A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nuremberg vs. Calais for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Nuremberg or Calais?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nuremberg and Calais 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.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a charming, beautiful, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nuremberg and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Nuremberg or Calais?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Calais than Nuremberg. While Nuremberg is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calais is more popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Nuremberg is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Nuremberg is more touristy than Calais and is known for its quaint old town, beautiful architecture, and festive Christmas markets. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also home to The Town Hall.

How is Nuremberg different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nuremberg or Calais?

Nuremberg
Calais

Nuremberg is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Nuremberg on the map. It's well established on the tourist circuit and it's easy to see why. The history and charm, combined with interesting sights make it a top place to visit in Germany. Make sure you check out Kaiserburg, the Nuremberg Trials Memorial, and Germanisches National Museum.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Nuremberg or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nuremberg
Calais

Foodies will find both Nuremberg and Calais both to be good destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Nuremberg. The city is heavily influenced by Franconian cuisines and you'll find many sausages and lots of meat in the restaurants. In addition to Nuremberg sausage, you should definitely try the bretzel, leberkäsweggla (a meat and grain snack), and schäuferle (pig's shoulder meat).

Calais is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Nuremberg or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Nuremberg
Calais

Nuremberg is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Nuremberg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is diverse with clubs, bars, live music venues, and a number of festivals held in town. It's possible to have a relaxing night with a beer in a beer garden or a more lively evening at one of the many clubs around town.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Nuremberg or Calais Better for Beaches?

Nuremberg
Calais

Calais is a city with good options for the beache. However, Nuremberg is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Calais. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Nuremberg is not a beach destination.


Is Nuremberg or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Nuremberg
Calais

Nuremberg is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Nuremberg can be explored in its historical center. The city's old town is filled with charm and it's easy to explore on foot. It's also large enough that you'll leave wishing you had more time to see it all.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nuremberg or Calais?

Nuremberg
Calais

Nuremberg is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Nuremberg. In addition to its iconic Christmas markets, you'll find year round shopping areas, pedestrian shopping streets, and large shopping malls. Some of the best places to shop include Lorenzer Altstadt, Hauptmarkt, and Königstorpassage.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Nuremberg or Calais Better for Families?

Nuremberg
Calais

Nuremberg is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nuremberg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The town has a nice zoo and several museums that are great for kids like the DB Railway Museum, the Toy Museum, and the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium. Also make sure you visit the Imperial Castle which is a highlight of a trip to Nuremberg for kids and adults alike.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.


Is Nuremberg or Calais Better for Couples?

Nuremberg
Calais

Nuremberg is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Nuremberg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has history, beauty, charm, and personality. You'll find many romantic spots to walk hand in hand or enjoy a delicious meal in a cozy setting.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Nuremberg or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nuremberg
Calais

Nuremberg is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nuremberg is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a favorite city of many travelers to Germany and backpackers are no exception. There are enough hostels to keep prices in check and wandering the old town is a free and rewarding experience.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Nuremberg or Calais Better for Students?

Nuremberg
Calais

Nuremberg is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Nuremberg is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a reasonably priced city with a number of activities and great transportation. Students appreciate the energy and large number of things to do.

Calais is not popular with students.


Is Nuremberg or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nuremberg
Calais

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nuremberg. The city offers buses, trams, and an underground train system.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Nuremberg or Calais a more walkable city?

Nuremberg
Calais

Nuremberg is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Nuremberg is a very walkable destination. The old town in particular is very walkable and best explored on foot.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Nuremberg Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Nuremberg?

How long in Nuremberg or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nuremberg and Calais. In our opinion, Nuremberg has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nuremberg than Calais. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nuremberg than Calais 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 Nuremberg.


  • How many days in Nuremberg or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nuremberg 1-3 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Nuremberg or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nuremberg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Calais. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Nuremberg or Calais?

Nuremberg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Calais. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Nuremberg or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nuremberg. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal city of Calais. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nuremberg or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Nuremberg. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Calais is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Nuremberg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nuremberg is €103, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. 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 Nuremberg and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nuremberg 61
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nuremberg 122
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Nuremberg and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Nuremberg or Calais? 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 Nuremberg


Hotels in Calais


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: Nuremberg Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nuremberg 12
    Calais 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nuremberg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nuremberg:

  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Prague with Beer Museum : $246
  • Nuremberg to Prague - Private Transfer with 2 hours of Sightseeing: $251
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Nuremberg to Munich with 4h of Sightseeing: $268
  • Private Transfer - Nuremberg from Harbor, Airport or Old Town: $76
  • Private Transfer - Nuremberg to Munich or Munich to Nuremberg: $191
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg Dock to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel: $215
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Munich with 2 hours for sightseeing: $268
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing: $257
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Prague with 3h stop in Karlovy Vary: $243
  • Private Transfer from Nuremberg to Salzburg with 2h of Sightseeing: $290
  • Private Transfer-River Cruise Dock Nuremberg to Munich: Port / Harbor transport : $204
  • Private Transfer: River Cruise Dock Nuremberg to Prague: Port / Harbor transport: $268

Is it cheaper to fly into Nuremberg or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Nuremberg 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
    Nuremberg 34
    Calais 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nuremberg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nuremberg.

  • 3-Hour St. Johannis Food Tour in German: $95
  • Classic North Side Food Tour in German: $95
  • Nürnberg City Tour with Traditional Dinner & Beer: $267

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nuremberg 10
    Calais 8.92

Tours and Activities in Nuremberg

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

  • Selfguided Audiotour "Southern Old Town": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Northern Old Town": $3.20
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Walking Tour Nuremberg: $3.28
  • Nuremberg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.92
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Exploration Game & Guided Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Nuremberg through the Centuries: A Historical Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nuremberg through the Centuries: A Historical Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nuremberg:Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.49
  • Self-guided Tour former Nazi Party Rally Grounds: $8.45
  • Self-guided tour around the Kaiserburg: $9.52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nuremberg 16
    Calais 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Nuremberg

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

  • Pub Crawl for Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties: $24
  • Nürnberg: Private Pub Crawl Tour: $401
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nuremberg or Calais?

Nuremberg has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Nuremberg and Calais, 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 Nuremberg or Calais?

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 Nuremberg or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Nuremberg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nuremberg for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nuremberg is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nuremberg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nuremberg. Nuremberg usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Nuremberg gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nuremberg usually receives more rain than Calais. Nuremberg gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nuremberg 20°C (68°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Nuremberg or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Nuremberg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nuremberg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Nuremberg is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Nuremberg average around 12°C (53°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Nuremberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Nuremberg gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Nuremberg usually gets less rain in October than Calais. Nuremberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nuremberg 12°C (53°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Nuremberg or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nuremberg and Calais. Most visitors come to Nuremberg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. Nuremberg can be very cold during winter. Nuremberg is much colder than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Nuremberg averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Nuremberg usually receives less sunshine than Calais during winter. Nuremberg gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nuremberg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Calais. Nuremberg gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nuremberg 1°C (34°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Nuremberg or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nuremberg as well as Calais. The spring months attract visitors to Nuremberg because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In the spring, Nuremberg is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nuremberg in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Nuremberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Nuremberg gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Nuremberg usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Nuremberg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nuremberg 10°C (50°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Nuremberg

Nuremberg Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)