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

Should you visit Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a livable, cultural, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

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.

Nottingham and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nottingham or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nottingham than Caen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nottingham is more popular for its music and shopping, while Caen is known for its museums and food. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also home to Old Market Square. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Nottingham different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

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

Caen is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nottingham and Caen.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

If you're looking for night time activities Caen has a few options to choose from. 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 Nottingham or Caen Better for Music?

Nottingham is a good destination for live music. However, Caen is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Caen is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Caen?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nottingham. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nottingham or Caen Better for Families?

Both Nottingham and Caen are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Caen offers lots of family activities. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Nottingham or Caen Better for Couples?

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

Nottingham is a nice destination for couples. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

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 Nottingham or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Caen is a good city to visit for backpackers. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Nottingham and Caen.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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

Is Nottingham or Caen a more walkable city?

Nottingham 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.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nottingham and Caen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Caen than in Nottingham. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nottingham, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Caen than Nottingham 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 Caen.

One day in Nottingham or Caen?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the park-filled city of Caen, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nottingham or Caen?

Nottingham 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Caen, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Nottingham or Caen?

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic destination of Nottingham. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Caen, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Caen?

The dynamic city of Nottingham offers shopping and museums. 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.

Caen is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Nottingham and Caen, we can see that Nottingham 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 Nottingham Expensive? and Is Caen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Caen?

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

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

Nottingham is around the same temperature as Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. In the summer, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Caen. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Caen. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Caen in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Nottingham is cooler than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nottingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Caen during autumn. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Caen. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nottingham or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Nottingham during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nottingham 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. Nottingham can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nottingham is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 4°C (39°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Caen. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Caen in the Spring?

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

Nottingham is cooler than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Caen during spring. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Nottingham gets 47 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 Nottingham