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

Should you visit Messina or Caen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Caen 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.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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.

Messina and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina than Caen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Messina is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Caen is known for its museums and food. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Messina different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Caen. 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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

Is the Food Better in Messina or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Caen is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Caen makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Caen Better for Nightlife?

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

Messina has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Caen Better for Beaches?

Messina is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Caen is not a beach destination.

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Caen?

Messina is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Messina or Caen Better for Families?

Messina 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.

Messina is a very family-friendly destination. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Caen Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Caen are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Messina is a nice destination for couples. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice 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 Messina or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Caen are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Plenty of backpackers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Messina or Caen Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Caen a more walkable city?

Messina 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.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Messina?

How long in Messina or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Messina and Caen. In our opinion, Messina has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Messina than Caen. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Caen, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Messina or Caen?

Messina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Caen has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Messina. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Caen?

The bustling port city of Messina offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Caen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Caen?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Caen in the Summer?

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

Messina is much warmer than Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Caen. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Caen in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Messina is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Caen. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Caen in the Winter?

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

Caen can be very cold during winter. In January, Messina is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Caen. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Caen. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Caen in the Spring?

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

Messina is much warmer than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Caen during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than Caen. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Messina