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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Caen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a historical, vibrant, and high energy port city. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

Both Caen and Newcastle upon Tyne have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Newcastle upon Tyne is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Caen is more popular for its big city activities. Newcastle upon Tyne is well known for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Caen and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Newcastle upon Tyne and Caen can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

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.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen Better for Nightlife?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly port city. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Caen are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Caen is a nice destination for couples. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Caen are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

It's common for backpackers to visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Caen.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Caen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Caen or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. 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.

In Caen, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this destination offers. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Many people visit Caen for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Caen offers food and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

The high energy port city of Newcastle upon Tyne offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

Newcastle upon Tyne has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Caen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Caen averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Caen. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Caen during summer. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Caen. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Newcastle upon Tyne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

In October, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 10°C (49°F), and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Caen. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in October than Caen. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Caen. The winter months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. The weather in Newcastle upon Tyne can be very cold. Newcastle upon Tyne is much colder than Caen in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Caen during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

Newcastle upon Tyne gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Caen. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Caen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Caen. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Caen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Caen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Caen. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in April than Caen. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Newcastle upon Tyne