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

Should you visit Lindau or Carcassonne?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Lindau and Carcassonne can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Lindau

Lindau is a alpine, picturesque, and fun-filled town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a historical, fairytale, and medieval town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Lindau and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
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 Lindau or Carcassonne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lindau. Although Lindau and Carcassonne are popular destinations, Lindau has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lindau is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne attracts visitors for its museums. Lindau is famous for its lakefront location and quaint old town. It is also well known for The Lindau Harbor Entrance. Carcassonne is famous for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Lindau different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lindau or Carcassonne?

Lindau
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.


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

Lindau
Carcassonne

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Lindau and Carcassonne.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lindau. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

Carcassonne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Lindau or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Lindau
Carcassonne

Lindau is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Lindau. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lindau or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Lindau
Carcassonne

Lindau is a very popular place for its historic old town. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lindau. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

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 Lindau or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Lindau
Carcassonne

Lindau is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lindau is a very family-friendly destination. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Lindau or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Lindau
Carcassonne

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

Lindau makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.

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 Lindau or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lindau
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.


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

Lindau
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.

Is Lindau or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Lindau
Carcassonne

Carcassonne is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Lindau is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.

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

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Lindau?

How long in Lindau or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lindau or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lindau than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Lindau, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carcassonne than Lindau 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 Lindau or Carcassonne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lindau 2-4 
    Carcassonne 1-2

One day in Lindau or Carcassonne?

Lindau is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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


A weekend in Lindau or Carcassonne?

Lindau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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 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.

Five days in Lindau or Carcassonne?

Because Lindau is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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

A week in Lindau or Carcassonne?

Since Lindau is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historical destination of Carcassonne. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Lindau?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lindau is €163, 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 Lindau and Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lindau 91
    Carcassonne 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lindau 182
    Carcassonne 122
Compare Hotels in Lindau and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Lindau 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 Lindau


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: Lindau Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lindau 40
    Carcassonne 7.14

Is it cheaper to fly into Lindau or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Lindau 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
    Lindau 45
    Carcassonne 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lindau 27
    Carcassonne 14

Tours and Activities in Lindau

Here are a few actual costs in Lindau for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour: $321
  • Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $207

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lindau 25
    Carcassonne 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Lindau

Also in Lindau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Lake Constance wine tour > day tour > wine tasting at 3 winemakers: $195

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 Lindau and Carcassonne, we can see that Lindau 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 Lindau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lindau 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 Lindau Expensive? and Is Carcassonne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lindau or Carcassonne?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Lindau 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.