A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hannover vs. Calais for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Hannover or Calais?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hannover and Calais. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Hannover

Hannover is a dynamic, diverse, and vibrant 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.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Hannover and Calais: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Hannover or Calais?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hannover than Calais. Hannover is bigger than Calais, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hannover is better known for its nightlife and historical sights, while Calais is more popular for its beaches. Hannover is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. Also, Hannover is famous for The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Hannover different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hannover
Calais

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Hannover or Calais.

Hannover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.


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

Hannover
Calais

Both Hannover and Calais offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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 Hannover or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Hannover
Calais

Hannover is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Hannover is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

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 Hannover or Calais Better for Beaches?

Hannover
Calais

Calais is a good destination for its beaches. However, Hannover is not a beach destination.

Calais offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Hannover is not a beach destination.


Is Hannover or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Hannover
Calais

Hannover is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Hannover offers a nice historic old town area. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hannover or Calais?

Hannover
Calais

If you're looking to go shopping, Hannover and Calais both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hannover. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Calais offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Hannover or Calais Better for Families?

Hannover
Calais

Both Hannover and Calais are notable family-friendly destinations.

Hannover offers lots of family activities. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Calais is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Hannover or Calais Better for Couples?

Hannover
Calais

Hannover and Calais both notable destinations for a couple.

Hannover is a nice destination for couples. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.

Calais makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Hannover or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hannover
Calais

Hannover is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

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 Hannover or Calais Better for Students?

Hannover
Calais

Hannover is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Hannover is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

Calais is not popular with students.


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

Hannover
Calais

Hannover is well known for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Hannover. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

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 Hannover or Calais a more walkable city?

Hannover
Calais

Hannover is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Hannover is a very walkable destination. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Hannover?

How long in Hannover or Calais?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Hannover or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hannover 1-2 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Hannover or Calais?

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

The city of Calais offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Hannover or Calais?

Hannover 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.

Calais is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Calais, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Hannover or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hannover. 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.

Calais is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Hannover or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Hannover. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Calais is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Hannover?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hannover is €155, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. 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 Hannover and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hannover 85
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hannover 170
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Hannover and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Hannover or Calais? 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 Hannover


Hotels in Calais


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: Hannover Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hannover 23
    Calais 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

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

  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $289
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $271
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $212
  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Hannover or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Hannover 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
    Hannover 49
    Calais 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hannover 35
    Calais 8.92

Tours and Activities in Hannover

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

  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • SEA LIFE Hannover Ticket: $21
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Virtual reality experience in Langenhagen: $131
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hannover 34
    Calais 12


When comparing the travel costs between Hannover and Calais, we can see that Hannover 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 Hannover Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hannover or Calais?

Hannover has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Hannover 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 Hannover or Calais?

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 Hannover or Calais in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hannover as well as Calais. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hannover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hannover is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 18°C (64°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. In the summer, Hannover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Hannover gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets more rain in July than Calais. Hannover gets 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hannover 18°C (64°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Hannover are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hannover for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Hannover is cooler than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Calais during autumn. Hannover gets 104 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hannover usually receives less rain than Calais. Hannover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hannover 10°C (51°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Hannover during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hannover in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Calais can be very cold during winter. Hannover can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hannover is much colder than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hannover in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Calais. Hannover gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Hannover gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hannover 1°C (33°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Calais in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hannover and Calais. Most visitors come to Hannover for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Hannover is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 8°C (47°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Calais during spring. Hannover gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hannover usually receives more rain than Calais. Hannover gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hannover 8°C (47°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Hannover

Hannover Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)


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