger, Jungfrau, and Breithorn. There are trails that cater to all levels and hiking is the best way to explore the countryside.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Grindelwald or Calais?

Calais is very good for its shopping areas. However, Grindelwald is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Grindelwald is a good destination for shopping. There are places to pick up sporting equipment that you may have forgotten. Many shops are seasonal and the turnover is frequent as the tourist season ebbs and flows.

Is Grindelwald or Calais Better for Families?

Grindelwald is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Grindelwald is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking, ziplining, and cog railways. There are hikes for every age and skill level and older kids will enjoy the ropes courses and other outdoor activities.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Grindelwald or Calais Better for Couples?

Grindelwald is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Grindelwald frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most people don't visit for the town itself, but instead for the many outdoor adventures in the area. Couples that enjoy hiking and skiing will appreciate a visit to this beautiful alpine setting.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Grindelwald or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Grindelwald is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Grindelwald is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a decent number of hostels in the area, so the town makes a good base for backpackers.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Grindelwald or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Grindelwald and Calais.

You'll find some public transit in Grindelwald, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel around the region.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Grindelwald or Calais a more walkable city?

Grindelwald and Calais both are nice when exploring on foot.

Grindelwald is a somewhat walkable town. Most places in town can be reached on foot but there can be a lot of traffic on the main thoroughfares.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Grindelwald Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Grindelwald?

How long in Grindelwald or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Grindelwald and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Calais than in Grindelwald. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Grindelwald, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Grindelwald than Calais 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 Grindelwald.

One day in Grindelwald or Calais?

Grindelwald might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Calais. 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.

A weekend in Grindelwald or Calais?

Grindelwald is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the undiscovered destination of Calais. 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.

Five days in Grindelwald or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Grindelwald. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

The undiscovered city of Calais offers shopping and museums. 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.

A week in Grindelwald or Calais?

Grindelwald is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Switzerland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grindelwald and Calais, we can see that Grindelwald is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais 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 Grindelwald would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grindelwald than you might in Calais.

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

Which is Bigger, Grindelwald or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Grindelwald. When comparing the sizes of Grindelwald and Calais, 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 Grindelwald or Calais?

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 Grindelwald or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Grindelwald are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Grindelwald for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Grindelwald is a little warmer than Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Grindelwald gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Grindelwald. In July, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Calais. Grindelwald gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Grindelwald during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Grindelwald because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In the autumn, Grindelwald is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Grindelwald in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Calais averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Calais. Grindelwald gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grindelwald. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Grindelwald gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Grindelwald and Calais. The skiing, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Grindelwald this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. It's quite cold in Grindelwald in the winter. In January, Grindelwald is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Grindelwald average around 5°C (41°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Grindelwald usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Grindelwald gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Grindelwald usually receives more rain than Calais. Grindelwald gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Grindelwald or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Grindelwald as well as Calais. Many travelers come to Grindelwald for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Grindelwald is much warmer than Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Grindelwald averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Grindelwald often gets more sunshine than Calais. Grindelwald gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Grindelwald receives a lot of rain in the spring. Grindelwald usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Grindelwald gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Grindelwald