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

Should you visit Istanbul or Caen?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul 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.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a diverse, beautiful, and high-energy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a historic, park-filled, and important city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Istanbul and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Caen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Istanbul different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Istanbul from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Istanbul or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. 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 Istanbul or Caen Better for Nightlife?

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

Istanbul has a large number of nightlife venues. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

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 Istanbul or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Istanbul is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Caen?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Istanbul. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Istanbul or Caen Better for Families?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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 Istanbul or Caen Better for Couples?

Istanbul is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Istanbul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Istanbul or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Istanbul. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Caen Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul has a great public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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

Is Istanbul or Caen a more walkable city?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Caen. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

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

One day in Istanbul or Caen?

Istanbul is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Caen?

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Caen 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 Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Caen?

Istanbul is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Caen 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 Istanbul or Caen?

Istanbul is a historic city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Caen 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 The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Caen?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Caen?

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 Istanbul or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Caen. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Caen. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions during these months.

In the autumn, Istanbul is a little warmer than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Caen. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. In January, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caen. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caen during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Istanbul