A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hannover vs. Carcassonne for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Old Town

Should you visit Hannover or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne. 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 cultural, dynamic, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Hannover and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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


Is there more to do in Hannover or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hannover. Although Hannover and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Hannover has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hannover is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Hannover and is known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Hannover is popular for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. It is also home to The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen.

How is Hannover different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Hannover
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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


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

Hannover
Carcassonne

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Hannover or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Hannover
Carcassonne

Hannover is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Hannover has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Hannover or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Hannover
Carcassonne

Visitors enjoy the good old town areas in both Hannover and Carcassonne.

Hannover is a good destination for visiting its old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Many people head to Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.


Is the Shopping Better in Hannover or Carcassonne?

Hannover
Carcassonne

Hannover is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hannover or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Hannover
Carcassonne

Both Hannover and Carcassonne are good 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.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Hannover or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Hannover
Carcassonne

Hannover and Carcassonne both good destinations for a couple.

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

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Hannover or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hannover
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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.

Is Hannover or Carcassonne Better for Students?

Hannover
Carcassonne

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

Many students visit Hannover. 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Hannover
Carcassonne

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

Public transit in Hannover is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.


Is Hannover or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Hannover
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is very popular for its walkability. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Carcassonne is a very easy town to get around on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Hannover?

How long in Hannover or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hannover or Carcassonne to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Hannover or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dynamic city of Hannover. 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.

The town of Carcassonne offers museums and food. 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse destination of Hannover. 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.

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


Five days in Hannover or Carcassonne?

The cultural city of Hannover 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.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

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

Carcassonne 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 town 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is €106. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hannover 85
    Carcassonne 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hannover 170
    Carcassonne 122
Compare Hotels in Hannover and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Hannover or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hannover 23
    Carcassonne 7.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hannover or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hannover 35
    Carcassonne 14

Tours and Activities in Hannover

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

  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • Hamelin Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $257
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

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

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hannover 34
    Carcassonne 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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

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


Which is Bigger, Hannover or Carcassonne?

Hannover has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Hannover and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Hannover or Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hannover and Carcassonne. The summer months attract visitors to Hannover because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Hannover is cooler than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Hannover gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hannover usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Hannover gets 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hannover 18°C (64°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hannover as well as Carcassonne. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hannover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hannover is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hannover in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Hannover gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Hannover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hannover 10°C (51°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Hannover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hannover for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hannover. In January, Hannover is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 1°C (33°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Hannover gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hannover usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carcassonne. Hannover gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hannover 1°C (33°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Hannover during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hannover in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Hannover is much colder than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Carcassonne. Hannover gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Hannover gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hannover 8°C (47°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Hannover

Hannover Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)